On The Campaign Trail

On The Campaign Trail

Joe Souki to hold fundraiser Wednesday

State House Speaker Joe Souki will hold a fundraiser from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Velma McWayne Santos Community Center in Wailuku.

For a suggested donation of $25, supporters of the longtime Wailuku House member will enjoy entertainment from the Hawaiian Serenaders, a catered dinner, dessert and door prizes. Souki is seeking re-election to his District 8 (Waihee, Wailuku, Waikapu, Waiehu, Kahakuloa) seat.

For tickets or more information, call 242-4599.

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Firefighters endorse Teagarden for House

The Hawaii Fire Fighters Association Local 1463 has endorsed Deidre Tegarden for the state House District 11 seat.

Tegarden, a Democrat, is facing incumbent Democrat Kaniela Ing in the primary election Aug. 13. District 11 covers Kihei, Wailea and Makena.

HFFA represents about 2,000 state and county firefighters throughout Hawaii.

“I am honored to have HFFA’s endorsement,” Tegarden said. “The men and women represented by HFFA work tirelessly in very dangerous situations to save and protect lives and property and I am confident I speak for all of us on Maui when I say we are grateful for their courage and service.”

On The Campaign Trail

On The Campaign Trail

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said Thursday that she does not endorse candidates in contested primaries and does not get involved in local races, following reports of her campaign brochures being distributed with other candidates’ material.

Supporters of state Rep. Kaniela Ing have complained that campaign brochures of Gabbard and Ing’s opponent, Deidre Tegarden, have been distributed in the same plastic bag. They say that some voters may mistakenly believe that Gabbard is endorsing Tegarden.

“It has come to my attention that my campaign brochures have been distributed with other candidates’ brochures,” Gabbard said in a news release. “Please know that this fact does not in any way indicate an endorsement on my part. I do not endorse any candidates in contested primaries, and I do not get involved in local races.”

Tegarden said that ILWU workers stuffed the bags and put her brochures in with Gabbard’s. Both candidates have been endorsed by the union.

“In my experience, it is traditional union practice for them to bundle together the literature of their endorsed candidates,” Tegarden said. “The only endorsement in this case is the ILWU’s (endorsement) of the candidates.”

Ing and Tegarden are battling in the Democratic primary for the House 11th District seat.

On The Campaign Trail

On The Campaign Trail

Group plans birthday fundraiser for Steel

Friends of Hana Steel is hosting a backyard marshmallow roast for the County Council candidate’s “Birthday Bash Fundraiser” from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at 131 E. Alulike St. in Kihei.

Cost is $20 for the fundraiser at the home of Mischel Berg and Mike Rodby. People may bring their own drinks and food items to share.

Steel, who is seeking the council’s Wailuku-Waihee-Waikapu residency seat, will discuss the topic, “What is the silver tsunami and why Maui can expect the perfect storm.”

For more information about Steel, see vote4hanasteel.org or call 868-8469. Her email is vote4hanasteel@gmail.com.

On The Campaign Trail

On The Campaign Trail

Ing to hold ‘Pints & Pupus’ fundraiser

A campaign fundraiser “Pints & Pupus for Progressives” for South Maui state Rep. Kaniela Ing will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at Cow, Pig, Bun in the Maui Research & Technology Park.

Drinks will be provided by Maui Brewing Co.; the drink list will include its promotional Hemp ESB.

The pupus include sliders by Cow, Pig, Bun and Taverna Chef Greg Shepard. Ing will provide the music himself.

Tickets are $15. They may be obtained online at secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/pintsandpupus. For more information, email kaniela@kanielaing.com or call 276-2990.

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Tegarden secures UPW endorsement

The United Public Workers union has endorsed Democrat Deidre Tegarden in her attempt to unseat incumbent South Maui Rep. Kaniela Ing from the 11th House seat, which represents residents of Kihei, Wailea and Makena, according to an announcement from the candidate.

The union has 14,000 members statewide, including approximately 450 at Maui Memorial Medical Center.

UPW State Director Dayton Nakanelua said Tegarden is “committed to fighting for working families and understands the importance of creating jobs. She’s a proven leader.”

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DeCoite announces list of endorsements

East Maui-Molokai-Lanai Democratic Rep. Lynn DeCoite has been endorsed by more than a dozen organizations for her bid for election to the state House of Representatives, according to an announcement from the candidate.

The groups endorsing her include: the Hawaii Association of Realtors; Hawaii Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust; Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters; Hawaii State AFL-CIO; Hawaii State Teachers Association; Hawaii Teamsters and Allied Workers, Local 996; International Longshore and Warehouse Union, Local 142; Hawaii International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 50; Laborers’ International Union of North America, Local 368; Maui Hotel & Lodging Association; Operating Engineers, Local 3; Patsy T. Mink PAC; Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest and Hawaii; and United Public Workers – Hawaii.

The endorsements show the candidate’s “commitment to keep my ears open, keep an open mind and be willing to listen and work with everyone to make the state of Hawaii a better place for all of its people,” she said.

In February 2015, Gov. David Ige appointed DeCoite to the 13th District House seat to complete the term of the late Rep. Mele Carroll.

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Labor unions come out for Sugimura

Maui County Council candidate Yuki Lei Sugimura has received endorsements from more than a half-dozen labor unions in her bid for the council’s Upcountry residency seat, according to an announcement.

The unions include: the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters; Hawaii Operating Engineers, Local 3; Hawaii Operating Engineers Industry Stabilization Fund; International Longshore and Warehouse Union, Local 142; State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 1186; Hawaii Fire Fighters Association; and Hawaii State AFL-CIO.

Sugimura is seeking the council’s Upcountry residency seat, which is being vacated by Council Member Gladys Baisa because of term limits.

For more information, call 870-8047 or visit www.YukiLeiSugimura.com or www.facebook.com/YukiLeiSugimuraforMauiCountyCouncil.

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King to host event at Lahaina Yacht Club

Maui County Council candidate Kelly King will host a coffee hour and meet-and-greet event from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 3 at the Lahaina Yacht Club, according to an announcement.

The event is expected to focus on West Maui issues.

King, vice president of Pacific Biodiesel, is seeking the council’s South Maui residency seat.

For more information, call 870-1739, go to www.kellyking.org or visit Facebook at /kelly4kihei.

On The Campaign Trail

On The Campaign Trail

Farmers union holds council forum

The three Maui chapters of the Hawai’i Farmers Union United are hosting a candidates’ forum for Maui County Council candidates from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Baldwin High Multipurpose Room.

The candidates will receive questions posed by Maui chapter members in advance. A team of moderators will ask questions of panels made up of candidates running in the same residency district.

The issues to be covered include to how to grow new farmers, creation of regional nutrient cycling centers, building of regional food hubs, affordable farmland trusts and truth in labeling.

The forum is free and open to the public. Light pupu and drinks will be offered.

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Kane to speak to Maui Kiwanis

Maui County Council candidate Dain Kane will be speaking to the Kiwanis Club of Maui beginning at noon Thursday at Tante’s Island Cuisine at the Maui Seaside Hotel in Kahului.

Kane is running for the council’s Wailuku-Waikapu-Waihee residency seat.

The meeting is open to the public; lunch is from the menu. For more information, contact Dr. Les Arakaki at 244-6603.

On The Campaign Trail

On the Campaign Trail

Sugimura to hold ‘United We Stand’ rally

Maui County Council candidate Yuki Lei Sugimura will host a “United We Stand” rally from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Velma McWayne Santos Community Center in Wailuku.

The free event will feature entertainment, food and “lots of aloha,” according to an announcement.

Sugimura is seeking the council’s Upcountry residency seat, which is being vacated by Council Member Gladys Baisa because of term limits.

For more information, contact Gwen Hiraga at 280-0854.

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State Rep. Ing gets HGEA endorsement

The Hawaii Government Employee Association has endorsed Democratic South Maui Rep. Kaniela Ing in his bid for re-election to the state House of Representatives, according to an announcement from the candidate.

“As a fourth-generation Maui resident, he understands and listens to community members,” said union political action committee member Arnold Abe.

The union represents more than 30,000 employees statewide.

On The Campaign Trail

On The Campaign Trail

Moniz fundraising event is today

Maui County Council candidate Stacey Moniz will hold a fundraiser from 2 to 4 p.m. today at the Hali’imaile General Store, according to an announcement.

Chef Bev Gannon will host a pupu party, and there will be “lucky numbers” and live entertainment by Halemanu Villarimo.

There’s a suggested campaign donation of $100, $500 or $1,000 per person at the door.

Moniz is seeking the council’s Upcountry residency seat, which is being vacated by Council Member Gladys Baisa because of term limits.

For more information, call 281-4408 or visit www.Moniz4Maui.com.

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McKelvey endorses Chan Hodges

West Maui Democratic Rep. Angus McKelvey is endorsing Haiku resident Shay Chan Hodges’ bid to unseat U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.

Chan Hodges is Gabbard’s only opponent for the Democratic nomination in the Aug. 13 primary election.

In a statement released Thursday through Chan Hodges’ campaign, McKelvey is critical of Gabbard’s refusal to debate her challenger, calling it “an affront to someone like myself.”

“I truly believe that more debates and discourse – not less – are the foundation for a vibrant democracy and true social justice,” McKelvey said. “I find it particularly troubling that even though Gabbard is on Maui today – where the first debate was proposed – she refuses to actively engage with Shay Chan Hodges in any open format that allows voters in our district to compare the only two Democrats running in the primary.”

McKelvey said that he has worked with Chan Hodges on legislation to benefit Hawaii’s working families, “and I know she represented our state well when she participated in the White House Summit on Working Families.”

McKelvey is seeking re-election to his 10th House District seat, which represents West Maui, Maalaea and north Kihei. He has no primary opponent, but he will face Republican Chayne Marten in the Nov. 8 general election.

Local News

On The Campaign Trail

Council candidates meet in Wailuku

Candidates for the Maui County Council’s Wailuku-Waihee-Waikapu residency seat will be featured Sunday at the Velma McWayne Santos Community Center during a candidate forum sponsored by the Maui Young Democrats.

The five candidates for the nonpartisan seat are Alika Atay, Joseph Blackburn, Dain Kane, Keith Regan and Hana Steel. They are seeking the seat being vacated by Council Member Mike Victorino because of term limits.

The event begins with a meet-and-greet at 4 p.m., followed by the forum from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided.

The Young Democrats group is hosting a poll on the event’s Facebook page, asking people to weigh in on possible debate topics. Those range from Maui’s affordable housing crisis to this year’s closure of Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co.

“There are a number of decisive issues that Maui County is facing during this election cycle,” said Tim Lara, president of the Maui Young Democrats. “We want these events to help voters understand exactly where the candidates stand on these very important issues.”

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Haller announces four endorsements

Alex Haller, a Democratic candidate for the state House District 13 seat, has received four new endorsements, according to his campaign.

The endorsements are from the Hawaii Government Employees Association, the Hawaii Center for Food Safety, Progressive PAC and Unite Here! Local 5, representing hospitality and health care workers.

“I am honored that these four organizations believe I am the right candidate to represent our community at the Capitol,” he said. “There are many important issues within our community. . . . It is important to reduce our islands’ risk so all residents can live a healthy and affordable future.”

House District 13 includes Lanai, Molokai, Kahoolawe and East Maui.

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SHOPO endorses Regan for council

The State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers has endorsed Keith Regan, who is seeking the Wailuku-Waihee-Waikapu residency seat on the County Council.

SHOPO has about 3,000 members in Hawaii.

“I am grateful for SHOPO’s endorsement and faith in my candidacy and me,” Regan said in a news release. “If elected, I pledge my continued commitment to the police officers, the men and women who put their lives on the line daily to protect the health and safety of our residents and visitors and who help ensure our quality of life.

Local News

On The Campaign Trail

Steel meets Saturday over homelessness

Maui County Council candidate Hana Steel will hold a meet and greet on the affordable housing crisis and homeless situation from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday under the Banyan Tree in Lahaina at the Maui Rainbow Jewelry tent.

Steel is seeking the council’s Wailuku-Waihee-Waikapu residency seat. For more information, go to vote4hanasteel.org, call 868-8469 or email vote4hanasteel@gmail.com.

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Tegarden to talk story today in Kihei

The weekly “Talk-Story with Tegarden” will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. today at Tegarden Headquarters at the Azeka Makai Shopping Center.

The public may share concerns and get to know the candidate for the state House District 11 seat, which includes Kihei, Wailea and Makena.

Light food and refreshments will be served. For more information, go to www.VoteTegarden.com or call 276-5756.

Local News

On The Campaign Trail

Lawrence receives five endorsements

Tiare Lawrence, a Democratic candidate for the state House District 12, has received five new endorsements, according an announcement from her campaign.

The endorsements are from the Hawaii State Teachers Association, The Sierra Club, The Hawai’i Center for Food Safety, The Patsy Mink Political Action Committee and Unite Here! Local 5, representing hospitality and health care workers.

“I am very honored to receive these endorsements. They are a clear validation on where I stand on issues important to these organizations and their members. Supporting teachers, women and worker rights, protecting our environment and food security are among my top priorities,” said Lawrence, a business owner.

House District 12 includes Spreckelsville, Pukalani, Makawao, Kula, Ulupalakua and Kahului.

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Hawaii Teamsters endorse Regan

Maui County Council candidate Keith Regan has received the endorsement of Hawaii Teamsters Local 996, according an announcement from The Friends of Keith Regan.

The Hawaii Teamsters represents more than 6,000 members statewide and on Guam. Membership includes bus drivers, hospital employees, cement workers, mechanics, delivery drivers, beverage producers and distributors, bakery employees and preschool teachers.

Local News

On The Campaign Trail

State Rep. Kaniela Ing has been endorsed by the Progressive PAC, a statewide organization that addresses a range of issues including income inequality, clean government and elections, public education and environmental protection.

“Rep. Kaniela Ing is being targeted by business interests, who oppose his environmental stands. We need to protect him,” said John Bickel, the PAC’s director.

More specifically, the PAC supports candidates who support paid family leave, the legalization of recreational marijuana, publicly funded elections and genetically modified organism labeling.

Ing, a Democrat, is seeking re-election to the House District 11 seat, which includes Kihei, Wailea and Makena.

Local News

On The Campaign Trail

Sugimura fundraiser planned in Lahaina

Maui County Council candidate Yuki Lei Sugimura will be holding a fundraiser from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Lahaina Civic Center.

There will be food and entertainment by Kori Kukahiko & Friends and Na Kupuna Ohana Serenaders & Dancers.

A $5 donation is suggested for the event, planned by Friends of Yuki Lei. Sugimura is a candidate for the Upcountry residency seat.

For more information, contact Doreen Pua Canto at 633-3079 or cantodoreen@gmail.com.

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Candidates to appear at Tuesday forum

Nearly all of the candidates for South Maui state House and Maui County Council residency seats will be appearing at a Kihei Community Association forum and meeting Tuesday evening at the Kihei Charter Middle School.

The two candidates in the Democratic primary for House District 11, incumbent Kaniela Ing and challenger Deidre Tegarden, will be appearing at the forum. Daniel Pekus, the GOP candidate who is unchallenged in the primary and will face the winner of the Ing-Tegarden race in the general election in November, will not appear.

All of the council’s South Maui residency candidates have confirmed their appearance: incumbent Don Couch, Richard Deleon, Kelly King and Jerry “Tiger” Metcalfe.

Mike Moran, Kihei Community Association president, will serve as moderator.

The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. but doors will open at 6 p.m. The school is located at 41 E. Lipoa St.

The association asks attendees to bring a nonperishable food donation or check for the Maui Food Bank to the gathering.

The meeting is open to the public. Membership in the association is encouraged but not required to attend.

For more information, call (508) 499-9996 or go to the website www.gokihei.org.

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King to hold event in Kahului on July 23

Maui County Council candidate Kelly King will host a meet-and-greet event from 1 to 3 p.m. July 23 at the Kahului Shopping Center.

The gathering will be held at Napua Greig-Nakasone’s headquarters behind Ah Fook’s Super Market. Greig-Nakasone is running for the council’s Upcountry residency seat. King is running for the South Maui residency seat.

For more information, see www.kellyking.org.

On The Campaign Trail

On The Campaign Trail

Two DeCoite rallies on deck this week

The Friends of Lynn DeCoite will hold #AllInForLynn campaign rallies this week in Paia and Haiku.

The rallies are scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Paia Community Center and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Haiku Community Center.

DeCoite, a Democrat, was named to the state House seat representing District 13 after the resignation and the subsequent death of Rep. Mele Carroll in 2015. District 13 includes Molokai, Lanai and East Maui.

The rallies are free and open to the public. DeCoite will be on hand to talk story with voters. There will also be food and entertainment.

For more information, contact (808) 658-9004 or friendsoflynndecoite@gmail.com.

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Union endorses council candidate Regan

Maui County Council candidate Keith Regan has been endorsed by the United Public Workers union, according to an announcement from the Friends of Keith Regan.

“I am humbled and very grateful for UPW’s endorsement,” Regan said.

Regan, who serves as Maui County’s managing director, is vying for the council’s Wailuku-Waihee-Waikapu residency seat.

For more information about his campaign, visit www.Regan2016.com or the Friends of Keith Regan page on Facebook.

On The Campaign Trail

On The Campaign Trail

Former Gov. Neil Abercrombie will appear at a campaign fundraising event hosted by South Maui House candidate Deidre Tegarden from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Nalu’s South Shore Grill.

Tegarden served as chief of protocol for Abercrombie and, later, Gov. David Ige.

Tegarden is running against incumbent Rep. Kaniela Ing for the District 11 seat. Both are Democrats.

The event is open to the public and light refreshments will be served. A $20 donation is suggested.

For more information, call 264-4657 or go to votetegarden.com.

On The Campaign Trail

On The Campaign Trail

Farmers unions to host two candidate forums this month

The three Maui chapters of the Hawai’i Farmers Union United will be hosting two candidate forums this month to give the electorate an opportunity to learn more about each candidate’s position on sustainable agriculture and food self-sufficiency.

The public is invited to the events, which both run from 6 to 9 p.m.:

* State Legislature candidates, July 13, the Mayor Hannibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani.

* Maui County Council candidates, July 27, Baldwin High Multipurpose Room in Wailuku.

The forums will be mostly for those candidates who have competitive races in the Aug. 13 primary election. They will receive questions posed by Maui Chapter members of the group in advance.

Teams of moderators will ask questions of panels made of candidates competing in the same district or race in a debate-style format.

Light pupu and drinks will be available.

The Hawai’i Farmers Union United represents small diverse farmers who want to grow food in microbe-rich soil without harsh chemicals.

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South Maui House candidates to meet in Democratic forum

A Democratic Party South Maui House candidate forum with Rep. Kaniela Ing and challenger Deidre Tegarden will be held Monday evening at the Kihei Community Center.

The Democratic Party candidate forum is being presented by the Maui Young Democrats.

There also will be a forum involving Democratic Party candidates in the nonpartisan South Maui council residency seat. Candidates Kelly King, Richard Ma’ele DeLeon and Jerome “Tiger” Metcalfe are scheduled to appear.

The event begins with a meet and greet at 5:30 p.m., followed by the candidate forums from 6 to 8.

Food and refreshments will be provided by Nalu’s South Shore Grill.

The Maui Young Democrats group is taking possible debate questions on its event Facebook page, www.facebook.com/events/605793522913173/. Topics could range from Maui’s affordable housing crisis to the closure of Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co.

Maui Young Democrats plans to host candidate forums, voter registration drives, community service events, social mixers and public issue forums throughout the 2016 election cycle.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information, send email to president@mauiyoungdems.com.

* On the Campaign Trail is a public service for candidates to publicize fundraisers, public appearances and other campaign-related items. Announcements must be submitted at least one week in advance of events and should include a contact name and number. Announcements may be dropped off at The Maui News building in Wailuku, mailed to “Campaign Trail,” Editorial Department, 100 Mahalani St., Wailuku 96793, faxed to 242-9087, or emailed to citydesk@mauinews.com. For more information, call 242-6343.

On The Campaign Trail

On The Campaign Trail

‘Talk Story with Tegarden’ event planned

A “Talk Story with Tegarden” session will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday by Deidre Tegarden, a Democratic candidate for the South Maui seat in the state House of Representatives.

The event will be at Tegarden headquarters at the Azeka Makai Shopping Center above Flowers by Cora.

This week’s speaker is Lynne Woods, the founder and board chair of the Hemp Institute of Maui. Woods will discuss the institute and its projects, according to an announcement from the campaign.

For more information, see www.votetegarden.com or call 276-5756.

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Candidate forum to be held Thursday

The Keokea Homestead Farm Lots Association will host a candidate forum for seven Aloha Aina candidates at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Keokea Marketplace.

Participating in the forum will be House District 12 candidate Tiare Lawrence and Maui County Council candidates Alika Atay of Wailuku, Richard DeLeon of South Maui, Keani Fernandez of Molokai, Trinette Furtado of Haiku, Napua Greig-Nakasone of Upcountry and Shane Sinenci of East Maui.

Aloha Aina advocates say their “project is an effort to mobilize kanaka Hawaii and supporters to stand for the protection of precious land and natural resources.”

The forum is open to the public.

Candidates will each be given eight minutes each to introduce themselves and respond to Hawaiian homestead-related questions about property-tax exemptions, water rights and homelands development. A question-and-answer period will follow.

Voter and absentee-ballot registration will be done at Thursday’s event in order to help voters meet the July 14 deadline to register to vote in the Aug. 13 primary election.

Keokea Marketplace is located at Milepost 17 on Kula Highway at Kaamana Road. The nonprofit Keokea Homestead Farm Lots Association represents Maui’s only agricultural homestead, encompassing 66 2-acre lots dedicated to sustainable, subsistence farming since 1986.

For more information, contact Kekoa Enomoto at kenomoto1@hawaii.rr.com or 276-2713.

On The Campaign Trail

On The Campaign Trail

Moniz Wailuku fundraiser is Wednesday

Maui County Council candidate Stacey Moniz will hold a fundraiser from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Velma McWayne Santos Community Center in Wailuku.

The event will feature pupu, a home-cooked meal, desserts, door prizes, music and a keiki corner, according to an announcement.

There’s a $25 cost to attend the event. For more information, visit Moniz4Maui.com.

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Tea, fashion show fundraiser for Tegarden

Democratic South Maui House candidate Deidre Tegarden will hold “An Afternoon Tea and Fashion Show” fundraiser from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the 5 Palms Restaurant at the Mana Kai Maui Resort.

Suggested attire is “jewels and jeans” for the event featuring assorted finger sandwiches, pastries, tea and champagne punch, according to an announcement. Models will showcase fashions by WaterLily Maui, and pianist Francois Kie will entertain with soft jazz.

Tickets cost $40. For more information, call 298-5760.

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Lawrence endorsed by Patsy Mink PAC

Democratic Upcountry House candidate Tiare Lawrence has been endorsed by the Patsy T. Mink Political Action Committee, according to an announcement.

The committee “seeks to honor the integrity and value of Patsy T. Mink’s life work by dedicating their efforts to perpetuating her legacy by assisting pro-choice Democratic women to attain and retain elective office,” the announcement says.

The PAC also aims to improve the lives of Hawaii’s women and families.

Other groups that have endorsed Lawrence include the Hawaii State Teachers Association, the Hawaii Center for Food Safety and the Sierra Club.

Lawrence is seeking the 12th District House seat held by Rep. Kyle Yamashita, who has served in the House since 2004. The district includes Spreckelsville, Pukalani, Makawao, Kula, Keokea, Ulupalakua and a portion of Kahului.