Delving into Hawaiʻi’s 2024 political landscape with Stan Fichtman

HONOLULU (KHON2) — Hawaiʻi has little representation at the federal level due to our size. So, local politics are very important to us.

KHON2.com was able to catch up with Stan Fichtman, host of “Politics Hawaiʻi with Stan Fichtman”.

We sat down for an engaging conversation to discuss his background, political views and the unique political landscape in Hawaiʻi.

Born and raised in Hawaiʻi, Fichtman has a deep connection to the islands, which informs his commentary on the state’s social, political and business issues.

Through his blog and podcast, he provides insights into the local political scene, drawing on his extensive experience and observations.

Fichtman’s journey into politics began early, influenced by his family’s discussions around the dinner table.

“I’ve always been a person who liked to write and express opinions,” he said, crediting his mother for fostering his interest in political discourse.

Although his parents were not directly involved in politics, they often talked about it at home, sparking his curiosity.

This early exposure laid the groundwork for Fichtman’s later career, where he combined his love for writing with a deep interest in political issues.

After spending three years in Asia, where he witnessed the political tensions between Hong Kong, China and Taiwan first hand, Fichtman’s fascination with politics deepened.

“It became a fascinating thing,” he reflected, explaining how living in Asia offered him a new perspective on global politics.

Upon returning to Hawaiʻi, he pursued degrees in political science at the University of Hawaiʻi, earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. This academic background, coupled with his work at Pacific Business News, where he served as research director, provided him with a comprehensive understanding of Hawaiʻi’s unique socio-political environment.

“Hawaiʻi has a very different dynamic of business than, say, the mainland or other places around the world,” Fichtman explained.

His blog, “Politics Hawaiʻi with Stan Fichtman”, was born out of a desire to share a local perspective on the issues that matter most to the people of Hawaiʻi.

“We talk about the social, political, and business zeitgeist or what’s going on around us here in Hawaiʻi from a local’s perspective,” he said.

Fichtman’s content covers a wide range of topics, from the merger of Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines to the aftermath of the Maui fires and the latest election results.

His goal is to provide nuanced insights into the state’s political landscape, drawing on his personal experiences and deep understanding of local issues.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Fichtman’s analysis is his comparison of Hawaiʻi’s political history with that of the American South.

He points out that while the South took decades to undergo significant political changes, Hawaiʻi experienced a relatively rapid transformation from Republican dominance during the territorial days to a Democratic stronghold after statehood.

“In Hawaiʻi, you know, we had 70 years of what we called Republican rule over the territory and then, you know, for four years in the state. But what really came down to was, it was the oligarch party; and Democrats provided an option out of that,” Fichtman explained, drawing a parallel to the power structure of Southern plantation owners.

This shift in Hawaiʻi’s political landscape, according to Fichtman, was driven by the mobilization of marginalized communities, much like the civil rights movement in the South.

“The civil rights movement on the mainland actually kind of got going right around the same time as when Hawaiʻi just, you know, snapped its fingers and it flipped everything,” he said, highlighting the rapid pace of change in Hawaiʻi compared to the South.

Fichtman credits leaders like Daniel Inouye and John Burns for playing crucial roles in this transformation, noting that the shift was not solely about economics but about addressing the rights of minorities.

Looking ahead to the 2025 elections, Fichtman anticipates a potential power struggle within the Democratic Party in Hawaiʻi.

He identified two factions that might clash: the more moderate wing, currently represented by Scott Saiki and potentially Nadine Nakamura, and the progressive wing, led by newcomers like Kim Coco Iwamoto.

“I fully suspect that there’s gonna be a battle between the more progressive liberal wing and the more moderate wing,” he predicted, suggesting that this internal conflict could lead to significant changes in Hawaiʻi’s political landscape.

Fichtman also pointed out the geographical dynamics at play, noting that both Kouchi and Nakamura are from Kauaʻi, which could influence the power structure within the state’s government.

“There is a factor that I just realized. If Nadine Nakamura was to come in, she’s from Kauaʻi, the president of the Senate, Ron Kouchi, is also from Kauaʻi,” he observed, hinting at the possibility of complex deal-making as the two factions vie for control.

As someone who identifies as a centrist, Fichtman approaches these political dynamics with a balanced perspective.

“I always just try to take it from a balanced standpoint where I look at it and say, OK, let’s look at all sides on this,” he explained as he emphasized the importance of considering multiple viewpoints when analyzing political issues.

He acknowledged that the changing political landscape in Hawaiʻi demands a nuanced understanding of both historical and contemporary contexts.

Fichtman repeatedly stressed the importance of understanding Hawaiʻi’s unique political and cultural history.

He recommended several key books for those interested in learning more, including “To Catch a Wave” by Tom Coffman and “Land and Power in Hawaiʻi”. He also mentioned former Governor Ben Cayetano’s book as a valuable resource.

“If you want to get involved in politics here in Hawaiʻi, read the classics,” he advised, underscoring the value of these works in gaining a deeper understanding of the state’s political environment.

As he reflected on the unpredictable nature of politics, particularly with the upcoming Democratic National Convention, Fichtman encouraged a watchful approach, likening it to sitting back with a bag of popcorn to watch the show unfold.

“This ain’t over until at least the general is done,” he remarked, suggesting that the political landscape in Hawaiʻi and beyond is still very much in flux.

Fichtman’s insights offer a valuable perspective on the complexities of Hawaiʻi’s political environment.

His deep understanding of the historical and cultural factors that shape the state’s politics, combined with his centrist approach, makes his analysis both informative and thought-provoking.

You can watch Fichtman’s full interview in the video above. You can access his podcast here.

As Hawaiʻi moves closer to the 2025 elections, Fichtman’s commentary will undoubtedly continue to provide crucial context and clarity for those looking to understand the evolving dynamics of the islands’ political landscape.