Gov. Josh Green discusses low primary voter turnout, impacts of lieutenant governor scandal

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Gov. Josh Green, who is seeking reelection on the primary ballot, discussed lagging voter turnout and the state’s political landscape during a live interview Saturday.

Read more First Alert Forecast: Increased showers possible Sunday for parts of the state

Factors influencing low turnout

Voter turnout stood at approximately 21% as of Friday.

RELATED STORY: Last-minute Oahu voters turn out on primary Election Day — but not many

Green offered several theories, including that previous election cycles featured numerous high-profile candidates with established constituencies spending significant funds on advertising, which naturally drove participation.

Additionally, Green suggested that recent political controversies may have discouraged some residents from participating.

“Just to be direct, I think that probably some people, because of the recent scandal regarding the lieutenant governor, I think some people might just say, ‘You know, this time I’m sitting this one out,’” Green said.

Green also pointed out that the lack of a presidential race, a U.S. Senate contest, or a highly publicized gubernatorial challenge contributed to the quiet primary season.

“If you don’t have a presidential candidate, we don’t have a U.S. Senate candidate, and my race was only modestly on some people’s minds, it didn’t drive a lot of extra voters,” Green said.

View all election night coverage here.

Regional interest and the lieutenant governor race

In contrast to the statewide trend, Green noted higher turnout rates in specific areas, such as Kauaʻi, where local races are generating significant interest.

Read more First Alert Forecast: Enhanced rainfall possible over windward sides

With Kauaʻi Mayor Derek Kawakami running for lieutenant governor, two locally known candidates — former mayor Bernard Carvalho and council chair Mel Rapozo — are looking to take his place.

Kawakami and state Rep. Della Au Belatti are among a handful of candidates vying for lieutenant governor as current Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke fights bribery charges.

“The voters are going to have their chance to move democracy forward today,” Green said of the race. “The two new people in get to go right at it. But also they didn’t have as much name recognition. They had to really hustle to get name recognition, and that means it’s harder to draw people into an election.”

Reflecting on Maui recovery

Green visited Maui on Saturday morning, and reflected on the three-year anniversary of the devastating Maui wildfires.

“Incredible progress, incredible resiliency,” Green said of the recovery efforts. “Our heart is still wounded after losing 102 loved ones, but we were able to get those families resources. The housing is being built. Thousands of houses are now either completed or well on their way.”

RELATED STORY: Maui marks 3 years since deadly wildfires with community healing, recovery milestones

Green added that the emotional recovery of the community remains a top priority.

“Our hearts are with the Mauipeople,” Green said. “That’s in many ways much more important to me than any election because that was very real.”

Read more Kawakami wins lieutenant governor race in Democratic primary