I would surely support a Linda Lingle-Mazie Hirono debate on Maui under a different sponsor. It is no secret or just my personal opinion to define the Chambers of Commerce as being hostile to President Barack Obama, most Democratic causes and free, open voter rights.
Chambers have spent millions of dollars for right-wing causes and continue to do so unabated with little indication they have a balanced and fair overview of important issues for all.
And while I have good friends on Maui who are members of the chamber, I can't support any function the organization supports, given its broader, highly negative national posture and behavior.
It's like the Boy Scouts, who fiercely refuse to acknowledge and or recognize gay people. In principle they are a good organization but in practice intolerant and discriminatory.
Chambers have become far too right-wing and not reflective of the entire community they serve. Therefore, they do not deserve my support.
Currently more than 1 million people, including me, have signed a petition asking Goggle to withdraw its chamber support.
Vincent Linares
Kula
