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Hawai‘i County Council Election Results Indicate Potential Runoffs

Hawai‘i County Council Election Results Indicate Potential Runoffs

Preliminary results from the Hawai‘i County Council elections suggest that four of the nine council seats may head to a runoff in November. Incumbents Heather Kimball and Dennis 'Fresh' Onishi have retained their seats, while Jennifer 'Jenn' Kagiwada may face a runoff. The elections saw a mix of incumbents and new candidates vying for open seats, with some races being particularly close. For instance, in District 5, the top three candidates are within 100 votes of each other, potentially leading to a recount. The voter turnout for the primary was 32.7%, with 44,027 of the 134,573 registered voters participating.

Hawaii Voters Head to Polls for Primary Election with Key Races on the Ballot

Hawaii Voters Head to Polls for Primary Election with Key Races on the Ballot

Hawaii voters are participating in the primary election, with polls closing at 7 p.m. The election features races for lieutenant governor, state legislature, and a U.S. congressional seat. Voter service centers are open for in-person voting, and ballot drop-off locations are available across the Big Island. The primary will determine candidates for the November general election, with several incumbents facing challengers. Voter turnout is steady, with many residents emphasizing the importance of voting to influence local and state policies. The election process includes voter registration and accessible voting options.

Hawaii's Wildfires Disaster Case Management Program Transitions to County Control

Hawaii's Wildfires Disaster Case Management Program Transitions to County Control

Hawaii's Wildfires Disaster Case Management Program, initially managed by the state Department of Human Services, has transitioned to county control. Governor Josh Green and Mayor Richard Bissen announced the shift, emphasizing the importance of local coordination in delivering support to wildfire-impacted residents. The program, which began in 2023, has assisted over 6,900 survivors with services totaling $173 million. The transition aims to enhance local expertise and community connections, ensuring continued support as survivors prepare for the end of FEMA's Temporary Housing Assistance program in February 2027.

Progressives' wave of success meets choppy waters in Hawaii

Progressives' wave of success meets choppy waters in Hawaii

Longtime Rep. Ed Case won his Democratic primary against a well-funded progressive challenger in Hawaii's 1st District.

Rep. Ed Case Faces Primary Challenge from State Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole in Hawaii

Rep. Ed Case Faces Primary Challenge from State Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole in Hawaii

Democratic U.S. Representative Ed Case is seeking re-election for a seventh term in Hawaii's 1st Congressional District. However, he faces a significant challenge from state Senator Jarrett Keohokalole in the Democratic primary. Recent polls suggest Keohokalole is leading Case with a 47-38 margin. Despite this, Case holds a substantial advantage in campaign funds. Keohokalole has criticized Case for his support of President Trump's Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE Act), which mandates proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration. Case defended his vote, stating that the version he supported included accommodations for voters unable to present documentation. The winner of the Democratic primary will face Republican Adriel Lam, who is running unopposed.

Hawai'i Police Advise Motorists to Avoid Kapuna Road Due to Downed Utility Lines

Hawai'i Police Advise Motorists to Avoid Kapuna Road Due to Downed Utility Lines

The Hawai'i Police Department has issued a warning to motorists to avoid Kapuna Road due to downed utility lines. The affected area is between Highway 19 and Old Māmalahoa Highway. The public is advised to stay clear of the area for at least the next six hours as crews work to address the situation. The downed lines pose a safety hazard, and the police are coordinating with utility companies to restore normal conditions.

Maui County Releases Recovery Update Ahead of 2023 Wildfires Anniversary

Maui County Releases Recovery Update Ahead of 2023 Wildfires Anniversary

Three years after the devastating Maui wildfires, the County of Maui has released a series of recovery update videos highlighting ongoing efforts to rebuild and support the community. The series, led by Mayor Richard Bissen, focuses on housing recovery, business rebuilding, and emergency response improvements. Notable progress includes the rebuilding of nearly 600 homes, with another 400 under construction, and the restoration of infrastructure such as roads and sewer services. The County has also secured $1.6 billion in HUD Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery funding, the largest allocation ever awarded to a local government. The recovery efforts are part of a broader initiative to ensure that Lahaina and other affected areas can move forward in a way that reflects the community's vision and values.

Hawaii Democratic incumbent fends off left-wing challenger in congressional primary

Hawaii Democratic incumbent fends off left-wing challenger in congressional primary

NEW YORK, Aug 9 (Reuters) - U.S. Representative Ed Case easily fended off a Democratic primary challenge from a progressive rival for one of Hawaii's congressional seats, election results showed late Saturday.

Westlake Elects New Mayor as Calcasieu and Beauregard DAs Secure Reelection

Westlake Elects New Mayor as Calcasieu and Beauregard DAs Secure Reelection

In the recent elections, Damon Hardesty has been elected as the new mayor of Westlake, Louisiana, succeeding Hal McMillin who is retiring after over 30 years in public service. Meanwhile, district attorneys Stephen Dwight and Jimmy Lestage have been reelected in Calcasieu and Beauregard parishes, respectively. The elections saw over 200 seats open in Southwest Louisiana, with many races uncontested. The newly elected officials will assume office on January 1, marking a significant shift in local governance as new leaders prepare to take on their roles.

14 Candidates Secure Unopposed Victories in Montgomery County Election

14 Candidates Secure Unopposed Victories in Montgomery County Election

In the recent Montgomery County General Election, 14 candidates ran unopposed and secured their positions without contest. These candidates include incumbents and new officeholders across various county positions, such as the County Commission and county offices. The election featured 33 races, with 19 contested and 14 uncontested. The unopposed candidates represent a range of political affiliations and will continue to shape the county's governance and policy landscape. The election results reflect the political dynamics and voter engagement in the region.

AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Hawaii’s state primary

AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Hawaii’s state primary

An ongoing corruption scandal involving Hawaii’s lieutenant governor looms over Saturday’s state primary as nine candidates jockey to replace her

FEMA Investigates Hawaii's COVID-19 Funding Following Indictment of Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke

FEMA Investigates Hawaii's COVID-19 Funding Following Indictment of Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is reviewing COVID-19 funding in Hawaii following the indictment of Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and others on charges of public corruption. The indictment involves alleged misconduct related to COVID-19 emergency response funding from 2020 to 2022. FEMA has obligated approximately $312.8 million for Hawaii's COVID-19 response, and the agency is assessing whether any funds were misused. The indictment includes charges of bribery and falsifying reports, with allegations that funds were improperly directed to benefit certain individuals and organizations.