Wayne Yoshioka is an award-winning journalist who has worked in television, print and radio in Hawaiʻi. He also has been on both sides of politics as a state departmental appointee and political/government reporter. He covered Hurricane Iwa (1982) as a TV reporter; was the State Department of Defense/Civil Defense spokesperson for Hurricane Iniki (1992); and, commanded a public affairs detachment in Afghanistan (2006). He has a master's degree in Communication from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and is a decorated combat veteran (Legion of Merit, Bronze Star and 22 other commendation/service medals). He resides in Honolulu.
Kirk Caldwell announced in a statement Wednesday that he is ending his campaign for governor in the upcoming Democratic primary election. He says lack of funding is a top reason for ending his campaign.
Hawaiʻi’s race for governor has three major Democratic Party candidates to date, while a fourth is considering a run. Lt. Gov. Josh Green announced his candidacy on Thursday. Former Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell and former first lady Vicky Cayetano are also running. The primary election is scheduled to be held Aug. 13.