Former State Senator Seaking Central Oahu City Council Seat

Ron Menor

Former state senator Ron Menor will run for the City Council District 9 seat currently held by Nestor Garcia, whose term ends this year. Menor lost his Senate seat in 2008 shortly after pleading no contest to a charge of driving under the influence. Menor said he doesn’t believe the conviction will hinder his campaign and that the experience will help him to better represent the district.

“I acknowledged my involvement in the DUI and publicly apologized for it on a number of occasions,” he said. “I’ve paid a heavy price for that mistake. It was a hard lesson, but one I took to heart and take very seriously. Because of that experience, I believe I’ve emerged a better person and one who will be more committed to the work of the City Council. I have a fundamental faith that the vast majority of voters are forgiving and understanding and are willing to give people who made mistakes a second chance.”

The 56-year-old attorney, who as a senator authored a law that capped gas prices at levels tied to prices in several markets on the continent, said that although energy policy is the purview of the state, the council has an obligation to ensure the city is making the most of its energy use.

During his time in the senate, Menor chaired the Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection and Housing Committee, and the Energy and Environment Committee.

“Rising gas prices are major concerns to the residents of our county and state because these price increases have a negative effect on our cost of living,” he said. “I view gas prices, along with other cost-of-living issues, as concerns our government officials need to address in the future. As a city councilman, I will make sure our city government operates efficiently and holds the line on taxes and fees. Our residents are hurting because of the high cost of living and the high prices they have to pay on a daily basis.”

A proponent of the rail project, Menor said the mass transit project must integrate buses, bike paths and more walkways into the plan, and that the city can no longer afford to pass along the problem of traffic congestion to the next generation.

“My concern, and the concern of many of my fellow residents, is that past solutions, by themselves, such as the bus system and managing the highways, have not worked and will not solve a problem that will only get larger.”

Honolulu City Council District 9 includes Mililani, Waikele, Waipahu, Village Park, Royal Kunia and Ewa Beach.