Case, Keohokalole display differences in style and substance

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – There will be no debate in Hawaii’s 1st Congressional District race, but both candidates sat down for extended interviews with Hawaii News Now, giving voters a chance to compare them directly.

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Despite both Ed Case and Jarrett Keohokalole being Democrats, the two differ on substance and style.

Case defends seniority; Keohokalole touts track record

Case said he declined to debate because his opponent lacks defined positions.

“My reason not to debate is that a debate is supposed to be a constructive exchange of views and ideas and positions, and my opponent has no positions, no ideas, no solutions,” Case said.

Keohokalole pushed back on that characterization.

“I think he needs to come home and see what’s going on here,” Keohokalole said. “I have a 12-year track record of getting big things done that make a difference.”

Fight vs. seniority

State Sen. Keohokalole said Case’s moderate positions — including occasional votes with Republicans — are not the right approach to challenging President Trump’s actions and agenda.

“We need some fight right now to push back against what’s going on,” Keohokalole said. “Things are not going well, and we need change.”

Case said that style of opposition produces little result.

“He’s focused exclusively on attacking,” Case said. “I see that every day in Congress. I see a bunch of empty suits getting up and yelling and screaming with no ideas and attacking away.”

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Case said leaving Washington would cost Hawaii the influence that comes with his seniority and his seat on the House Appropriations Committee.

“We go to the back of the line in that event, and I don’t think we want to do that right now,” Case said.

Keohokalole said his approach is substantive, not performative.

“It’s okay to move politely and refrain from yelling and screaming and swearing,” Keohokalole said. “I don’t do that. What we do do is we dig in and work on issues and pass bills.”

Money, name recognition, and Republican voters

With support from energized progressive donors, Keohokalole has matched Case’s campaign spending. Experts say Case’s advantages in name recognition and seniority will be hard to overcome, and Republican voters could play a significant role in the Democratic primary.

“People can all vote in the Democratic primary, and I think they should,” Case said. “This is an important choice.”

Keohokalole said a national audience has found the race.

“The New York Times and the Washington Post have both called this a race to watch,” Keohokalole said. “So we’re really confident and excited about what’s going on.”

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