HILO, Hawai'i — Candidates to replace Big Island Mayor Harry Kim are focusing on transportation and economic issues affecting residents on both sides of the island. But some candidates are feeling left out.

When the Hawaii County Bar Association invited candidates to a forum this week, they included only the four with the biggest campaign funds: council members Angel Pilago and Stacy Higa, former mayor Sen. Lorraine Inouye and former Kim executive assistant Billy Kenoi.

About a dozen protesters lined the road outside the forum Tuesday waving signs reading "Exclusion is Corruption" and "Unfair Election Practice." Candidates not invited to the forum were Joseph Borrozo Jr., Sam Masilamoney, Jasper M. Moore and Randy Riley.

Pilago said they shouldn't have been excluded.

"Next time we have a forum, let's meet with everyone," he said, declaring himself free from the island's "old boy network."

"We need to bring peace to our island," Pilago said.

Candidates were asked if a county gas tax should be implemented to help build or improve roads, but none of them liked the idea.

"There is no way you should ever raise the gas tax. I'm totally against that," Higa said. He proposed express and direct routes to improve the Big Island bus system and more low-cost housing near jobs to ease traffic.

Kenoi suggested an increase in the weight tax to create a mass-transit system. He said tax revenue should be reallocated toward transportation solutions.

ON MASS TRANSIT, TAXES

Kenoi promised that if he didn't put into motion the development of a comprehensive mass-transit system, he would not run for re-election.

Pilago said, "With our economic downturn, this is not the time to talk about raising taxes. I will not raise taxes." He said he would go after delinquent landowners to help finance better transit.

Inouye said she would not favor increased taxes and, in fact, would look at lowering property taxes. She said federal dollars should be sought to improve transportation.

Higa said he wanted to be the mayor who saves the county "a lot of money," adding that he would engage community members to help.

As an attorney, Kenoi said he best understands the complexities of the law and has the educational background and energy to lead.

Inouye pointed to her long political career, as mayor, councilwoman and state senator. She claimed credit for bringing millions of dollars of federal and state money to the island and said she would focus on bus transportation and roads.

She offered support for an alternative route between Hilo and Puna.

Pilago said he would push through community development plans.

Candidates also addressed disparities between the Hilo and Kona sides of the island.

Inouye said she's always spent time on both sides of the island.

Pilago said, "We need to keep our island whole and intact."

Kenoi said the east vs. west feelings are about the need for better facilities and roads.

Residents of West Hawai'i might feel the traffic congestion, while people in East Hawai'i have better access to government services, with the county seat in Hilo.