Clyde McClain Lewman

Clyde McClain Lewman was born in Eugene, Oregon and has lived in Honolulu, Hawaii. He earned a high school diploma from North Eugene High School and a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Oregon in 1974.[1] His career experience includes working in sales and teaching chi-kung for a University of Hawai'i program.[2]

Clyde McClain Lewman did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Clyde McClain "Mac" Lewman. Moved to Hawai'i from Oregon at the end of 2016. Born and raised in Eugene and graduated from the University of Oregon win 1974 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and minors in Philosophy and Economics. Moved to Portland the day after graduating to work as Inventory Control for a wood products company. Later moved into wholesale where I started as worst of 12 and after 5 years became the best, winning many inter office awards. With a partner, started a wood products national wholesale warehouse distribution business, Ridgewood Forest Products. I left after after 5 years and worked for a wood products exporter, Wood International Corporation with Western Europe as my territory. A few years later left that very profitable business and started my own company Mico LLC, which was the basis for the exporting of plywood and lumber but also domestic wood product sales. I created other businesses within Mico including, Mac's Cedar and Alder BBQ Planks, Tai-chi Reflex Balls, Mico Bamboo and Wood Flooring and the last business within Mico LLC was DouglasFirFlooirng.com, which I sold in 2016 after a divorce and moved to Hawai'i, full time. I still help out with purchases, sales and consulting. I have been married twice and had a son and daughter with my first wife. My son died from drugs over 20 years ago. I live alone with my dog Ekai and am teaching Chi-kung to seniors through a University of Hawai'i program.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I support a Unicameral, no political party legislature for both Hawai'i and the United States. We have a two party political system of hatred. Imagine a corporation with two boards of directors that hate each other or a sports team with two sets of assistant coaches that despise one another. You would say that's ridiculous and insane. Well, that's what we have in the United States system with our two party system. The United States did not start with two parties. Nebraska is the only state with a Unicameral, one chamber legislature. I was told by a state capital secretary that members, (Senators) are closer to their districts and constituents and there is no other party to blame. Things get done!Capitalism is out dated and benefits mostly, the few. I support a new socio economic system of Monetism based on the ideas of Marco Dondi in his book, Outgrowing Capitalism. Because of Hawai'i being geographically, geologically, culturally unique, with a Americanized history for more than one-hundred years, Hawai'i is perfect for becoming a justifiable prototype Monetism experiment. The world does not have time to test piece by piece, we need a straightforward, full out prototype model that requires a sovereign nation starting its own currency and experiment with full involvement with the United States and the United States becoming a safety net for both Hawai'i sovereignty and Monetism. This could change the world.Hawai'i has been referred to as a gateway state because of its link between America and Asia. Hawai'i has the potential to become a gateway to the entire world by becoming of service to itself, becoming of service to the United States and becoming of service to the entire world, simply by becoming itself. The many ethnicities and cultures making up Hawai'i get along, but lack in respect. Native Hawaiians need to culturally take the lead. All others need to be willing followers. Hawai'i needs to become one culture in order to survive into the future. When you become the culture you become the people. Hawai'i is about heart, and all hearts are the same color.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Governance is crucial to survival. It should be taught in schools from beginning to end. Socio-economic policies need to be understood.. We have been conditioned to believe our leaders. No more! Leadership needs to be from the ground up. I am vice chair on the Manoa District 22 Democratic Council and I am also on the Manoa Neighborhood Board. I prefer the Neighborhood Board because it is non-partisan. Everyone is on some party but within the context of the neighborhood board we are all simply members expressing feelings, ideas and beliefs over issues then voting. It works! At democratic council meetings, it's about defeating the Republicans. What the republicans are doing here and over there and how we can counter. I do not like that.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to the likes of AOC and Bernie Sanders and Barack Obama. I look up to all ethnicities who struggle to become something: Teachers, doctors, lawyers, politicians, actors, sports figures. Because they've all got a lot going against them in this white male dominated world. I admire their courage to preserver.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Books: Outgrowing Capitalism by Marco Condi. A Compassionate Civilizations by Robert Work. Democracy in Chains by Nancy MacLean. From a Native Daughter by Haunani-Kay Trask and Autobiography of a Yogi, by Paramhansa Yogananda. There is a list of twenty-seven of my favorite books on my website mac808.com. On the dashboard click on Books. "Know me by the books I've recently read."

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty, truth and justice. Within every person, nation, society every organization and group of people, there exists a path of truth which we should all individually seek. It's not easy, it's not simple, but we each have a truth in us that is about who and what we are and when we are able to tape into that, only then do we become real. People need to become real. Our future is precarious and filled with danger. The best we can do is become real. When one is real, spiritualism replaces materialism. We cannot survive with "things." Things bring temporary happiness. Truth is happiness. We must all strive to live a life of truth. A few times in my life I have lived a lie in making money. In 1984, 85 I was making 225k per year exporting wood products to Europe. I was good but it was not who I was or what I wanted from life. There was stuff happening in the company that the owner and I could not agree with but reached a point where is simply said, I'm done. This was close to a million dollars a year and i was ok until I experienced the shock and surprise from friends and relatives thinking me to be crazy. I ended up in bed for three days and began seeing a psychiatrist for two years, went through a divorce and started Mico LLC (My Investment Company). I made money in smaller ways, with BBQ Planks, importing Tai-chi Reflex Balls (My brand name), creating a custom producing YogaSeats, small scale wood wholesaling that lead to douglasfirflooring.com, that I sold and now help out with and consult. After moving to Hawai'i in late 2016 I said to a mainland friend, I think I'll get into politics. All you need to do is make up a sign and stand out on the H-1. Joking of course, but little did I know where that joke would take me as it slowly turned into a running joke. I went from running for city council to running for governor in 2022, to now running for the US Senate.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Patience and understanding but also my own thoughts on important matters. I do not care what color the meridian is painted but I do care about the condition of the highway and how to prevent accidents and stop dangerous drivers. I care about the welfare of communities and of individuals. Welfare in general. I do not care a lot about money except that I do need it but I am not into accumulating and hording. I care about world peace and I care about children and their future and what we are creating and leaving behind. I care about social justice, participatory governance and I care about cultural tolerance peace and justice.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Truth and Justice! Dedication and Diversity. An elected official representing others should absolutely be dedicated to truth and justice. These virtues have become a joke in todays political world. One must dedicate themselves to these principals that easily become corrupted by party politics. Politicians, lie, cheat and steal in support of their party line, no matter how ridiculous and inappropriate they know it to be. This changes their character and turns them against their true nature, corrupting their thinking and higher knowing. Politicians are compromising themselves, which is inglorious and sad.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I was a good guy and came through with being of service to my fellow human beings.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

John F. Kennedy assignation. Even now clearly remember I was walking down the main hall at North Eugene High when the announcement came over the loud speakers. Age 16.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I was married at 18 right out of high school and worked in plywood mills while attending to college for nine years. My first job after college with Hearin Forest Industries in Portland, Oregon lasted five years at which time I started my own wood trading company Ridgewood Forest Products with a wood products friend working for a different company, Larry Buelna.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramhansa Yogananda. Because it is a beautiful life search for God starting at around five years old or younger. I read in it regularly and am on my 6 th reading. First time was about 1980. It just gives me comfort to read a few pages late at night.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Harry Potter

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Streets of Philadelphia by Bruce Springsteen. I played it on my you tube because I'd met someone from Philadelphia and over the past month have listened to it a hundred or more times.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Slowing down. I feel like I move in slow motion but others often give up in trying to keep up with me. People tend to think they have me figured out but don't really understand or know the real me.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Climate change / Protecting democracy /Correcting politics / Food supply / World leadership without killing each other. We should be helping Africa create a United Nations of Africa rather than raping there resources/ Lead by example by sharing peace and prosperity rather than creating a nation of self centered millionaires and billionaires. I have this thought that even Mark Zuckerberg would be a willing participant in a sovereign Hawaiian kingdom nation with a new fairer livable new socio-economic system where nobody owns land other than the kingdom nation but with proprietary leases and unlimited use.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Ten years would be about right, along with a full retirement. The country spends too much time and money on political campaigns. Once an election is over politicians are forced to take money from anywhere to pay for the next, way too soon, campaign. With AI technology the people are well informed and do not need or want to listen to promises that will often never be fulfilled. With a unicameral legislature, without parties involved, senators (all members are senators) are free to express their thoughts and ideas more honestly and truthfully, and reach a consensus. Without parties they are all on the same team. There can be parities with a unicameral but they are typically outside the body politics. Like being on a neighborhood board, parties as far as I know and with my own experience do not come into play. It's like you leave your party at the door. Overall, I prefer no parties, just honest, considerate and compassionate leaders.

What qualities does the U.S. Senate possess that makes it unique as an institution?

It seems to me the qualities it began with are not the qualities guiding it now. The two party politics is destroying the United States. Stock trading by all congresspersons should be illegal because how is not inside trading? Bribes in the form of donations is contribution is compromising and corrupt. Congresspersons may enter politics for good, altruistic reasons but seem to become quickly compromised and corrupted. Truth, honesty and justice does not seem to exist. People do not trust our politicians.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for senators to have previous experience in government or politics?

All relevant experience is important. In the wood products industry most business is done somewhat on a hand shake. Once abused, the word quickly spreads. This has to do with all aspects of sales and money. If a person or company misrepresents anything, most everyone in the industry will know about it and it matters. A descent long term wood person is usually respected because you won't last if you aren't descent. This does not seem to matter as much in politics where getting away with something tends to garner respect from one's party and where honesty is not expected and trusting is naive. Not so true in most other fields. For politics, I believe new fresh bold thinking and ideas without having been corrupted from past political experiences has merit. It will be obvious to the public in a short amount of time which way this new politician will go. We need to get back on right path like in the days of James Stewart going to Washington. Everyone will get burned and that experience will corrupt you or redeem you. I'll take that chance because I know myself, trust myself and believe you will be happy that you voted for me and that I made to Washington D.C.

What do you think of the filibuster?

I think the filibuster is a boring waste of time.

Is there a particular senator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Bernie Sander, AOC and nobody who takes AIPAC money and nobody who supports Israel with this genocide in Gaza. No excuses, no justification. Period, full stop.

How would you evaluate a judicial nominee?

Compassion is a big indicator to me of someone's character. Does not mean easy on crime but fair with everyone and needs to be color blind. If a justice sees his role as persecutor rather than prosecutorial, he/she is out.

What kind of relationships would you build with other senators?

One of my problems in life is that I do not dislike people. I can be angry but I do not carry or hold a grudge. At a high school reunion one of my childhood friends said to my wife (second wife) something like, "The think about Mac is that he had friends in all the different groups. " I was not deterred by someone's standing or a person or group's consideration towards someone. Some of my fondest memories were with others who were not considered popular. I was mostly friendly with everyone and did not even consider what others thought about who I liked or hung out with. Again, it would come down most often to intuition. If I got a bad vibe, I kept away and held back until something was proven. Mostly did not talk about it with others. If I had a bad vibe about a person and another friend of mine liked that person, I was fine with that. I never tried to interfere in another persons friendship or relationship. And, it was not like this was my plan or scheme, it was more just my nature. I was aware of it too but not like i see it now. I did not see it as a good thing about me or a bad thing. It was just who I was. and still mostly am.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Know how to negotiate. Since graduating from the University of Oregon in 1974, I have never worked for wages, which means every day I get up and get out there and make a deal of some kind in an honest and integral way. Without cheating or lying but in finding ways to make someone want to make a deal with you. There is no specific formula. It's more about tuning in to what's happening, knowing when to listen and when to talk and not try to B.S. your way through something you don't know or understand. You just need to be trustful but not stupidly so.

How should the U.S. Senate use its investigative powers?

Not frivolously.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Friends and neighbors. No organizations.

What criteria would you apply when deciding whether to confirm presidential appointees to their Cabinet?

There's a standard list of criteria like history and experience, etc., but most importantly the president's, and his advisor's own intuition. Leaders need to resonate with each other and need to be able to tune into each others thoughts and thinking pattern, even when different. Being different may be best. Like they say in France, "Viva la difference." I disagree often with my best friends, take a little heat, but somehow we get past it, get along and figure things out.

What committees interest you?

Energy and natural resources / Environment and Public Works / Foreign Relations / Judiciary/ Special Committee on Aging / Veteran's Affairs. They are all interesting and I would not object to being on any. I would select Foreign Relations as #1 and Aging as #2 choices.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

At 34 trillion in debt, I don't know what more needs to be said? You know, if you go back in time one-million seconds that would be about eleven days. One billion seconds would take you back to about 1992. One-trillion seconds would go back to around 30,000 BC. We are in a debt crisis and nobody, if I have a say, will take money from social security to pay down the debt. We need a new monetary system that I have mentioned that will create a fairer distribution of wealth along with a minimum basic income. More governmental transparency of course. What's going on with world currencies? How is the dollar holding up against the Chines Yuan and other currencies. I don't not have the full picture on this but it seems like nobody is being truthful or completely open and we do not know one way or another if we are on the brink of a total currency meltdown. Possibly Monetism is a way to start over? Need to investigate changing currency and socio-economic policies. A Trump dictatorship is not necessary, will not work, and it will lead to the end of freedom and democracy and a way on life we can love and cherish and be an expanding part of.

Campaign website

Lewman’s campaign website stated the following:

Political Views

Hawai'i Sovereignty

The United States Government needs to make amends and negotiate a settlement with the native Hawaiian people or simply give it back. Purchase all privately held land based on tax-assessed values and lease it back to the owner in perpetuity. Money goes first to the property owner's mortgage or directly to the owner if free and clear. The land becomes a part of the revised Kingdom-nation and as stated, is leased back to the owner in perpetuity.

Food is Freedom

Farmland owned by the city, state, federal government, and military could be leased at low rates to food-growing communities and coops. Private party food boxes, lawn-to-garden programs, and planting more fruit trees with city, state, and county assistance in growing, harvesting, purchasing, and processing would be promoted.

Waterworld Could be Real

The federal government could evaluate each island for additional moorages, creating several thousand low-priced liveaboard boat spaces. There would be security and parking, along with marine supply sales, grocery shopping, and complete bathroom facilities. High schools and trade schools should offer sailboat and ship building, fisheries, and courses in navigating by the stars and ocean currents. Hawaii needs to take greater advantage of its geology, geography and cultural history.

CREATING COMMUNITY

Private, church, and charter schools are divisive. I prefer one public school system with federal assistance: Kamehameha Public Schools or homeschooling only, with parents participating as hall monitors and friends of the students. "Together we stand, divided we fall."

Housing in Hawai'i

In some areas, one million dollars is entry-level housing. Condominiums cost less but have high maintenance fees. If Hawaii becomes an independent kingdom nation, the United States would be obligated to give back the land to the kingdom nation, which means buying back all private land at its current tax-assessed value, thereby reducing the value of existing properties.

Homelessness

A-I is expected to eliminate 40% of the existing jobs. Some new jobs will be created because of AI, but not enough to compensate for the 40% loss. Therefore, homelessness will increase. Small, 20-30 site-secured campgrounds with centralized bathrooms and cooking and eating areas could work well. Registration and a commitment to participate in general cleaning and upkeep could be required. Residents could register for community projects, like picking up litter and helping out in other areas, with credits going to food cards or car or scooter purchases based on their work.

Unicameral Legislature

If the most difficult person in the Republican Party got together with the most difficult person in the Democratic Party, without party affiliations, they would most likely get along and resolve any issue presented to them. The United States did not start out with two parties; they've run their course and are now simply rivals. A unicameral legislature does not necessarily have party affiliations. Some forms do, but even still, those affiliations are outside of the legislative process. Committees are formed, issues discussed, and once a conclusion is reached, the committee secretary presents it to the legislative body. Typically, twice, but this could be adjusted. Nebraska is the only state with a unicameral legislature that has been effective since the 1940s. I spoke with a courthouse receptionist who mentioned that the senators to whom members are referred are typically closer to their constituency. There is greater accountability because no other party is to blame for a bill not passing.

Imagine a two-party business model with competing boards of directors or sports teams with two sets of rival assistant coaches. This would be insane, and that's what our two-party system has become.

THE MILITARY

The United States Military is the greatest in the history of the world, with the possible exception of Genghis Khans's army. Whatever the outcome relating to Hawaii's sovereignty, the US Military has no intention of leaving, and we need to accept that. However, I would argue for the military to replace the Red Hill tanks. Move them up to Schofield Barracks, where there is greater ground separation to the Oahu aquifers. Modern storage systems are much safer than when Red Hill was established. We are presently at a dangerous risk of contaminating and destroying our drinking water supply, which would be devastating.

As mentioned, I would also want to evaluate the agricultural land under military jurisdiction and negotiate a farming use. As a U.S. Senator, I will reevaluate a reliable water and land lease agreement with the military. I am sure there are hundreds of acres they might be willing to give back or allow farming on.

I want to mention that I typically go to the North Shore at least once a week, and I often encounter military personnel in coffee shops and in various outdoor locations, where I have often enjoyed friendly conversations. I feel the thousands of soldiers here are decent, considerate, and respectful.

In spite of the United States history of colonialism, it is the only country in history that has given millions of dollars to rebuild countries it has defeated in war - to the very countries that started the war. In light of this exceptional compassion and consideration, it should be easy to simply give Hawai'i back and assist with a new beginning. [3]

—Clyde McClain Lewman’s campaign website (2024)[4]

Interview with Honolulu Civil Beat

Lewman highlighted the following themes in an interview with Honolulu Civil Beat on July 22, 2024. The questions from Honolulu Civil Beat are bolded and Lewman's responses follow below.[5]

Editor’s note: For Hawaii’s Aug. 10 Primary Election, Civil Beat asked candidates to answer some questions about where they stand on various issues and what their priorities will be if elected.

The following came from Clyde Lewman, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate. His primary opponents are Ron Curtis and Mazie Hirono.

Go to Civil Beat’s Election Guide for general information, and check out other candidates on the Primary Election Ballot.

1. What is the biggest issue facing Hawai’i and what would you do about it?

The biggest issue facing Hawaii is gentrification. Wealthy, high-income people and foreign investors are paying increasingly high prices for real estate and other products. This drives up housing costs, land and commercial real estate prices and all other products and services.

This is the result of an outdated, out-of-control, capitalistic socio-economic system, which is creating an ever-widening gap between the wealthy elite and everyone else.

As long as we are tied to this capitalistic profit-driven model, there is not much that can be done about forcing lower-income people off the islands and replacing them with the more wealthy.

A solution could be for Hawaii, and the United States, to conduct a prototype experiment based on Marco Dondi’s “Monitism,” described in his book “Outgrowing Capitalism.” Hawaii would be established as a sovereign kingdom nation with its own monetary system. The United States would be a safety net for both sovereignty and this futuristic democratic, non-capitalistic socio-economic system that could positively impact the world.

This is a way for Hawaii to be of service to itself, to the United States and to the world.

2. What can the U.S. Congress do to reduce gun violence?

By age 18, I owned two rifles and three shotguns. I understand gun owners’ desire for the latest and greatest.

I support background checks for all gun dealers and sellers, including private gun sales. If we do not cover everyone, it is close to being a waste of time.

There should be legal liability for a weapon used in a crime by the seller who did not do a required background check or illegally sold a firearm.

The New Civil Liberties Alliance was the challenger to the bump stock ban, which turns a semi-automatic into an automatic weapon. The Christian nationalist movement is training a militia and wanted the bump stock ban reversed, so the Supreme Court complied. They are all connected, and all are a threat to freedom and democracy.

They need to be stopped in November so Congress can impeach these corrupt Supreme Court justices. Only then can we reduce gun violence.

3. The polarization in Congress is worse than ever. Some say democracy itself is in trouble. How would you work to end the political polarization that divides both the Congress and the country?

Polarization in Congress continues to worsen, with freedom and democracy vs. authoritarianism on the November ballot. We must keep the Democrats in office for four more years and, during that time, create a new unicameral one-chamber political system without party affiliations, where all members are equally considered senators elected from their states or districts.

Imagine corporations having two boards of directors that hate each other or sports teams with two sets of assistant coaches who despise one another. You would agree that would be absurd and insane. That is precisely what we now have with our two-party, two-chamber Congress.

The United States did not begin with two parties, and the benefits we have had from the two parties and the two chambers have long stopped accruing.

Now, it seems the entire Republican Party is trying to subvert the Constitution. At one time, this would have been treasonous.

Democrats need to trounce the Republican Party this November while at the same time being prepared for a much more violent takeover of Congress and the United States by the Republican Party.

4. Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, while currently financially sound, risk future funding concerns because of changing demographics. What would you propose to shore up the country’s major safety net programs?

Social Security pays out approximately $1.5 trillion annually and has a