Hawaii's Democrats unite following primary election, focus now shifted on November

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - From opponents to teammates, Hawaii's Democratic candidates gathered at the Dole Cannery Sunday for the party's traditional Unity breakfast, less than 24 hours after Saturday's primary election.

The event brought together those who won with those who were less fortunate and the focus now has shifted to the agenda for November.

"Democrats come together and focus on the issues, focus on how we can best join hands in serving the people of Hawaii and fighting for the issues important to them," said congressman Tulsi Gabbard.

Of the victorious was incumbent Gabbard and U.S. Senator Brian Schatz, who easily bested their Democratic challengers to advance to the general election.

Gabbard will take on Republican Angela Kaaihue.

"I'm really grateful and humbled by the strong vote of confidence we got last night," Gabbard said.

"I just want to say how appreciative I am to be here," said Sen. Schatz.

Schatz will now face Republican John Carrol in November.

The GOP candidate defeated three challengers in his bid for senate.

"If I got 4,000 or 5,000 votes last night I would have been very happy, but to come out with almost 26,000 is almost unbelievable to me," said Carroll.

Meanwhile, Colleen Hanabusa soared to victory with nearly 65,000 votes.

She says it's a bittersweet feeling to have the chance to fill the seat left vacant by congressman Mark Takai, who died of pancreatic cancer in July.

"Before he had asked me to run and he was going to withdraw as a candidate, but I didn't expect him to pass and leave us as quickly as he did," Hanabusa said.

Hanabusa advances to meet Shirlene Ostrov in the November 8th general election.

She was the only republican in the primary field to run for U.S. house seat.

"The best solutions come from when there are different views," said Ostrov. "I bring a different view as a mother, a warrior in uniform, as a statesman and as a business owner."

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