HILO — The Hawaii Republican Party says it has expelled a candidate for state House District 2 after it became aware of his racist views.
Bryan Feste, who is running as a Republican for the Hilo seat, said that he wants an “all white nation” and shared campaign material that states he is “pro white” and uses derogatory language for Jewish and black Americans.
State Party Chairwoman Shirlene Ostrov said she had met the 29-year-old candidate before but was not aware of his views until she saw some of the fliers. Feste said he moved to Hawaii three years ago to be with his parents in Hawaiian Paradise Park.
“The Hawaii Republican Party values the rich diversity of our great state,” Ostrov said, after noting Feste had been expelled.
She said the nature of the state’s primary elections means the party can’t stop him from running as a Republican or “representing outrageous and disgusting views that in no way, shape or form represent or express the views of Hawaii Republicans.”
Feste said he was already considering dropping out of the race, but his name will appear on the ballot for the Aug. 11 primary. The deadline to withdraw was June 8. Ballots were mailed this week to absentee voters.
Also running as a Republican for the seat is Grace Manipol-Larson.
The seat is held by Rep. Chris Todd, a Democrat, who faces a primary challenge from Terri Napeahi.
The district covers Hilo, Keaukaha, Panaewa and Waiakea.
Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.