After years of neglect, voters of House District 4 Puna appear on the verge of making a change. House candidate Fred Blas, has worked tirelessly for the community, building bus shelters, closing drug houses, and raising funds for local schools. Blas has worked with local police to support neighborhood watch and worked with the state department of transportation to improve roads and sidewalks.

Blas joined 200 people including Councilwoman Emily Naeole and House Minority Leader Lynn Finnegan for his kickoff rally at Maku`u Farmers’ Market June 21 and another 100 people at a fundraiser with Lt Gov Duke Aiona and Naeole at Pahoa’s Akebono Theater in September. Teams of Blas supporters are contacting voters throughout the district. Blas faces off with an unpopular incumbent who performed poorly in her own primary.

Puna subdivisions were created with substandard roads and no water systems. The community is fast-growing--as one of the few locations in Hawai`i with affordable housing. In spite of this Puna is served only by the two-lane Pahoa highway—the most dangerous in the state. Puna schools are failing under NCLB standards and Puna charter schools are not being supported by the DoE.

Blas fundraising comes almost entirely from district residents. While his opponent, Faye Hanohano has since January raised about $9000 from O`ahu big business, lobbyist, and union donors—even the “American Resort Developers Association”--but just one $200 contribution from Puna. Blas raised over $10,000 almost entirely from small donations by Puna residents.

Election Day is November 4, but voters can walk-in to cast their ballot at the Pahoa and Hilo Election offices starting October 21.