In the open races for state Senate, The Advertiser endorses newcomers George Yamamoto, a Democrat, in the 19th District (Kapolei, Makakilo, Waikele); and Keoki Leong, a Republican, in the 24th District (Kailua, Kane'ohe).

The District 19 seat, vacated by the retiring Brian Kanno, must be filled by a person who understands the strong and diverse sentiments of the Leeward district, and knows how to build a working consensus.

George Yamamoto, a retired 25-year Honolulu Police captain, can do the job. He's demonstrated that at the grassroots level for the past seven years as a member of the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board, with two years as board chair.

The jump from neighborhood board to state Senate is a big step, but it's a natural one for someone who can give voice to the passions of his district: traffic relief, development, education and crime.

He has strong common-sense ideas, such as bringing more jobs to the area to drastically reduce commute times.

His opponent, Mike Gabbard, a former Honolulu city councilman is a polished speaker who enters the race with the name recognition of an incumbent.

But Gabbard said his "views have not changed" since his strong anti-gay positions established during his fight against same-sex marriage from 1990-1998.

And if the issue is revived as a state's rights matter, he would be a solid wall against same-sex marriage. In addition, Gabbard says he doesn't oppose prayer in public schools, so long as they are "student-led." Such positions may potentially make Gabbard a more polarizing figure than a unifying one.

Yamamoto vows to give solid representation for all in his district. He merits support for state Senate District 19.

In the race vacated by GOP congressional hopeful Bob Hogue, in the 24th District (Kailua Kane'ohe), The Advertiser endorses Hogue's former aide, Keoki Leong.

Leong has more experience working in the state law-making arena, as well as a solid track record as a Kane'ohe Neighborhood Board member, working on a solution to the community dispute over the use of the Ha'iku Stairs.

He promises to apply mediation skills to a knotty jurisdictional impasse over the restoration of Kawai Nui Marsh. A solution has eluded Hogue and state Sen. Fred Hemmings, R-25th District (Kailua, Waimanalo, Hawai'i Kai), but The Advertiser finds other reasons to support Hemmings, the Senate minority leader, in his re-election bid.

Hemmings has shown a willingness to join bipartisan efforts, such as the cigarette tax and the restriction on workplace smoking, that benefit the broad community. It's essential for both parties to look past partisan interests to find common solutions.

In the other state Senate races, incumbents get our endorsement. Sen. Les Ihara Jr. D-9th (Kapahulu, Kaimuki, Palolo) merits re-election for, among other things, his courage in standing up to the Legislature last session on sunshine laws. Sen. Carol Fukunaga, D-11th (Makiki, Pawa'a), and Sen. Suzanne Chun Oakland, D-13th (Kalihi, Nu'uanu) have also represented their constituents well and deserve re-election.

In District 20 ('Ewa Beach, Waipahu), Sen. Will Espero has shown a commitment to his district, especially in fighting for traffic improvements. He should be returned to office.