Abercrombie: Chamber Cancelled Debate Because Hannemann Withdrew
Among the claims in a recent from Democrat Neil Abercrombie‘s campaign was that the Japanese Chamber of Commerce cancelled its governors debate because former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann “withdrew.”
The claim came in a release that suggested Hannemann is dodging joint appearances with his rival, especially ones that might be televised.
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Hannemann spokeswoman Brooke Wilson told Civil Beat there was a “misunderstanding on the chamber鈥檚 end and Mufi was never going to participate in the debate.”
Wilson suggested Civil Beat call the chamber.
“I have clarified that we planned on doing a debate Aug. 3, but our committee had some logistical issues, so that’s what caused the debate to be cancelled,” said Margot Sakazaki, vice president of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce. “It was not Mufi that pulled out.”
Sakazaki said the chamber will now likely not hold a governor debate, saying that the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii was taking the lead in organizing a September debate.
As for televised debates, Abercrombie’s release stated that he has accepted invitations from Hawaii News Now, KHON, KITV and PBS Hawaii for prime-time debates in advance of the Sept. 18 Democratic primary.
When will Hannemann decide on the televised debates?
“Still working on schedule,” Wilson said via e-mail. “However, we will be participating in the upcoming Waikiki Neighborhood Forum this week. End of the month is more realistic to expect our final decisions on the overall forums and debate opportunities.”
Late Thursday, almost immediately after this story was posted, the Hannemann campaign announced three forums the candidate would attend, one on Oahu, one on the Big Island and one on Kauai, none televised.
The two candidates are also expected to debate at an Aug. 11 event sponsored by the Hawaii Publishers Association. But the event will not be televised during prime time.
