Point blank, Mufi Hannemann shunned a televised June 5 debate. I was a debate producer and, as such, I must point out that his Maui coordinator distorts all but one fact in her July 3 letter - yes, she was asked May 5 for him to participate.
The debate was on Akaku, not sponsored by Akaku. She received a written invitation - as did all the other candidates who participated - the next day (May 6). By May 15, every candidate but Mufi had responded, so, a second written invitation was sent. Again, nothing. Indeed, the Maui coordinator never responded or acknowledged the invite.
Finally, on May 21 - 15 days before the show, Hannemann's Oahu headquarters sent regrets. Regrets, not one word about alternate dates as implied.
MJ Duberstein
Kihei
