Hawaii Lt Gov Race Intensifies | Honolulu News

Hawaii’s lieutenant governor race is boiling over as Mayor Derek Kawakami and Rep. Della Au Belatti clashed head-to-head in their first televised debate, agreeing on housing and cost-of-living issues but sharply dividing over independence from the governor and campaign ethics. Belatti criticized Kawakami’s past $15,000 donation from a now-incarcerated businessman, while Kawakami defended his transparency and blamed the legislature—not his office—for corruption. The debate turned even hotter after current Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke took leave amid an FBI-linked meeting, with Belatti using the moment to question Kawakami and Kawakami hitting back with her own campaign finance issues. Belatti admitted a past glitch in her spending report and clarified she received only $1,000 from the lobbyist in 2016—not this campaign. Kawakami said he donated most of his controversial gift to local schools, while Belatti pressed him on accountability. Both candidates are painting themselves as the most transparent and ethical choice, and the race is far from settled. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/5df72a9dddbc9023