Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022

     To open his acceptance speech, Green referred to the Democratic Party and the election results for Hawai'i's congressional delegation. "We're dominating!" he said, congratulating incumbent Ed Case and Jill Tokuda who won their House of Representatives seat, and Sen. Brian Schatz who was reelected.

Lt. Gov. Josh Green was elected Tuesday to become Hawai'i's next governor. Photo from Green for Hawai'i

    In his mahalo talk, Green first thanked his wife Jamie. "Without you, there is no way I would be standing here tonight. Let's make this for Jamie. I love you for Jamie," he said, noting that she gives him "moral clarity." Green thanked many people gathered in the room for the celebration, from campaign workers to his security team and "Dr. Scottie" Miscovich, with whom Green worked in leading Hawai'i's Covid response.
    Green addressed Lt. Gov. elect Sylvia Luke as "A great friend, more than just a Lt. Gov. who will be my partner as we go forward." He also thanked Gov. David and First Lady Dawn Ige, who promised to help Green with the transition.
    Green thanked Republican gubernatorial competitor Duke Aiona and his running mate Seaolua Jr. Tupai for running a civil campaign, noting that the election in Hawai'i was "not like some other places," where there was less civility.
    "Tonight is about renewal," said Green. He said it's about change and a new era. Green promised to "do things that make a difference in your life," with "an optimistic vision." The governor-elect said, "We will take on the problems that seemed too difficult to solve." The first issue he mentioned is affordable housing and he gave examples of working people unable to afford to buy a house. He vowed to work on homelessness and mentioned a single working mother. He pointed to a father who can't afford to send kids to college and people who grew up in Hawai'i and have to leave to afford a home and a job that supports their families.