Kirk Caldwell said Friday that he wants a broadcast television debate for the mayoral contest against challenger Charles Djou.
“With no live televised debate, voters are being denied the opportunity to determine which candidate has the substance and is qualified to lead our city,” the Honolulu mayor said in a press release.
He continued:
“While some have commented that there’s ‘no more to be discussed,’ I couldn’t disagree more. Charles and I have major differences in how we approach financing and completing rail, finding homeless solutions, as well as critical issues like public safety, city finances, affordable housing and improving our aging infrastructure.”
Thus far, no local TV station has said they are planning a mayoral debate
The mayor said he’d welcome “a televised, primetime hour-long debate moderated by a respected journalist,” something he said “is the single best way for voters to be informed of our positions.”

Caldwell again criticized Djou for canceling a forum with the mayor that was to be held on PBS Hawaii.
Djou said he would be happy to debate Caldwell.
He also said he was disappointed the mayor did not participate in a forum on Olelo Community Media.
GET IN-DEPTH
REPORTING ON HAWAII’S BIGGEST ISSUES
Help power essential news and information
As a local newsroom, Civil Beat has a unique public service role in times of need. Your support ensures that we can pivot when emergencies arise and get vital information out to everyone, from all communities.
Support timely and accurate breaking news stories as well as impactful coverage across the state. Donate today.
About the Author
-
Chad Blair is the politics editor for Civil Beat. You can reach him by email at cblair@civilbeat.org or follow him on X at @chadblairCB.