As general election nears, Aiona and Green point out differences on hot-button issues

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Lt. Gov. Josh Green and former Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona are dialing up efforts to point out their differences as Hawaii voters prepare to select their next governor in November.

Green, a Democrat, supports abortion rights. Aiona, a Republican, says he’s personally against abortion.

“Abortion remains legal in the state of Hawaii so it’s a woman’s right to choose,” added Aiona.

Green countered, “He’s not being honest at all with the people. especially the women of Hawaii.”

Both Aiona and his running mate Junior Tupai say the abortion debate in Hawaii is moot, regardless of their personal views.

“I’m pro-life,” Tupai said. “I believe that life begins at the moment of conception until the natural cause of death, but we know that we are for the rule of law and that those laws are passed by the legislative branch.”

Green claims if he’s elected, Aiona will be able to act on his conservative views.

“It’s not just the law, but his cabinet,” Green said.

“The people who carry out decisions in government. The people who carry out decisions in government, the director of health, the attorney general ... they will be a reflection of the next governor.”

The two also differ on whether there should be an emergency special session to reverse a state Supreme Court ruling requiring grand juries for serious felons.

Prosecutors say the decision could dangerous criminals back into the streets.

“It is absolutely necessary for the Ige and Green administration to convene a special session of our state legislature to propose, discuss legislation to resolve this issue,” said Aiona.

But Green said, “Duke is playing politics with people’s justice rights by saying just come in slam it home in the legislature.”

On Monday, House Speaker Scott Saiki informed Senate President Ron Kouchi that the House has more than two-thirds majority for a special session.

Kouchi says he’ll see if the Senate has enough support to re-convene.

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