It’s an amazing time and perhaps the first time ever that anything can be researched online. The possibilities are huge and opportunities for economic growth are potentially game-changing for remote locations with perceived geographical limitations. That’s us.

We learn on the web just as fast as the next page loads. I’ll cover more about the speed at which the pages load here in Hawai`i and our digital opportunities. For now, there are still a few choice moments left in the campaign for mayor, so let’s have some fun!

So exactly what do you expect from the next mayor’s website?

Should you be able to leave the mayor a message? Should you be able to discuss current issues with other people on the mayor’s website? 

Should we be able to see what the mayor has accomplished on a timeline, with relevant photos? Should there be any polls on current issues? Should the mayor’s official website include an organizational map? Should other interactive tools be available online to help us understand how our local government functions on a day to day basis? Should there be video, animations or podcasts from the mayor or the mayor’s staff? Should we be able to know exactly who is posting information on behalf of the mayor?

The incoming mayor is only limited by his or her awareness, ethics, transparency and ability to communicate online. All the tools are free and with a little more than email, your next mayor can blog and reach out to us in our homes when we want, if we want.

Will the mayor’s official website ever be as good as their campaign website? Are ethics and transparency only reserved for kids. Kids are quickly learning that to adapt to online social networks with their classmates they must be honest and ethical. Should mayors be held to the same standard?

Grandmas are selling products on ebay. Grandpas are blogging about politics. Is it time for us to expect a better online relationship from the folks we elect to represent us? I think so and those of you out there with your own business or organization would probably agree.

With this mindset, I’ve entered a few comments and first impressions in a brief review of the mayoral campaign websites. The official filings from the candidates were used for this review. You can get the same information here: http://elections3.hawaii.gov/candidates

Joseph Barrozo Jr.

ReportList2Candidate Name: Barrozo, Joseph Committee Name: Joseph Barrozo, Jr. J.B.J.. List of Reports Filed. Report Name, Reporting Period, Filing Date, Amended …

Website Suggestions: Buy the domain, “JOEBARROZO.COM”. It’s available. Then build and host a website with the help of local web professionals.  Possibly make it a memorial site?

Stacey K. Higa 

Stacy Higa - Hawaii Big Island mayor 2008
Official Campaign site for mayor 2008 campaign on Big Island of Hawaii.

Website Suggestions: Make a statement on your site about the need for free wi-fi across the island. More people could watch your video in your district with increased bandwidth. Maybe use a local company to host your site?

Lorraine Rodero Inouye

 Official filing: email, senlrinouye@rzm.blackberrry.net website, none listed

Lorraine Rodero Inouye –Candidate For mayor of the County of Hawai’iHawaii Senator Lorraine Rodero Inouye represents District 1 on the Big Island of Hawaii. She is a member of the following committees: Water, Land, …

Website Suggestions: Consider transparency when posting in Wikipedia. You come up fifth for “mayor of Hawaii” points to your “accomplishments” page. Maybe remind your supporters that there are lots of issues to help define on Wikipedia. You surely get my vote for most savvy campaign supporters.

Billy Kenoi

 Official filing: email, wkenoi@gmail.com website, billykenoi.com

Billy Kenoi For mayor – Campaign `08
Billy Kenoi is a trusted advocate for our Hawaii Island community. He listens to our concerns and responds with programs and services that address the …

Website Suggestions: Maybe include the sustainability video on your homepage? Remove the tiny text and replace with your sustainability or vision videos you have posted on blip.tv.

Sam Masilamoney

 Official filing: email, sammasila@hotmail.com website, none listed

Sam Masilamoney’s vision for The County of Hawaii – Truveo Video …
Sam Masilamoney, candidate for mayor, shares his vision for a better, fairer and kinder Hawaii. 

Website Suggestions: Start blogging on your site. Use Twitter.com and FriendFeed.com to get your message out. Save money marketing online. Use more relevant keywords for improved search results. 

Jasper Moore

 Official filing: email, mooreformayor@gmail.com website, none listed

Jasper Moore – News and commentary from Puna, Hawaii
On Friday, February 1st Jasper Moore launched a brand new campaign that, he says, …What was it that Jasper Moore remembers most about the times? …

Website Suggestions: Lots of single comments on your pages presents you with an opportunity to increase service to your visitors. Allow them to subscribe to their comments (“subscribe to comments” plugin) when they post on your site. This can help flow the discussion once it’s started. Maybe allow video comments? There’s a free tool from seesmic.com which integrates nicely with discus.com giving you a complete solution for free. Use equivalent text links for your graphical buttons on your homepage. This is a free way to improve your search rankings and help aid web accessibility for persons with disabilities. It’s a legal requirement if you get into office. 

Angel Pilago

 Official filing: email, apilago@hawaii.rr.com website, angelpilagomayor.org

K. Angel Pilago - Hawaii County mayor, 2008
K. Angel Pilago for mayor of Hawaii County, 2008 - Official Campaign Website.

Website Suggestions: Fix the broken link behind the “Recent Questions” link. Get your videos in front of more voters.

Randy Riley

No way to tell what was relevant without changing search criteria.

Website Suggestions: People may think you are trying to hide something when they can’t identify or find you on the web. Try get a Linkedin.com or Facebook.com account. It’s easy and they’re free. 

Conclusion