KAILUA-KONA — West Hawaii Republicans came together Saturday in Waikoloa, re-electing Chairman Dave Ross and setting forth plans for strengthening the party.
“West Hawaii Republicans are looking for accountability in our state Legislature and authenticity in pursuing the state motto: ‘The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness,’” Ross said following the West Hawaii Republican Party Rally and Convention.
“We desperately want to provide a loyal opposition to the one party government we have in Hawaii and we’re hoping to reorganize ourselves and show ourselves worthy and relevant to that cause,” added Rick Thompson, vice chairman of communications for the party.
The rally and convention was held at Puu Nui Park in Waikoloa Village. Ross and Thompson said about 40 people took part in the get-together, during which, in addition to Ross, Carol Brown was unanimously elected vice chairwoman and David Buehler treasurer.
Also in attendance were East Hawaii Republican Party officers and guest speakers Oahu Reps. Gene Ward and Andria Tupola, and retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Shirlene Ostrov.
Thompson said Ostrov, a 2016 Republican candidate who sought election to the the U.S. House to represent the 1st Congressional District, spoke about Republicans needing to be better organized and more visible in the community. Tupola provided an update on legislation currently moving through the state Legislature and “what the Minority Caucus is doing to be a voice in what’s happening in the state.”
“Republicanism is alive and well in West Hawaii,” said Ward, who is also the state’s Republican National committeeman. “The sky is not falling, rule of law will prevail and just hold on for the delivery of all the promises that the Trump Administration has made.”
Ward said he will be traveling to the next Republican National Committee conference in May in San Diego where he will provide an update on local efforts. “We’re putting Hawaii on the map,” he said.