Ben Shafer defeats Clayton Hee in Senate District 23 Democratic race
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - In the state Senate District 23 race, Ben Shafer won the Democratic primary election over veteran lawmaker Clayton Hee and will face off against Republican Brenton Awa in the general election in November.
District 23 includes communities of Kaneohe, Kahaluu through Laie, Kahuku to Mokuleia, Schofield Barracks and Kunia Camp.
Following the third printout, Shafer secured 3,337 votes over Clayton Hee with 2,585.
Shafer, 65, is a longtime community advocate and veteran. One of his top priorities is climate change and its effect on Oahu’s roadways.
He’s also known for fighting against Turtle Bay Resorts’ expansion and said while he lacks name recognition, his support is sizable and growing.
Shafer has also been endorsed by HSTA and other unions.
Awa, who was unopposed in the primary, said for this election, he’s not campaigning, so no fundraising or sign waving.
“You’re going to have three governors, a former senator, trying to take me out, but what it comes down to is the people of our district,” said Awa.
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Hee, 71, lost his fight to regain his old state senate seat after losing it in 2018. He served in the legislature for 16 years and as an Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee for 12 years.
Hee put a focus on farming, sea level rise and the cesspool problem.
“Those are three issues that if we can at least begin to chip away and address them, It will serve the next generation,” said Hee.
If either Hee or Shafer win in the primary, he’d face off against Republican opponent state Sen. Brenton Awa in the general election, who stands unopposed in the primary.
Awa said for this election, he’s not campaigning, so no fundraising or sign waving.
“You’re going to have three governors, a former senator, trying to take me out, but what it comes down to is the people of our district,” said Awa.
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