With a crowded field of candidates and little time to campaign, the 14 hopefuls for the vacant District 5 City Council seat used a live televised forum last night to try to distinguish themselves from the rest of the pack.

All 14 candidates took part in the forum, which was sponsored by The Honolulu Advertiser and televised live on 'Olelo television. The event was moderated by Gerald Kato, University of Hawai'i Communications Department professor.

Ballots for the special election were mailed out recently for the seat left vacant by the death of Duke Bainum on June 9. The district includes parts of Kapahulu and Kaimuki, Palolo Valley, St. Louis Heights, Manoa, Mo'ili'ili, McCully, Kaka'ako and part of Ala Moana and Makiki.

The forum's format allowed each candidate one minute to answer questions or offer concerns and solutions to various issues. The issues varied, from real property taxes and sewers to homelessness and the proposed fixed-rail system.

The better-known candidates, former Councilwoman Ann Kobayashi and former state Sen. Matt Matsunaga, highlighted their public service experience, while many of the political newcomers discussed the need for new blood and fresh ideas.

Each candidate opposed raising property taxes and fees to balance the city budget. If given a choice between furloughs or layoffs, most said they would prefer furloughs.

Phillip Rockwell suggested reducing spending by eliminating redundancies in government, while Michael Cain said he would push for more private-public partnerships to provide services to the city. Wendell Ching was the only candidate to propose that the city create a lottery to generate revenue.

The candidates also offered suggestions on how to deal with the homeless problem, but it was Jacques "Butch" Sims who spoke from experience. Sims, 36, said he was homeless for most of his high school and college life and said many people want to be homeless.

"Housing is not the answer," Sims said. "When the city provides training for the people who are willing to be trained or get a trade, that's when you'll see a difference."

The other candidates in the race are Heidi Bornhorst, Gladys Hayes, Nathaniel Kinney, Philmund Lee, Keolu Peralto, James Quimby, George Waialeale and Earl Winfree.