The Pacific Resource Partnership is a political action committee made up of members from the carpenters union and unionized construction companies in the state. They are a strong supporter of $5.26 billion Honolulu Rail Project and have so far spent over $1.2 million urging the public not to vote for Ben Cayetano, who opposes rail. The Pacific Resources Partnership has accused Cayetano of taking illegal campaign contributions in the past and for rewarding his supporters with no-bid contracts under a “pay-to-play” system.
Former Governor Ben Cayetano has filed a libel suit against the Pacific Resource Partnership in state Circuit Court and alleges that the PRP is “conspiring to conduct a coordinated campaign of push polls, or politically biased polls, broadcast advertisements and fliers that falsely accuse Cayetano of knowingly accepting illegal campaign contributions, giving government contracts in exchange for contributions, and keeping contributions for personal gain.” One of Cayetano’s attorneys, Jim Bickerton, stated, “This case is about big money for big lies, and it’s about the future of elections in Hawaii. It’s bigger than Ben vs. Kirk, and it’s bigger than rail vs. bus. It’s about whether we’re going to let secret, shadowy groups with unlimited funds pump lies into the public discourse.”
Mayor candidate Kirk Caldwell has remained quiet regarding the battle between the the PRP and Cayetano. Caldwell stated, “As for my own campaign, my priority is to stay positive and focus on city issues and what’s best for the people of Honolulu.”
Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 10-23-2012, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Broker-in-Charge, Realtor®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
www.myhawaiihomesearch.com
www.myhawaiicondo.com
www.myhawaiidreamhome.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Broker-in-Charge, Realtor®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
www.myhawaiihomesearch.com
www.myhawaiicondo.com
www.myhawaiidreamhome.com
