Decisive Democratic Victory at Aloha Tower
Gov. Josh Green secured a decisive re-election victory Tuesday night, taking the stage at Aloha Tower alongside newly elected Lt. Gov. Derek Kawakami, Hawaii News Now reported.
Democratic nominees Green and Kawakami secured a strong win according to the third general election printout, pulling in 263,274 votes, or 72%, whereas Republican opponents Gary Cordery and Daniel Anthony finished with 95,519 votes, or 26.1%.
Forged in Crisis and Statewide Emergencies
Surrounded by family, friends, and supporters during their celebration, Green and Kawakami viewed their win as a chance to continue years of working together through statewide crises. Green and Kawakami’s collaborative bond goes back to the period when Green served as lieutenant governor and Kawakami was the mayor of Kauaʻi, working alongside each other on severe storm recovery, the COVID-19 pandemic, and natural disaster management.
“First, we want to thank the people of Hawaiʻi for giving us this incredible opportunity,” Green said. “We’ve bonded over these years, and now we’re just confident that we can lead the state forward in ways that have never been done before.”
A Complementary One-Two Executive Punch
Green described their combined executive background as a “complementary one-two punch,” indicating that Kawakami will take on an expansive policy portfolio in the administration. “I’m a big believer that the lieutenant governor should have a huge portfolio to impact the state of Hawaiʻi,” Green said. “This guy already knows how to build houses. He already knows how to take care of our local values. The sky is the limit for this guy.”
Stepped Up From Kauaʻi to Statewide Office
Kawakami steps into his first executive position at the statewide level following his past service as mayor of Kauaʻi and a member of the state Legislature. While championing neighbor island residents, he promised to remain anchored in the family-taught values of his upbringing.
“I’m just never going to forget where I came from,” Kawakami said. “I’m never going to forget the values my mom and dad instilled in me, and I’m not going to change a bit.”
Kawakami added that he hopes his background resonates with local youth following non-traditional paths. “I just hope that there is some young boy and girl that surfs or skateboards, or maybe it’s just a round peg trying to fit into a square hole and takes a look at me and tells himself that if this guy can do it, I can do it, too,” Kawakami said.
Cordery Undiscouraged by Final Margin
In post-election remarks following the release of the vote counts, Cordery mentioned that the final gap did not surprise or discourage him, citing continuous support from his grassroots followers.
“Not surprised at all, actually. I’m very encouraged,” Cordery said. “I know what’s going on in the community, people that approach us on a regular basis, overwhelming numbers. So, I don’t think it’s anything to be surprised about. We’re having much joy.”
