Its one of the big races this political season: U.S. Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa is challenging for the seat held by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz. The two met in Hilo for a forum on Wednesday, July 2nd.

Video by Tim Bryan, Forum Moderated by Sherry Bracken

HILO, Hawaii – People packed into Sangha Hall in Hilo to witness the only U. S. Senate Forum scheduled for Hawaii Island in advance of the Primary Election on August 9.

Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa is challenging incumbent Senator Brian Schatz for the seat. Schatz was appointed to the position by Governor Neil Abercrombie upon the death of longtime Senator Daniel K Inouye.

We broke the forum into sections in order to help viewers find the segments that are of most interest them. Use this special info-box below to navigate your way through the different sections of this forum:

SPECIAL VIDEO SECTION: Schatz vs. Hanabusa (July 2, 2014)

1. Introduction
2. Social Security
3. Economy
4. Kona Airport Customs
5. Fish & Wildlife Designations
6. Lending Restrictions
7. Native Hawaiian Education
8. Jones Act
9. Healthcare and Medicare
10. Pohakuloa Training Area, Saddle Road
11. Hawaii’s High Energy Rates
12. GMO
13. Closing

The event was sponsored by the Hawai‘i Island Chamber of Commerce, Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaii, Hawaii Island REALTORS®, Hawaii Island Contractors’ Association, Kanoelehua Industrial Area Association and the Hawaii Island Portuguese Chamber of Commerce. It was open to the community free of charge.

The forum was moderated by Sherry Bracken, Public Affairs Director for Mahalo Broadcasting and host of the Sunday interview show Island Issues for LAVA 105.3 fm and on KKOA 107.7 fm. She also reports on Hawai‘i Island news for Hawaii Public Radio and can be heard on Big Island Video News from time to time, as well.

The winner of the Democratic Primary will advance to the General Election on November 4 and face Republican, Libertarian, and Nonpartisan candidates.