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Island Son: The Life and Times of Hawaii's Republican Reformer
Island Son The Life and Times of Hawaii's Republican Reformer Author:Fred Rohlfing A fresh look at Hawaii politics, past and present, is the theme of Fred Rohlfing's autobiography, Island Son: The Life and Times of Hawaii's Republican Reformer. In his 280-page memoir, the former state senator and long-time public servant provides an alternative view of life in Hawaii's traditionally Democratic-controlled political arena. — Rohl... more »fing recounts his four legislative victories and two narrow Congressional campaign losses and shares inside details of leasehold reform, early mass transit efforts and other political issues of the 1970s still relevant today. He is blunt in describing his battles for a more diversified GOP during the early statehood years and offers equally candid opinions on current political issues such as the Superferry, the Akaka Bill and education decentralization. An unabashed supporter of Republicans in today's politics, Rohlfing still finds common ground with Democrats in efforts such as land reform leadership and issues such as collective bargaining for Honolulu's nurses.
Karl Rove, former Senior Advisor and Chief of Staff to President George W. Bush, hails Island Son as "an energetic, engaging memoir. Naval officer, lawyer, public servant, elected leader, judge, Pacific diplomat; Rohlfing gives special attention to Hawaii's early statehood years and present challenges. An entertaining and informative read."« less