03-09-2010 - Everyone is an Organizer

by Josh Levinson

“This campaign is not about me. The people of Hawaii are the heart of this campaign.”

That’s what Neil Abercrombie told hundreds of supporters last Saturday at a grand opening rally of the campaign headquarters -- calling on each person to become an organizer.


An army of sign wavers lined Ala Moana Blvd. before the rally, encouraged by the honking horns of passing cars.

We reminded the crowd that Neil Abercrombie will be elected Governor because each of us will take responsibility for our own personal precincts:  our friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues.  We asked everyone to do three important things:

* Complete a supporter card and ask at least five friends to do the same (then follow up and ask each of them to ask five friends, and so on)

* Utilize Facebook and Twitter to broadcast news to personal social networks

* Put bumper stickers on cars (request bumper stickers by dropping by headquarters or clicking here)


Fill out the card online and then send it to your friends electronically.

Neil got a cheer from the crowd when he said that, for him, being Governor will be a cornerstone, not a stepping-stone.  

“We are going to outflank politics-as-usual in Hawaii,” Neil said.  “Our supporters are not going to be spectators.  Everyone is an organizer and every voice matters.”

03-03-2010 - Democratic Party Caucus Tonight

by Josh Levinson

Tonight you have an opportunity to participate in politics at its most local, grassroots level.

Please remember to attend your neighborhood Democratic Party precinct meeting this evening. Elections start at 7 p.m. sharp so try to be there by 6:30 p.m.

The purpose of the meeting is to elect precinct officers who will represent you and your neighbors at the Democratic Party's County Convention and delegates who will represent you at the upcoming State Democratic Convention.

Find out where your District/Precinct is meeting by visiting the Democratic Party of Hawaii website [link]. If you need help figuring out where to go, please call the Abercrombie for Governor headquarters at 589-2237.

03-02-2010 - Restoring Trust

Yesterday, on his first day after formally leaving Congress, Neil Abercrombie filed his nomination papers for Governor. The filing at the state Office of Elections signals Abercrombie’s full-time entry into what many consider the most important campaign since statehood. Abercrombie served as a Congressman for 19 years. This is his first run for Governor.

To mark the occasion, Neil sent the following email to Hawaii voters:

Aloha Everyone,

Today, on my first day after formally leaving Congress, I filed my nomination papers for Governor.

In my 19 years in the U.S. Congress, I put my entire focus on representing the people of Hawaii. I worked hard to get along with my colleagues, no matter their party affiliation or viewpoint, because I knew these relationships would help my constituents at home.



Now, I am focusing my four decades of experience in public service into becoming the people's Governor. I am more energized, more determined and more committed than ever.

The single biggest issue of our campaign is restoring people's trust in government. In my conversations with people across the state, it is clear that we are losing confidence in our ability to tackle the long-term economic, social, and environmental challenges that face our islands. We're going to turn this around.

Our campaign is going to listen to people and their concerns, respect everyone's opinions, including those with different views, and bring in new voices and talent to change the status quo.

Please join me this Saturday, March 6, at 11 a.m., for the grand opening of our campaign headquarters at Ward Warehouse. The opening was originally planned for this past Saturday, but was postponed due to the tsunami warning. Please RSVP by emailing (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or calling 589-2237. [learn more].  I hope to meet you soon.

Imua Hawaii,




NEIL ABERCROMBIE

03-01-2010 - Rescheduled Grand Opening of Headquarters this Saturday, March 6, at 11 a.m.

by Josh Levinson

We postponed the grand opening of Abercrombie for Governor headquarters because of the tsunami warning this past weekend. We have rescheduled the event for this Saturday, March 6, at 11 a.m. (Ward Warehouse, 2nd Floor; formerly Stuart Anderson's).

Please come have pupus with us at campaign headquarters, and hear from Neil on how -- together -- we can and will build a better Hawaii. Bring your friends, your family and your neighbors. We're going to make history together.

Please RSVP by emailing (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or calling 589-2237.

For our neighbor island friends and anyone else who can't be here in person, we will be live-streaming video of the opening at www.neilabercrombie.com.

02-27-2010 - AFG headquarters opening CANCELLED due to tsunami warning

The opening of AFG headquarters scheduled for 11:00 A.M. today has been cancelled due to the tsunami warning. Please take all necessary precautions, keep up to date with the news, keep your family and friends safe and be helpful to one another. Aloha.

02-27-2010 - Tsunami Warning for February 27

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has issued a tsunami warning for the State of Hawaii.

2:30AM - The AFG headquarters opening scheduled for Saturday at 11:00 AM is pending. Please stay tuned to local media for more information and take all necessary precautions. Sirens will sound at 6:00 AM at which time civil defense will provide more instructions.

3:00AM - Evacuation maps for all islands can be found at http://www.pdc.org/iweb/tsunami_zones.jsp

02-25-2010 - Cutting Edge Campaigning

Learn to use new tools like Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, and YouTube to help Neil spread campaign messages. Campaign Social Media Director, Neenz Faleafine, will be holding a social media training for volunteers on Thurs, March 4, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at headquarters (Ward Warehouse, second floor, next door to Kincaid's Restaurant). Please sign up by filling out this form.

02-24-2010 - Final days in Congress

This is Neil's last week in Congress after serving in the House of Representatives for 19 years.

Yesterday, while working to ensure House passage of the "Akaka bill" that enables Native Hawaiians to form a governing entity, Neil paused to recognize his House colleagues, saying, "I love you, and I love this House."

The Hill, a Washington, D.C.-based newspaper that covers Congress, wrote an editorial that called Neil "a rare breed" in the House who was admired by Democrats and Republicans for his independence.

Abercrombie’s departure
By The Hill Editors

Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii), who is running for governor, is serving his last week in the House.

Abercrombie is a rare breed in the lower chamber. He is respected and admired by both Democrats and Republicans. And he was never seduced by the Senate; he was always a House guy, through and through.

But unlike many other House members, Abercrombie did not take cheap partisan shots.
In an interview with The Hill on Tuesday, the Hawaiian choked up when discussing his looming departure. “I have such deep regard and affection for the House,” he said, adding that he is getting “waves of emotion” this week.

He was first elected in 1986 in a special election, but the triumph was bittersweet. On that same day, he lost the Democratic primary, so he only served a few months before returning to Hawaii.

Abercrombie noted with pride that he was the last person whom Speaker Tip O’Neill (D-Mass.) swore in to office.

“Tip told me, ‘Whether you’re here three months or 30 years, everyone should remember the privilege of serving in the House.’ ”

In 1990, Abercrombie returned to the House, and this time he was there to stay. The Buffalo, N.Y., native was subsequently appointed to the Armed Services Committee, and after Democrats took control of the House, he chaired the Air and Land Forces subcommittee.

The 71-year-old legislator, an avid weightlifter, is not shy about expressing his views. And he has shown no qualms about bucking his party, sometimes loudly.

He lambasted his leaders for moving an ethics bill he strongly opposed and ripped Democrats on their energy policy in 2008.

Abercrombie is going out on a high note. The House on Tuesday was expected to pass the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act, which would extend the federal policy of recognition to Native Hawaiians and provide parity for Hawaii with policies toward Native Alaskans and American Indians. Abercrombie and the Hawaii delegation have been working on the bill for more than a decade.

Needing to campaign back home, Abercrombie will resign from the lower chamber on Feb. 28.

While he was certainly a productive member, Abercrombie’s time in the House will not be remembered for his legislative track record.

Members, aides, lobbyists and reporters will recall his storytelling skills, his rambunctious style and his respect for his colleagues.

He will miss the House. And the House will miss him.

02-23-2010 - Participate in Democratic Party Caucus on March 3

by Josh Levinson

Change politics in Hawaii from the ground up!

We are urging all of Neil’s supporters to attend the Democratic Party’s local precinct caucuses on Wednesday, March 3, at 6:30 p.m. Your goal is to be elected as a delegate for the Democratic Party’s state convention in May.

If you are interested in attending, the first thing you should do is determine which District/Precinct site you should go to. Please contact Kay Hoffman by calling the Abercrombie for Governor headquarters at 589-2237 or e-mailing (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to obtain this information. Kay will tell you where to go and give you a contact person affiliated with Neil’s campaign who will be organizing your local meeting.

Please note, you must be a registered voter and party member to participate in the caucuses--but you may register for both at the caucus site.

02-23-2010 - Headquarters Grand Opening this Saturday at 11 a.m.

by Andrew Aoki

Join us for the grand opening of the Abercrombie for Governor headquarters on Saturday, February 27, at 11:00 a.m. (Ward Warehouse, 2nd Floor; formerly Stuart Anderson's).

Beginning in March, Neil will be home full time and is completely committed to being our next Governor.

We are coming together to build a future where we face our toughest challenges, where we are united, where our individual voices matter, where we have a leader we can trust.

So, please come have pupus with us at campaign headquarters, and hear from Neil on how -- together -- we can and will build a better Hawaii. Bring your friends, your family and your neighbors. We're going to make history together.

Please RSVP by emailing (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or calling 589-2237.

For our neighbor island friends and anyone else who can't be here in person, we will be live-streaming video of the opening at www.neilabercrombie.com.

02-18-2010 - Rail is too important

Rail is too important a project for Honolulu and for the State of Hawaii for it to fail because of a personal political agenda. Neil, a longtime rail supporter who helped secure federal funding for the proposed rail system, believes the project deserves the proper discussion and examination to ensure it gets built.

In media interviews this week, Neil talked about how the rail system has the potential to positively transform Oahu, but it has to be done right. We need our leaders to work collaboratively with all parties to address legitimate concerns, build real community commitment, and ensure that we all share in the project's success.

Neil's interview on Hawaii News Now:



A story posted by the Honolulu Star-Bulletin:

Hit on gov hurts rail, Abercrombie says
By Richard Borreca

Mayor Mufi Hannemann's personal attacks on Gov. Linda Lingle are hurting the city's plans for rail transit, according to rail supporter and candidate for governor U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie.

In an interview yesterday, Abercrombie said Hannemann's antagonistic position is unrealistic and political. The mayor is likely to oppose Abercrombie in the Democratic gubernatorial race.

"You would think the approach would be an invitation for Lingle to participate, not calling her names and threatening her and trying to push her around, sign something you never saw before," Abercrombie said.

Lingle said earlier this year that she had concerns about financing for the $5 billion transit plan and would not sign the required environmental impact statement until she had a clear picture of the city's finances. She also held a forum at the state Capitol to allow local architects to explain alternatives to the city's plan.

"The problem goes back to the mayor saying, 'If you are not for me and what I say is rail, then you are against rail.' That is factually and demonstrably not so. That is why I find it dispiriting and destructive for the mayor to make this adverse position with the governor."

Hannemann declined to respond yesterday.

Last month, at a news conference, he said about Lingle, "Every step along the way, she has been presenting roadblocks."

"I believe she's anti-rail, and anti-rail meaning she's anti-jobs. I'm sorry, I call it like it is because the evidence is compelling."

Hannemann then held his own Capitol forum saying it was there that Lingle, in 2005, said she wanted to work with the new city administration on a mass transit project for Honolulu.

"I took her up on it because this is where it all began," he said. "She can't forget that. That's part of her history."

Abercrombie said yesterday that Hannemann has let the situation "devolve."

"Rail is too important to have to be the victim of a personal political agenda.

"You can't blame the governor for wanting to actually see the EIS before committing to it," he said.

Abercrombie has said he would resign his congressional seat this month to campaign for governor.

Hannemann has started his own campaign for governor but has not officially declared his candidacy. He has raised more than $2 million and is staging rallies across the state.

Abercrombie was also critical yesterday of Hannemann's repeated description of rail being a job creation project.

"This isn't about jobs; it is about community," he said. "The whole idea of rail is what kind of a life are we going to have, what kind of community—how will we connect housing, transposition, education and the quality of life?"

Abercrombie said that because Lingle saw her hoped-for Hawaii Superferry fail because of an EIS problem, she would not make a mistake with rail.

"It is unreasonable ... to think the governor is not going to take a thorough look at it and the finances," Abercrombie said.

02-16-2010 - AFG welcomes two new team members

Two key organizers have joined the Abercrombie for Governor campaign, adding to a group of dedicated leaders committed to helping Neil Abercrombie become Hawaii’s next governor.

Josh Levinson was most recently the President and CEO of Community Links Hawaii and will play a critical role as Field Organizer, coordinating grassroots operations and overseeing digital media.


Neil and Josh in headquarters

“I am honored and humbled to join the team campaigning to elect Neil Abercrombie,” Josh said. “Now is the time to usher in new leadership in Hawaii—leadership we can trust, that inspires, that puts our children and the public interest above all else.”

Josh, 34, grew up in Hawaii and worked at a public interest advocacy firm in Washington, D.C., before moving home with his wife and two young children.

L.P. “Neenz” Faleafine, an entrepreneur and social media expert, will be the campaign’s Social Media Director. She founded Hawaii-based media marketing company, Pono Media, and was recently named one of the Top 20 Social Media Geeks in Hawaii by Bytemarks Café.


Neenz (left of Neil) with her family

“As a lifelong Hawaii resident, I see this as probably the most important election of my lifetime,” said Neenz, 39. “Right now, my friends and neighbors are desperately seeking leadership from the State. Neil has listened, offered support and, most importantly, has given me a commitment to lead. His willingness to be up front about his intentions and goals led me to join the campaign.”

Josh and Neenz join a team that includes campaign manager Bill Kaneko, deputy campaign manager Andrew Aoki and press secretary Laurie Au. The campaign’s leadership is made up of numerous volunteers, including honorary co-chairs Amy Agbayani, Walter Heen, Kelly King, and Randy Iwase.

“Our campaign is being driven by talented young public servants, many who have never worked in politics before, working alongside well-respected leaders who have been serving Hawaii for many years,” Neil said. “Together, we are building a movement to restore confidence in our government and ourselves and all that we can achieve in Hawaii when we work together.”

02-08-2010 - Restoring public confidence

All people deserve to feel confident that their government is working for them. Neil believes the next Governor of Hawaii needs to restore the public’s faith in government, which includes ensuring that taxes are fair and being spent wisely.

Last week, Neil wrote about his view on the state’s tax policies for the Garden Island newspaper in a column called “Leading Voices,” which regularly publishes opinions from Hawaii’s leaders. Neil’s column was published along with Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona’s stance on tax policies.

TAXES AND THE PUBLIC TRUST
Crafting tax policies
February 1, 2010

By Neil Abercrombie

Last year, as Congress discussed health care reform, a group of protesters emerged saying they stood for limited government and against taxes. Their opinions on health care are often based on misinformation spread by powerful private interests. I strongly disagree with their methods, which are meant to intimidate people and stifle dialogue. They believe government is the enemy; I believe our government is our responsibility as well as our opportunity.

But in some ways, I understand where they are coming from.

All people need to feel confident that their government is working and their tax dollars are well spent. It’s not a partisan idea. When my friend and colleague, U.S. Representative Ron Paul, introduced a bill to audit the Federal Reserve System, I joined a bipartisan group of eleven original co-sponsors of the bill.

But here at the state level, I’m sorry to say that public confidence has steadily eroded. People are seeing Hawai‘i’s government as an impediment in their lives rather than a partner. The stories of frustration I hear from Kaua‘i residents and across the state have little to do with public employees who are working hard with decreasing support, and everything to do with a lack of leadership. Taxpayers need to know how tax dollars are spent and that state government is competent and cares. This starts with strong leadership in the Governor’s Office.

For example, a strong leader is needed to make smart long-term decisions when times are good. Odd as it sounds today, at this time in 2006, the state had a budget surplus of $574 million. In 2007 the surplus was $732 million. However, instead of prudently investing to make our economy more resilient to the ups and downs of the global economy, the state was too focused on short-term spending measures and tax refunds. When the global economic meltdown occurred at the end of 2008, we could have been more prepared. Gov. Lingle is now proposing that we establish a fiscal stabilization fund that is funded during good times to help ease the bad. It’s a good idea that is better late than never.

Besides being wisely spent, taxes must also be fair. The general excise tax is a broad and easy-to-administer tax, but it is regressive — the less you earn, the higher the percentage of your income goes to taxes. In addition, Hawai‘i continues to be among the worst in the country for taxing the incomes of families living in poverty. Our current tax policy serves as a barrier to people trying to work their way towards family self-sufficiency. We can remedy this with a state Earned Income Tax Credit. This innovative policy will correct these unfair disincentives in the tax code, get more people to work in the economy, and improve the quality of life for all in the process.

I’ve indicated that all people deserve to feel confident in their government. A few months ago, a woman protesting the health care bill confronted me. When I asked her some questions, she broke down. It turned out that she was just frustrated with government because it had failed her when she rightfully needed assistance. We ended up having a heartfelt conversation, and I tried to point her to some places where she could get help.

We all pay taxes so we can have a government that works. That’s not a Democratic or a Republican idea. It is the very basis of democracy. We all pay our share for the benefit of all. When that premise is questioned, we rightly question those entrusted with public office. The duty of the next governor is to restore public confidence that our tax dollars and the public good are once more joined together.

Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona's column on tax policies:

GROWTH THROUGH INVESTMENT
Crafting tax policies
February 1, 2010

By James "Duke" Aiona Jr.

During these challenging economic times, it is critical for our state to encourage reinvestment into our local economy and provide a fair tax system that does not burden our citizens, families and small businesses with tax increases.

Economic hardship has led many families and businesses to tighten their belts to save money. Our Administration has also had to find new ways to cut spending while providing essential services for Hawai‘i residents. Right now, the worst thing the state could do is take more of your money by raising taxes.

However, some see Hawai‘i’s general excise tax — 4.5 percent on O‘ahu and 4 percent on the Neighbor Islands — as small compared to the national average sales tax of about 6 percent.

This is misleading because unlike a sales tax, an excise tax must be paid on goods and services every time they change hands, from the producer to the cargo ship to the retail store. In effect, Hawai‘i’s excise tax is equivalent to about an 11 percent sales tax. By the time a product reaches a consumer, these taxes have accumulated at each step and passed on in the price tag.

This results in high prices for goods that can be a heavy burden on our citizens when they are stretched to pay for basic necessities during these economic times.

We cannot tax our way to prosperity, and increasing the general excise tax, even 1 percent, would lead to job loss, hurt our tourism industry and, ultimately, jeopardize Hawai‘i’s long-term economic recovery.

In order to restore efficiency to Hawai‘i’s general excise tax without increasing the tax rate, we need to make sure that all businesses that enjoy exemption for the excise tax make a timely return for their taxes, as well as expressly claim their entitlement.

Over time, the general excise tax’s efficiency has been downplayed due to additions of exemptions from the tax for particular businesses. Many of these exemptions allow for businesses to avoid paying the general excise tax altogether. And because some businesses pay no tax, they file no tax returns.

We are all in this together. That is why the Administration’s supplemental budget includes the temporary use of the Transient Accommodations Tax from the counties to help balance the state budget until we recover from this national and global economic downturn.

In addition, the Cash Economy Enforcement Act of 2009, which took effect July 1, 2009, provides the Department of Taxation with additional resources and tools to investigate suspected violations of tax laws, especially cash-based transactions in order to make sure that all sectors of Hawai‘i’s economy are paying their share of taxes.

It ensures that those who transact business in cash pay the fair amount like others who deal in credit cards, checks and other traceable monetary dealings. This act also provides the department with various enforcement tools, including the authority to issue monetary fines and cease and desist citations.

However, making sure everyone pays their fair share of taxes is only part of an effective tax policy. Simply raising taxes on our residents and small businesses is not a solution. It’s part of the problem.

We must remain committed to enhancing the future prosperity of our great state, which begins with improving public education.

Our state’s number one resource is our people. Government’s job is to provide a fair tax environment that encourages their success and gets out of their way so they can do what Hawai‘i’s businesses do best: work hard, create jobs and invest back in our local economy.

James “Duke” Aiona Jr. is lieutenant governor of Hawai‘i. He is running for governor this fall.

02-05-2010 - Remembering Cec Heftel

Hawaii lost two of its most passionate leaders yesterday. Today, as Neil learned of the news that former Congressman Cec Heftel died, he recalls their relationship that started out as a rivalry and that grew into a friendship.

Today, Hawaii News Now posted a statement from Neil on Cec Heftel:

My relationship with Cec Heftel goes back 40 years when I was a University of Hawaii graduate student running for the U.S. Senate, along with environmentalist Tony Hodges during the Vietnam War. Tony and I were against the war and we both stood a very good chance of winning the Democratic nomination when Cec entered the race at the last minute. I remember picketing KGMB-TV, which Cec owned at the time, demanding a debate with him. Although he emerged the winner of that race, a lifelong friendship began for which I am extremely grateful.

It’s poignant to me that he has passed away at this time when we are about to have a special election for the same office he once occupied and I am leaving. In 1986, Cec left his House seat to run for governor, and I won the special election but lost the primary election on the same day in September to fill his seat. My wife, Nancie, and I had to move to Washington, D.C. without much money and no place to live. Cec called, offered his apartment and literally put a roof over our heads. He also asked his staff to stay on to help me participate as fully as possible in the work of the Congress from September until January. He was gracious, friendly, and couldn’t have been more accommodating.

After he lost his bid for the governor’s office in 1986, I often sought his advice and counsel. He was always courteous and generous with his time. Eventually, he ran for the Board of Education, and I supported him. We talked a lot about education during his time there, and he made a tremendous contribution.

Cec Heftel had a devotion to Hawaii that was complete. He demonstrated this through his many years as a leader in the broadcasting industry and a distinguished career as a public servant. I will always cherish his warmth, kindness and good counsel.

02-04-2010 - Remembering Frank Fasi

Today, Neil was saddened to hear of the death of former Honolulu Mayor Frank Fasi. The two worked together closely while Neil served on the Honolulu City Council, and Neil remembers Mayor Fasi for his vitality, his passion and his commitment to public service.

Early this morning, Neil talked to Hawaii News Now from Washington, D.C. on Mayor Fasi's legacy:



Neil also released a statement on Mayor Fasi, which was posted on The Honolulu Advertiser:

He didn't need to leave behind impressive buildings or heroic statues or huge parks to be remembered. He left a rich inheritance of public service based on a genuine love of Honolulu and everyone (in) it, from the oldest to the youngest; from the most accomplished to the most unskilled; the most secure to the most vulnerable. And everyone in Honolulu is an heir to that legacy.

For many of us, Frank Fasi seemed like he'd always been our mayor, and always would be. I had the great privilege of working closely with him during my service on the City Council, and I can say without qualification, that people always knew exactly where they stood with him. He was totally without pretense or artifice. He never had a hidden agenda.

His passing leaves me with mixed feelings. On one hand, I am saddened because he is no longer with us, and I will miss him. At the same time, I think we should celebrate such a full life so well lived.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

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Everyone is an Organizer: “This campaign is not about me. The people of Hawaii are the heart of this campaign.” T... http://bit.ly/aXlicA

Live interview in a couple of minutes (@neilabercrombie live at http://ustre.am/hiD)

Broadcasting live now! See me at http://www.neilbercrombie.com

Broadcasting live now! See me at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/neil-abercrombie

Broadcasting live now! See me at http://www.neilabercrombie.com

Broadcasting live now! Neil Abercrombie HQ Grand Opening at http://www.neilabercrombie.com

I have shared an audio update using #Cinch, check it out: http://bit.ly/cErEm4

Democratic Party Caucus Tonight: Tonight you have an opportunity to participate in politics at its most local, gra... http://bit.ly/d3qbGX

I have shared an audio update using #Cinch, check it out: http://bit.ly/dsogjy

Mayor Frank Fasi service program http://ow.ly/i/Cx2

I'm at Honolulu Hale, remembering Mayor Frank Fasi.

Restoring Trust: Yesterday, on his first day after formally leaving Congress, Neil Abercrombie filed his nominatio... http://bit.ly/aAs7dt

Rescheduled Grand Opening of Headquarters this Saturday, March 6, at 11 a.m.: We postponed the grand opening of Ab... http://bit.ly/bkJY1C

Making my final comments to the media after filing to run for Governor. http://twitpic.com/163266

Answering media questions outside of State Elections Office in Pearl City (HI) http://twitpic.com/1630go