Surprised that this piece didn't formally link up the backing that Hanabusa has for this race. it is no surprise that the Inouye faction of the Democratic party has been itching to get back into Washington Place with a leader that "lays down the law" like Uncle Dan did in the past. 

On another factor from this article, the west-side heritage is going to be played very differently between Hanabusa and Tupola. Hanabusa represents, for lack of a better word, the "west side rich". That would be the Ko Olina/part of Kapolei West/upper hillsides of Nanakuli, Maili and maybe even the condo valley dwellers in Makaha. Tupola is going to represent the blue collar, at the coast residents where most of the people live. If Tupola can rally the voters on the Waianae Coast, I am sure that the race for Governor, in just that district, will be immensely spirited if not downright exciting.