Randy Iwase

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Randall Y. "Randy" Iwase (born December 1, 1947, in Honolulu) is a former Hawaii State Senator. In 2006 he announced his candidacy for the Hawaii Democratic Party's nomination for Governor of Hawaii.

He ran on a platform emphasising reform in the education sector, citing his beliefs in the importance of universal education learned from his own working class background. The popular incumbent Republican governor defeated Iwase by a substantial margin, in spite of a favourable Democratic climate in 2006.

1 Early Years
2 Career
3 Politics
4 Acomplishments
5 2006 Governor's Race
6 External links

[edit] Early Years

Randy Iwase was born in Honolulu. His mother was divorced and because of financial hardship in Hawai'i just after World War II, moved to the Island of Hawai'i to live with Randy's big island grandparents.

Later, his family moved back to a Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, and lived with his other grandparents in relative hardship.

These experiences, while up-lifting and a delight, gave young Iwase a first hand understanding of the housing issues in Hawai'i.

He attended and graduated from Kaimuki High School and was active in science and model rocketry.

After high school he attended the University of Hawai'i, Manoa Campus during a time of optimism and technological advancements. Iwase continued his education in Florida, where he visited the Kennedy launch facilities, spurred, in part by his interest in science. Iwase earned his Bachelors degree with honors, there. He applied to and attended the University of San Francisco School of Law and earned his Juris Doctor degree.

[edit] Career

Randy Iwase returned to Hawai'i with his JD degree and worked as a deputy attorney general, where he enjoyed relative popularity. [1]

[edit] Politics

Iwase has held the following jobs:

Deputy Attorney General

Supervising Deputy Attorney General

Majority Floor Leader

Chair, Budget and Finance Comittee

Executive Director, Aloha Tower Development Corp.

Hawai'i State Senator, Majority Whip.

Chairman, Hawai'i Labor and Industrial Relations Appeals Board

[edit] Acomplishments

Led the creation of the Central O'ahu Regional Park

Mount Pinatubo Relief Effort

[edit] 2006 Governor's Race

Randy Iwase won the Democratic primary by a substantial margin without serious opposition.

A pivotal point of the campaign was a widely televised and webcast debate. Reporters posed questions to the candidates for comments which were expanded upon and discussed. The topics included: 1)Why are so many Hawai'ian troops in Iraq and Afghanistan? 2) How can you (the incumbent) take credit for an improving economy when so many are homeless and unable to afford basics such as food, medical care, and shelter 3) Why are you (the incumbent) still backing George Bush's war? 4) Why did you (challenger) send 2 of your 3 children to private school? 5) Would you (challenger) serve out your term?[2]

The debate was widely seen as a victory for Iwase but mainly in terms of giving him statewide television exposure. According to filings with the Hawai'i state Campaign Spending Commission, the Iwase campaign only raised $241,973 as of September 23rd. This is in contrast to a record $6.37 million raised by his opponent, the incumbent Governor.

The large difference in available funds is cited as an insurmountable obstacle for Iwase. However according to the Maui News, "Although Iwase and Solomon are far behind Republican Gov. Linda Lingle and Lt. Gov. James “Duke” Aiona in raising campaign money, Inouye recalled that he was outspent $1 million to $70,000 by a Republican in his first race for Senate, in 1962. Inouye won."

Instead, the Iwase campaign focused on using Internet technology. In addition to a classic webpage with campaign press releases and schedules, it featured videos, online contributions, links, a discussion/feedback board, blogs, as well as an RSS/Atom newsfeed. This bypasses the traditional media. The campaign did not have the funds for traditional advertising or media consultants so it used the Internet instead.

Randy Iwase was defeated by over twenty five points in the general election, as Governor Lingle's personal popularity and the Iwase campaign's financial difficulties offset the congressional Democratic "wave" of 2006.