"Politics touches our lives everyday whether we like it or not." - Rick Hamada, circa 1994.
And politics equals government.
It's a phrase I coined at the beginning of my radio talk show — which is on its way to 32 years on the air — and that statement is still relevant and it's still invoked today.
But what does that mean?
Exactly what it says.
Examples.
You wake up to an alarm in the morning.
It's powered by electricity that has undergone regulatory approvals dictated by the government, including its price. If you purchased said alarm it was likely a retail transaction which requires a payment of tax which, of course, is mandated by government.
You likely visit the bathroom.
Turn on the light and there's electricity which, well, you know.
You use the facilities, and the flow rate of your toilet flushing is on average 1.6 GPF (Gallons Per Flush). The EPA is involved with BMP (Better Management Practices) for overall water use. Your rates are set by the Honolulu Board of Water Supply in a regulatory capacity and the more you use, the more you pay. It's a semi-autonomous governmental determination.
You go to the kitchen for a cup of coffee.
The determination of the geographical origin of Hawai‘i coffee is regulated by the government.
Act 198 became law in 2024 requiring any brand claiming Hawaiian grown coffee must have 51% verifiable content of local coffee in their packaging and labeling. Controversy reigns and this government mandate begins in 2027.
You get dressed for work.
Your shirt or blouse has government all over it.
Let's take cotton fabric.
First of all, it's a huge industry. Estimates place global annual production at approximately 25 million tons, with the US as the No. 1 exporter in the world. Yes, tariffs between governments, USDA authority in standardizing quality and even federal and state subsidies to farmers means you and your shirt have been touched by government whether you like it or not.
Government has power and influence over virtually all aspects of our lives.
If this a true, then why aren't we more aware and involved with our government?
Let's try this.
Who is your state representative?
Who is you state senator?
Which district do you live in?
Who is your city councilmember?
How many members are in the state house? The state senate?
How is a law made?
What is our state's annual budget? What is your city or county annual budget?
Who is the Speaker of the Hawai‘i House of Representatives?
Who is the President of the Hawai‘i State Senate?
Can you name one member of the Honolulu Police Commission?
Can you name one member of the Board of Education?
Who is the Chief Elections Officer of the Office of Elections?
I would submit some of you know but many do not.
I'm simply trying to get the message across that if government touches all of our lives whether we like it or not then we should know our government which has the most over arching and sweeping influence over our lives.
Ok, another question.
Do you vote?
If not, why not?
A common response is, "I don't trust elections. My vote doesn't really count."
These sentiments appear to be reflected by our embarrassing lack of voter turnout.
In the 2022 general election, Hawai‘i voter turnout was 40.5%.
In the 2024 general election, Hawai‘i voter turnout was 50.3%.
(This is the percentage of approximately 731,000 eligible voters.)
In the 2024 general election, the United States average voter turnout was 64.1% according to Ballotpedia.
Hawai‘i voter turnout is exceedingly lower in mid-term elections and primaries.
The highest voter turnout percentages in recent state history were in the 2020 and 2024 general elections with 55.7% and 50.3%, respectively.
The attributable reason is the name of President Donald J. Trump appearing as a candidate.
Regarding thoughts that your vote doesn't count. Please consider several locals races that were razor-thin in the last election.
House District - 32
- R - Gamer Souza — 4,596
- D - Micah Aiu — 4,578
A difference of 18 votes.
House District - 39
- R - Elijah Pierick — 4,712
- D - Corey Rosenlee — 4,701
A difference of 11 votes.
Councilmember - South Maui
- Tom Cook — 26,423
- Kelly King — 26,326
A difference of 97 votes.
Interestingly, in this race there were 10,750 blank votes.
The idea that your vote doesn't count is not a justifiable reason not to vote.
There is a change in the air regarding your vote counting.
I'd encourage you to read the Aloha State Daily 12/19/25 story by stellar reporter Michael Brestovansky with the headline, "State Elections Commission calls for 2024 election audit."
Questions about the veracity of election tabulations have concerned (and understandably so) many locals for many years, fueling them not to vote. This is a critical story regarding voter integrity and with your awareness and participation in the hearings process this could be the first step for election reform in our state.
Our chosen system of government is a representative democracy. Our voices and sentiments are codified by proxies that we elect on our behalf. It's then our job to ensure they do. If not then it's our job to remove and select those who will.
I am also very much aware of sentiments expressed that our system of government is corrupt, self-serving, deaf and commands the lowest levels of trust. I understand. But I also understand there are individuals who serve or campaign to serve that are people of integrity, character, selflessness and more who love this community and this nation.
It's your choice. Politician or Statesman.
At the end of the day, I say, trust your gut.
It's mostly right.
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