HONOLULU (KHNL) - The Democrats in Hawaii now have a new member to add to its party list. Senator Mike Gabbard announced Thursday he is switching parties to become a Democrat.

Gabbard says his decision was made after discussing his intentions with his daughter who served as a former State Representative.

With supporters by his side, Gabbard says.... Read Article

HONOLULU -- State Sen. Mike Gabbard officially joined the Democratic Party on Thursday, switching from the Republican Party he had been a part of since 2000.

Gabbard signed his party card at the Hawaii Democratic Party headquarters with Chairman Mike McCartney, Senate President Colleen Hanabusa, other Democratic leaders and his family.

The former Republican said his decision took a lot of soul searching.

"Some people have told me that my move could damage me politically, but I can't make my decision based on politics. I have to make my decisions based on my conscience, on how I can best serve the people of Hawaii," Gabbard said.

This year's state legislative session has reached the half-way mark, with the last handful of bills crossing between the House and Senate.

Senators wrapped up measures about rural health care, the Hawaii Superferry and recycling today. The House took action taken on health benefit rights for those government employees in non-married relationships.

One of the last measures to make crossover extends state and county health benefits to what are called "reciprocal beneficiaries." That can mean an auntie or grandfather, and same sex partners..... Read Article

You use force against a burglar entering your home only to find out months later that you’re the target of a civil lawsuit by the very criminal you stopped. It’s not a joke or a bad dream – it’s happening all across the country as criminals try to cash in on homeowners who defend their life and property with firearms or their bare hands.

State Senator Mike Gabbard, a republican who represents the communities of Waikele, Makakilo and Ko 'Olina says it’s time for Hawaii citizens to feel empowered when facing down would-be burglars.... Read Article

HONOLULU (KHNL) - The debate over same-sex marriage in Hawaii heats up once again, with a new senate bill re-visiting the issue. If passed, SB-1062 would give gay couples the same rights and benefits as heterosexual married couples. It's a controversial topic and each side is poised for a major battle.

The Snyder-Rivers family lives in Wahiawa. For the most part, they're typical except two moms lead this household. Under a new senate proposal, families like this would get the same rights and benefits as straight married families .... Read Article

Democratic Candidates State Senate District 19

Chuck Anthony 283 12%
Janice Salcedo Lehner 737 31%
George S. Yamamoto 887 38%

Republican Candidates State Senate District 19

Robert Fong 114 20%
Mike Gabbard 413 72%

HONOLULU -- Several politicians on Wednesday called for changes or an investigation at the highest levels of the state Office of Elections. There were numerous problems at the polls on Tuesday.

A newly elected state senator and the chairman of the Republican Party said all that trouble is causing Hawaii voters to lose faith in the state's election system. Problems started before the polls opened and continued until after they closed. .... Read Article

HONOLULU -- Hawaii Democrats and Republicans saw a few seats change parties in the state Legislature on Tuesday night.

Democrats picked up two additional seats in the state House and maintained their hold on the Senate.

Two political newcomers: Della Au Bellati won a seat representing the Makiki and Tantalus area and Karl Rhodes in the Kakaako and Waikiki area. .... Read Article

Kapolei is represented by Brian Kanno in the senate - he is not seeking re-election. All five candidates agree traffic is the number one issue facing the residents of their district. Community activist and entrepreneur Mike Gabbard said the solution may still be waiting.

Gabbard says, "get the players involved - the landowners, the developers, the city and county, state and federal officials, the environmental groups, the business leaders and of course, the transportation engineers and experts. Lock them in a room and say, come together, what is the solution for this?"

HONOLULU -- The Federal Election Commission has cleared former Councilman Mike Gabbard of a complaint that he received improper campaign donations in 2004, when he ran unsuccessfully against Rep. Ed Case to represent Hawaii 's 2nd Congressional District.

Big Island resident Alex Achmat made the complaint, claiming Gabbard was receiving large campaign donations from people with modest incomes. Achmat claimed that those people were then reimbursed by others who wanted to circumvent campaign spending limits.

The FEC dismissed Achmat's complaint as meritless, saying he did not offer any proof that Gabbard's donors were being reimbursed by others... Read Article

HONOLULU -- Honolulu Prosecutor Peter Carlisle said on Wednesday that he is considering making a run for the congressional seat being vacated by Democratic Rep. Ed Case.

Carlisle is the only potential candidate for Congress who's already been elected to island-wide office on Oahu. That's a good place from which to start a campaign for the nation's capital.
Case will not run for re-election. Instead, he chose to run for the U.S. Senate against Sen. Daniel Akaka. .... Read Article

HONOLULU -- The announcement by Rep. Ed Case to for go re-election to the U.S. House for a chance at the Senate has sparked a flurry of political activity. A number of politicians are now throwing their names into the race for Congress.

State Sen. Ron Menor walked to the federal building with his wife, Patricia, to announce on Friday that he will run for Case's seat. Menor ran unsuccessfully against Patsy Mink for the same congressional seat 15 years ago. .... Read Article