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Posted: Thursday, August 30th, 2012 9:06 AM HST

Congressional hopeful Crowley stumps in Hilo

By Ken Hupp - 67AM KPUA News

Republican Congressional candidate Kawika Crowley has begun a campaign swing on the Big Island where he vowed to wage a strong fight against Democratic nominee Tulsi Gabbard in the race for the second Congressional district seat. The 61-year old O`ahu resident who formerly worked as a Big Island recording and advertising executive told reporters in front of the state building in Hilo that he will soon request a debate with Gabbard, a former Honolulu City Councilwoman. “I’m your conservative alternative to big fat-ass government, and that is the key issue,” Crowley said. “The people of Hawai`i, us neighbor islanders need to know the difference between what I stand for and what Tulsi Gabbard stands for. Crowley said among the issues where he and Gabbard differ are on rail and Obamacare, which he opposes and traditional marriage, which he supports. He was joined by a group of supporters, which included mixed-martial arts fighter BJ Penn, who said he was on hand to back up Crowley, who he said was a family friend. “We’re all family, everybody standing here,” Penn said. “I grew up with his kids and it makes me feel better to come out and see him talking and his different views and definitely I’m a supporter. Good job Mr. Crowley.” Crowley, a 1969 Hilo High School graduate said he would begin a “Walk the Islands” campaign, which he is kicking off on the Big Island. Content for this story was provided by Big Island Video News.