Kirk Caldwell said Friday that he wants a broadcast television debate for the mayoral contest against challenger Charles Djou.

“With no live televised debate, voters are being denied the opportunity to determine which candidate has the substance and is qualified to lead our city,” the Honolulu mayor said in a press release.

He continued:

“While some have commented that there’s ‘no more to be discussed,’ I couldn’t disagree more. Charles and I have major differences in how we approach financing and completing rail, finding homeless solutions, as well as critical issues like public safety, city finances, affordable housing and improving our aging infrastructure.”

Thus far, no local TV station has said they are planning a mayoral debate

The mayor said he’d welcome “a televised, primetime hour-long debate moderated by a respected journalist,” something he said “is the single best way for voters to be informed of our positions.”

Cory Lum/Civil Beat

Caldwell again criticized Djou for canceling a forum with the mayor that was to be held on PBS Hawaii.

Djou said he would be happy to debate Caldwell.

He also said he was disappointed the mayor did not participate in a forum on Olelo Community Media.