Mazie Hirono is refusing to debate Governor Linda Lingle on all of the neighbor islands, depriving people across the state of a chance to evaluate the U.S. Senate candidates side-by-side on the issues important to their communities.

“Hirono’s disrespect for neighbor island residents is a sign of arrogance,” Lingle Campaign Manager Bob Lee said. “How can people trust her to represent them in the United States Senate when she isn’t willing to defend her ideas?” Lee asked. …

Hirono has missed five candidate debates and forums since the Primary Election. 

In clear contrast, Governor Lingle has committed to over 20 debates and forums around the state, including three on Maui, one on Kauai and two on the Big Island.

Asked for a response, Kinsey Kiriakos, Hirono’s communications director, said this:

Linda Lingle would rather have a false debate about debates than a real debate about her support for Mitt Romney and the national Republican agenda.