July 16, 2008

For Immediate Release

Contact: Dave Atias (808) 264-3695, mauigreen34@yahoo.com

Summer Starr Files Papers To Run for Upcountry Seat

(Makawao) Summer Starr filed papers today with the County of Maui to run in the Democratic primary election for a seat in the Hawaii State Legislature. Her campaign slogan is "From Upcountry, For Upcountry."

Starr, who was born and raised in Makawao, is running to represent District 12, which includes Olinda, Pi`iholo, Makawao, Hali`imaile, Pukalani, Kula, Keokea, Kahikinui, Pulehu and parts of Ulupalakua. She is running on a platform that focuses on agriculture, renewable energy, resource management and supporting our communities and small businesses. Both her mother and father come from families with deep roots in Hawaii.

"I am blessed to have grown up amidst such beauty and community here in Upcountry, but without fundamental change, that lifestyle is threatened," Starr said. "It is clear that what is in place right now is not working. I want to make sure that those who follow us can grow and flourish in an environment that is healthy and pono."

"I'm walking door-to-door all over Upcountry listening to what people want and expect from their government, " Starr added. "I'm so excited to make my candidacy official and I am ready to serve my community."

Starr, a graduate of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, has worked for the Legislative Reference Bureau and has a record of leadership in community, environmental and cultural organizations.

Starr's vision for Upcountry can be seen at www.ElectSummer.com. She also blogs about her campaign at http://electsummer.blogspot.com.

Na Hoa O Summer Starr, PO Box 329, Makawao, HI 96768