[420 Girl]

Big Island mayoral candidates Billy Kenoi and Angel Pilago agreed on the need to protect the environment and improve infrastructure during yesterday's televised debate, but clashed over enforcement of marijuana laws.

Kenoi, 39, and Pilago, 63, sparred for half an hour on stage at the Hawaii Theatre in Honolulu in a debate sponsored by The Honolulu Advertiser and KGMB9.

Kenoi said he is opposed to an amendment to the county code on the Nov. 4 ballot that would instruct police to make enforcement of marijuana laws their lowest priority.

"I do not believe we should direct police on what they should or should not prioritize," Kenoi said.

Pilago said he will vote for the amendment. He said he does not use marijuana or condone its use, but favors the amendment because enforcement of marijuana laws has led to civil rights violations and has not been proven effective.

Kenoi was by far the highest vote getter in the Sept. 20 primary, pulling in more than twice the votes of Pilago, his nearest competitor. Kenoi also enjoyed the support of business groups such as the Hawai'i Island Chamber of Commerce, and an array of construction trades and government worker unions.

In addition to those advantages, Kenoi holds an edge in fundraising. He raised nearly $346,000 as of his most recent filing with the state Campaign Spending Commission, compared with $85,000 raised by Pilago.

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