Dining for Democracy
Wednesday, February 24, 2016 marked Common Cause Hawaii‘s first benefit dinner, “Dining for Democracy”, at The Pig and the Lady featuring investigative blogger Ian Lind as the keynote speaker. As a former newsletter publisher, public interest advocate, peace educator, legislative staffer, lobbyist for Common Cause Hawaii, and currently an investigative reporter and columnist who has been blogging daily for 15 years, Ian was able to share incredible stories about how Hawaii politics and local media has morphed over the past 30 years.
Photo: Ian Lind addresses the crowd
Ian pointed out that 30 years ago, business at the capitol was conducted behind closed doors, and how he had to count the number of feet he saw under the cracks of doorways in an effort to determine which legislators attended a meeting; or how no documents (bills, drafts, etc.) were shared with the public so no one knew what lawmakers were talking about during hearings; how the former head of the Hawaii’s judiciary did favors for legislators (like made traffic tickets “disappear”) in return for increased funding for his department; and how Common Cause Hawaii helped to uncover this scandal. Today, Ian remains optimistic about the future, even though currently things are far from perfect, strides have been made and things are much better than before.
Photo: The packed house listens to Ian’s key note speech
The packed house was eager to ask Ian questions, which included what he thought the biggest issue Hawaii’s lawmakers face today (lack of vision), whether or not people today are more apathetic to political issues than they were 30 years ago (it’s about the same, if we take into account how people get their information today i.e. social media), and what data sets he thought should be made available to the public (procurement and government contracts).
Mahalo to Ian Lind and Dr. Meda Chesney-Lind and to everyone who came out to support Common Cause Hawaii and helped us make Dining for Democracy a success! A special mahalo to our event team: Christine Trecker, Melissa Force and Aloha Party Experts, Richel Cole and For The Good Hawaii, The Pig and the Lady, and the amazing jazz guitarist (and former Common Cause Hawaii board member!) Tom Chun for providing the entertainment. Mahalo to Sean, Skyler, Julie and the Pig and the Lady for wonderful food and service.
Cheers to good government!
Photo: Jazz guitarist Tom Chun plays for the crowd
Photo: beignets from the Pig and the Lady
