Martin, Ozawa Support Djou
The Honolulu City Council members reject Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s re-election.
Charles Djou received the backing of two members of the Honolulu City Council Thursday.
“I believe that Charles Djou is the best choice for the Office of the Mayor,” Council Chair Ernie Martin said, according to a press release from the Djou campaign.Ìý“Whether dealing with rail or our homeless issue, I know Charles will bring a different perspective and bold style of leadership in addressing these issues and he will do it collaboratively with the Council.”
SaidÌýTrevor Ozawa, chair of the Council Zoning Committee,Ìý“I support Charles because I trust Charles and I trust him more than the current administration.ÌýFirst of all, I can’t trust that I can even get a meeting with the mayor (Kirk Caldwell) …ÌýIf he’s unavailable to even meet with us how can we collaborate and put the people first as he saysÌý…ÌýIt’s not good for the rest of the communityÌý…ÌýIt took me about seven months to initially have a meeting with the mayor when I reach first reached out to him.”
Martin and Ozawa joinÌýCouncil Budget Committee Chair Ann Kobayashi, who endorsed Djou’s candidacy earlier this year.
“I am alarmed by the type of campaigning that’s going on — the vicious attacks upon Charles,” said Kobayashi.Ìý“The same thing happened before, the same candidate — Kirk Caldwell — used false negative ads against Ben Cayetano and the same thing is happening again.ÌýThis type of negative campaigning should not happen, that’s why I reaffirm my support for Charles Djou.”
Former governor Cayetano is also supporting Djou.
Caldwell has the support of Council member Kym Pine and Gov. David Ige, among others.
The race for mayor is nonpartisan, but this contest is distinguishedÌýin part by top Democrats supporting Djou, a Republican, and Republicans like Pine supporting Caldwell, a Democrat.
"I am deeply saddened and appalled by the statements made by Councilmember Trevor Ozawa, who continues to claim…
— Kirk Caldwell (@kirkcaldwell)
