Happy birthday to the candidate, Joe. We’re all proud of you for taking your ideas for a better America on the road.

Please read Fire at the well head, by Llewellyn D. Howell in the August 20, 2006 Star-Bulletin “Insight” section. It raises a number of important points about the nature of and the steps that might be taken to increase peace in the Mid-East. The active discussion of the ideas in this UH professor’s article is essential to unraveling the current crisis that faces our world.

Finally, the discussion of the ideas expressed in this article is a sign of strength on terrorism, not weakness.  Knowledge and insight brings strength. Limiting discussion brings weakness.

One of the great benefits of running around the state during my Race For Congress is the number of wonderful I encounter while on the road. On Tuesday I ran from Kapaa toward Anahola. During the start of this run I was able to see construction activities that will soon result in locals and tourists using a world class bike trail along the beautiful beaches and hills of Kauai. I applaud all persons who have been instrumental in getting this project underway. That bike path represents forward thinking that has implications for issues involving tourism, the ecology and the health of our citizens.

I think increased federal funding should be available to communities who wish to find cost effective ways to develop bike, jogging and walking paths in their communities. I also think special priority for this funding should be given to communities who propose cooperative projects using creative ways of keeping costs low and communities who use volunteer efforts to assist in the projects.

After passing the bike path construction area I faced lots of hills and very strong winds as I continued my run. I stopped to catch my breath a few times but kept on running. Step by step and step by step. Soon I was at the entrance to the residential area of Anahola. I decided to run through those quiet streets and was greeted with a few shouts and surprises by residents. I am pretty sure they have never seen a Congressional candidate running with a big sign past their homes.

A ran a loop around some of the streets and on my way back I saw five residents (3 adults and 2 infants in arms) under a big shade tree. I introduced myself and told them I was running for Congress and gave out my standard ‘green dollar bill” which tells about the impact of the national debt on infants such as the two being held. The adults agreed that sticking these little children with our present day debts was not right and surely not within anyone’s definition of “family values”.

As we talked I got to know one of the adults named Billy Kaneholani. He told me of his personal efforts to register all of the young residents of his community so they can participate in upcoming elections. He said he recognizes those young adults as the future of the Hawaiian Nation and our state and country. He hopes to get young adults involved in the political process so they can shape the future for their children.

People that I meet on the road, like Billy, renew my spirit on hot and tired runs with winds in my face ans sweat pouring down into my eyes. I think of the inspiration that people like Billy give me and then my run seems to go smoother.

I congratulate Billy Kaneholani on his efforts to register voters in his community. Without people like Billy, democracy will perish in our Nation.