Hawaii Democratic Senate Primary Debate Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Representative Colleen Hanabusa (D-HI) participated in a debate for the Democratic nomination to the U.S. Senate before the August 9, 2014, primary election. The candidates responded to question from reporters and via social media from the public. Debate topics included veterans' health care, operations in Iraq, National Security Agency (NSA) surveillance, job creation efforts, and sovereignty for native Hawaiians. The debate at the Hawaii News Now studio was co-sponsored by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Tannya Joaquin introduced the debate with an overview of the history of the seat that included video clips. close