MAUI

State Legislature - Neighbor Island Races

STAR-BULLETIN / 2002 Bob Nakasone, left, walks with Calvin Say and Nestor Garcia at the state Capitol. The veteran lawmaker is battling cancer but faces no re-election foe.

WAILUKU » State Rep. Robert H. Nakasone said he is ready to continue public service after completing chemotherapy treatment for lung cancer.

“Presently, I feel pretty good,” Nakasone said.

Nakasone will not be facing an opponent in the Democratic primary, with the withdrawal of former Maui Mayor James “Kimo” Apana from the race.

Apana said he filed for Nakasone’s seat in the 9th District (Kahului-Lower Paia) when it appeared the state senator was not going to run for office.

Nakasone was excused 42 days of the 60-day session this year, after learning of his illness.

Nakasone, 68, has served 16 years in the state House.

He is expected to face Republican Henry Kahula Jr. in the general election.

In primary races, state Rep. Joseph Souki is facing a challenge from the Rev. Natalie Kama of Christian Ministry Church, who has run unsuccessfully for seats on the County Council and state Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

Personal fitness trainer Michael Gingerich, who has campaigned for Barack Obama and been a district chairman for the Democratic Party, is seeking to unseat state Rep. Joseph Bertram (D, South Maui).

State Rep. Kyle Yamashita (D, Upcountry Maui) is facing a challenge from Summer Starr, a founder and president of political action group Progress Hawaii that worked to get out the vote in 2004.

Realtor Bart Mulvihill is running against state Sen. Rosalyn Baker (D, West Maui-South Maui).