AARP Hawai‘i, Nā Leo TV to host forum with Big Island mayor candidates

AARP Hawai‘i and Nā Leo TV will host the four leading candidates in the 2024 race for Hawai‘i County mayor as part of a forum from 6 to 7 p.m. July 10.

It will be a chance for the mayoral hopefuls to to share their views about the future of the Big Island and answer questions from the public.

Voters can attend the forum in person at Aunty Sally Kaleohano’s Lū‘au Hale, located at 799 Piilani St. in Hilo, by reserving a seat online here or here. Registration is also available by calling 877-926-8300 or by visiting the AARP Hawai‘i Facebook page and clicking on “Events” under the drop down menu.

The event will also be shown live islandwide on Nā Leo TV Channel 55 and online. It will be simulcast on the AARP Hawai‘i Facebook page as well, where it will be available to view later for those who miss the live broadcast.

“AARP Hawai‘i and Nā Leo TV are presenting the forum as a public service to help voters get informed about the issues facing Hawai‘i County and the candidates who want to lead us,” said Keali‘i Lopez, AARP Hawai‘i state director. “We know that older voters often decide elections and we encourage the candidates to be aware of issues that matter to kūpuna and encourage kūpuna to let elected officials know what you think about the issues.”

People who attend the forum in person can submit written questions to ask the candidates.

Doors open at 5 p.m. and attendees are asked to come early because the forum will start promptly at 6 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided to those who register in advance and reserve their seats.

No candidate shirts, attire or signs will be allowed in the forum and those who attend are asked to remain polite and respectful to ensure all candidate’s answers can be heard.