Duke Aiona & Charles Djou: Republican pick-ups in Hawaii?

By Richard Ivory

Some months back, Honolulu City Councilman Charles Djou announced that he would run for one of two Hawaiian Congressional seats. This seat was held at the time by Rep. Neal Abercrombie. According to news reports, Rep. Abercrombie is vacating his long held congressional seat to run for Governor.

This will give Republicans an opportunity to pick up a seat in of all places Hawaii. What’s even more interesting is that there is no sure bet that Rep. Abercrombie will win the Governor’s seat. The current Lt. Governor of Hawaii, Duke Aiona, a Republican, also wants to be Governor and has already launched an impressive early campaign.

Below is a little info about Charles Djou & Duke Aiona


Council Member Charles Djou: - http://www.djou.com/

Charles represents the area from Waikiki to Hawaii Kai on the Honolulu City Council. Before entering the City Council, Charles served in the Hawaii State House where he was the Minority Floor Leader. Charles has spent most of his life in Hawaii. Charles graduated from Punahou School and earned both a B.A. in Political Science and a B.S. in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Finance and Commerce, graduating magna cum laude with distinction. Charles earned his law degree from the University of Southern California law school.

Outside of the City Council, Charles serves as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserve. Charles also practices as an attorney specializing in business law and teaches at the University of Hawaii’s William S. Richardson School of Law.

Charles is an active member of the community. He has served on the Board of Directors of the American Lung Association and is a former member of the Neighborhood Board. Charles is a member of the Young Business Roundtable, the Rotary Club, and the Hawaii Telecommunications Association. Charles is also a member of the Hawaii Republican Party, where he previously served as Vice Chair. Charles is married to Stacey Kawasaki Djou and together they have three children. Charles’ surname “Djou” is a misspelled French translation of his Chinese surname “Zhou.”


Lieutenant Governor James R. “Duke” Aiona, Jr - http://dukeaiona.com/

Lieutenant Governor James R. “Duke” Aiona, Jr. has dedicated his life to serving the people of Hawai`i. Born and raised in Hawai`i, Duke Aiona has served the public as a city prosecutor, city attorney, state judge, and for the past seven years as Lt. Governor. Throughout his career, Duke has led the fight against crime and illegal drugs while working to strengthen Hawai`i’s families and promote Hawai`i’s businesses.

Duke Aiona was first elected Lt. Governor in 2002, and, working together with Governor Linda Lingle, has helped bring success to Hawai`i in numerous ways. As the most active Lt. Governor in Hawai`i’s history, Duke has played a vital role in prudently managing our state budget, restoring government accountability and integrity, improving education for children and young adults, crafting affordable housing solutions and advocating for much-needed tax relief for families and small businesses.

As a proud kama`aina born and raised in Hawai`i, nothing is more important to Duke Aiona than the health and well-being of our state’s families, and he has never forgotten his roots. Duke was born in Pearl City and graduated from Saint Louis School. After receiving his bachelor’s degree from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, he earned his law degree from the University of Hawai`i’s William S. Richardson School of Law.

While attending law school, Duke met his wife, Vivian, and they have been married since 1981. Together, they have four children: Makana, Ohulani, Kuli`a, and Ka`imilani. Duke is a dedicated husband and father, and leader in his church and the community. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees for Saint Louis School, and was formerly a board member of Maryknoll School.