LG candidates appearance shows similarities, differences

Published: Monday, July 20, 2026 at 10:05 am

Lieutenant Governor Candidates Showcase Similarities and Divergences in Televised Appearances

In the race for Hawaiʻi's next lieutenant governor, leading candidates Mayor Derek Kawakami and State Representative Della Au Belatti recently participated in their sole joint televised appearance, offering voters a glimpse into their platforms and contrasting approaches. The conversation, broadcast on Hawaii News Now's Spotlight program, highlighted shared concerns while also revealing key differences, particularly regarding campaign finance and their relationship with the current administration.

Both Kawakami and Belatti expressed a commitment to addressing Hawaiʻi's pressing issues of affordable housing and the high cost of living. They voiced support for Governor Josh Green's kauhale housing program, aiming to create permanent, affordable homes for the homeless population. However, a notable divergence emerged on the question of independence from the governor. While Belatti stated her intention to maintain an independent stance, acknowledging Green's past independence as lieutenant governor, she also pointed to his handling of military land lease negotiations as problematic. Kawakami, while aligning with Green's vision on housing and quality of life, emphasized his own history of pushing back diplomatically when necessary, citing his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic as evidence of his ability to unite people and avoid divisiveness.

The most significant point of contention between the two candidates revolved around campaign donations. Belatti raised concerns about a $15,000 donation Kawakami received from businessman Milton Choy, who was previously convicted for bribery. Kawakami defended his acceptance of the donation, stating that it was handled transparently and became a non-issue at the time, while questioning Belatti's campaign's decision to reintroduce the matter. He also pointed to Tobi Solidum, a lobbyist at the center of recent corruption allegations, and questioned whether Belatti had returned campaign contributions from Solidum, also noting a lack of complete campaign spending reports from her campaign. Belatti responded by clarifying a campaign spending report glitch and stating she had received a $1,000 donation from Solidum in 2016, but none during her current lieutenant governor bid. She, in turn, criticized Kawakami's disbursement of the Choy donation, noting that only a portion was returned to the Campaign Spending Commission, with the remainder allocated to school foundations.

The lieutenant governor race has been marked by significant developments, including the indefinite leave of absence taken by current Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke following an investigation. This context adds a layer of scrutiny to the candidates' ethical considerations and their approaches to governance.

BNN's Perspective:
The recent televised exchange between leading lieutenant governor candidates Mayor Derek Kawakami and Representative Della Au Belatti offered a valuable opportunity for voters to assess their priorities and leadership styles. While both candidates demonstrated a shared understanding of Hawaiʻi's critical housing and cost-of-living challenges, their differing perspectives on independence from the governor and, more significantly, their handling of campaign finance issues, present a clear contrast. The debate over campaign donations, while potentially divisive, underscores the importance of transparency and public trust in elected officials. Voters will need to weigh these factors carefully as they consider who is best equipped to serve the state.

Tags: Lieutenant Governor candidates, Derek Kawakami, Della Au Belatti, affordable housing, cost of living, kauhale housing program, Governor Josh Green, campaign donations, Milton Choy, Tobi Solidum, transparency, campaign spending reports, Hawaiʻi politics, public policy, ethics, corruption, Sylvia Luke

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