Hawaii Republican Party Chair Jonah Ka`auwai sent out the following email today:

Dear HRP members and supporters,

I know that Mufi Hannemann is a professional.  He plays the political game to win no matter the cost.  His recent strategy to evade taking a stand on the moral issues of civil unions, traditional marriage and the right to life will cost him dearly.

To the majority of Hawai’i voters, faith and moral values are important in defining one’s character.  Hannemann has been aggressively courting the faith-based community as he prepares to make a run for governor, but what do his political games show about his character?

Please read the full press release below for my full thoughts on the article “Hanneman won’t divulge positions on hot issues.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

HANNEMANN PLAYS POLITICS AND DODGES THE ISSUES

Mayor Mufi Hannemann is a perfect politician. If you want people to like you, don’t tell them what you are for.

When asked about controversial social issues, such as civil unions, traditional marriage, and right to life, Republican candidates for Governor – - James “Duke” Aiona and John Carroll – - never hesitated to let the voters know where they stand.  Even Democrat Rep. Neil Abercrombie, whose Party line views on these issues remains in stark contrast to the Republican gubernatorial candidates, laid his opinions on the line for all to see.

We shouldn’t have to applaud political candidates for being sincere on the “hot button” topics but it’s refreshing to see there are still some politicians willing to tell it like it is.

Then, there’s Hannemann. Given the same opportunity to define his moral beliefs, he flat out played politics and dodged the question. When a candidate is willing to fund-raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to fuel his campaign for governor, he should at least be willing to let voters know here he stands on the most contentious issues of our time.  He refused.  What kind of leadership is that?

Mufi Hannemann, what do you stand for?  Why should voters trust a candidate that can’t give an honest, heartfelt answer to a straightforward question?

Jonah Ka’ auwai

State Chairman Hawai`i Republican Party