Belatti responds after Gov. Green questions her campaign message

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Lieutenant governor candidate Della Au Belatti said she was surprised at Gov. Josh Green’s criticism of her campaign message on HNN’s Spotlight Now.

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When questioned about the race Tuesday, Green said he had “pauses about her” as a potential lieutenant governor due to her promise of oversight and challenge on policies.

“Any partner I have really needs to be ready to work with me,” Green said on Spotlight Now. “She hasn’t suggested that’s what her goal is. She suggested instead she wanted to be a watchdog on me, and I’ve asked myself this question several times, like, watch what?”

On Wednesday, Belatti said she called the governor to clear the air.

She emphasized her support of the governor’s initiatives on housing, homelessness, and mental health, and defended her plan to be an independent voice.

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“Those perspectives may not always win the day, but it’s important that someone brings up those concerns.
I’m especially worried about concerns of working-class people who are being drowned out by those interest groups that are supported by dark money,” Belatti said, referring to Green’s and Kawakami’s support from a political committee operated by the Pacific Resource Partnership.

During Spotlight Now, the governor also shared his thoughts on two other lieutenant governor candidates. He referred to Derek Kawakami as a “very good candidate” and complimented his performance as Kauai mayor, and said John Choi has “a good heart,” but lacks government experience.

Green said he is not officially endorsing any Democrat in the race, and, though he had already cast his ballot, would not reveal who he voted for.

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