Except the article's pretense is built on an upcoming debate being hosted at the State Capitol. As stated at the very start of the article, "Debate Hawaii will host a Capitol Debate forum asking debate teams to argue whether there should be a further increase in the general excise tax to fund rail." Debate teams are comprised of participants from all sorts of backgrounds, with a heavy showing from communications related backgrounds. At least the author makes the topic publicly accessible and encourages discourse without immediately sidelining anyone who isn't an "expert." If you want to make an argument that isn't "tired" feel free engage in such discourse.