MEDIA RELEASE

State House 5 candidates Denny Coffman and Dave Bateman will square off in a one-on-one debate in an effort to highlight policy and position differences between the two legislative hopefuls.

The event is 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4 at Konawaena Elementary School Cafeteria.

Former legislator Virginia Isbell will be the moderator as the two contenders debate issues including cost of living, energy, agriculture, the economy and education. Questions will also be taken from those in attendance.

“This is a departure from the candidate forums held so far that only allow candidates 90 seconds to talk about complex issues with no follow-up,” event organizer Rick Thompson said. “This will be in-depth with a lot of back and forth, including the candidates asking each other questions.”

The event is sponsored by the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii and the Kona Tea Party.

Organizers hope that this will become a model for future head-to-head contests that give voters more content and a better understanding of candidates’ positions, experience and qualifications so that they can make better informed choices.