Colleen Hanabusa files for Primary election

July 14, 2010

First, I want to thank everyone for their support in the special election which concluded on May 22nd. It was a hard fought and exciting run, and as momentum gathered for us, I was inspired by the energy and commitment.

Today, I make my official filing to run in the primary for Hawai`i’s first congressional seat. I am honored to be running for the United States Congress, and I take the obligations that come with that very seriously.

I am the only candidate in this race who will stand up and fight for the issues we care about, bringing Hawai`i values to Congress. All of us must ensure that the values of not only our host culture, but others as well, survive and thrive. We must preserve the profound and important values of caring for others, of speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves and of taking care of our land and our oceans in perpetuity.

Hawai`i is a gentle place. Its values are caring and respectful. I will take those values to Washington and make Hawai`i proud. Voting against the extension of unemployment in a recession like ours is deplorable. We don’t do these things in Hawai`i, and we must let our voices be heard.

Most importantly, I will work for Hawai`i and its citizens. Hawai`i has only four representatives in the House and Senate. That is but one reason why our citizens must choose carefully. For me and many others, the heart and soul of Hawai`i are at stake. I am confident that the people of our first Congressional District will chose wisely in making a decision that will ultimately affect us all.

I humbly ask for your support and your vote.