Two political worlds are about to collide in Puna.
Greggor Ilagan, a Hawaii County councilman, is seeking to unseat state Sen. Russell Ruderman in the Democratic primary.
And the race is getting heated.
The two candidates have clashed in political forums over their approaches to a Puna makai alternate route and the mudslinging continued during interviews with the Tribune-Herald.
Ruderman, 62, has sought to portray Ilagan as lacking independence, claiming he doesn’t want an alternate route to Highway 130 to satisfy landowner Shipman Estates.
“Voters should want an honest, independent voice and not a puppet,” said Ruderman, who owns Island Naturals and was elected to the District 2 seat in 2012. “Because a puppet will never really represent our district.”
Ilagan said he supports the alternate route idea but wants to see a “realistic” plan in place, noting it needs support from the subdivisions.
The 30-year-old councilman dismissed the criticism from Ruderman. He said he has no problem “going against the grain” and cited his opposition to tax increases proposed by the county administration.
Ilagan also returned a few punches.
“He concentrates on divisive issues and continues to isolate himself,” he said of his opponent.
Both entered politics the same year.
Up to now, they have followed a different path.
Ruderman said his issues are making government more accountable, addressing rapid ohia death and rat lungworm disease, promoting local agriculture and improving the economy.
Projects he is working on include construction of an emergency room facility, two libraries in Puna and creating an “agriculture park” that could provide low-cost leases to farmers.
Ruderman said he sees his business experience as being valuable at the state Capitol.
“The same skills that allow me to be successful in business allow me to be successful in politics,” he said.
Ilagan said his priorities include education, particularly improving “financial literacy,” combating rapid ohia death, improving health care in the area, and bringing more jobs to the district. He said he wants to promote more “village centers,” including in places such as Hawaiian Paradise Park.
Ilagan indicated he hopes to be in the state Legislature for a long time.
“I want to be the Daniel Inouye of Puna,” he said, referring to the late U.S. senator.
Both said the state should help fund more water and sewer lines to support commercial development.
Ilagan announced his candidacy last August. At the time, Ruderman was considering running for County Council or mayor.
Ilagan jumped at the opportunity, he said, thinking his opponent was stepping down from the Senate.
But Ruderman said Ilagan never contacted him before making his announcement, creating a larger rift between the candidates. Ilagan receiving an endorsement from Senate President Ron Kouchi, who Ruderman opposed in the leadership vote, also touched a nerve.
Ruderman saw that as an attempt by political opponents to get him unseated.
“I find it absurd that he’s challenging me, yet I have to take it seriously because he’s a very good campaigner,” he said.
The winner in the primary will face Libertarian candidate Fred Fogel in the general election.
Fogel, 66, said he is for limited government and home rule.
“The local people should have more say,” he said. “Every island has a different flavor.”
Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
