A host of local races were decided during the Aug. 8 primary election, including:
Hawaii County Council
District 2 — Incumbent Council Chairman Aaron Chung of Hilo retained his seat after besting challenger William Halversen in the primary election. The district includes Downtown Hilo, Wailoa, Mohouli, Ainako, Kaumana, Piihonua, Wailuku, and Waianuenue
District 3 — Incumbent Hilo Councilwoman Sue Lee Loy was re-elected to her District 3 seat, defeating Henry Kaaihue and Paul Neves. The district includes Banyan Drive, Keaukaha, Hilo Industrial Area, University of Hawaii at Hilo, Puainako Houselots, Kawailani Houselots, Panaewa, Kulani, Keaau Shopping Area and Keaau High School.
District 4 — Incumbent Puna Councilwoman Ashley Kierkiewicz was unopposed in the primary, thus winning her second term on the council. The district includes Hawaiian Paradise Park, Hawaiian Beaches, makai of Pahoa Town, Nanawale Estates, Leilani Estates, Pohoiki and Kapoho.
District 6 — Incumbent South Kona Councilwoman Maile David was unopposed in the primary, thus winning her fourth and final term on representing the district, which includes Volcano Village, Hawaiian Orchid Island Estates, Pahala, Punaluu, Naalehu, South Point, Ocean View, Milolii, Hookena, Honaunau, Keei, Napoopoo, Captain Cook, part of Kealakekua, Keopuka Heights, Kona Hospital and Keopuka Kai.
District 7 — Incumbent Kona Councilwoman Rebecca Villegas was elected to a second two-year term, easily defeating her well-financed challenger, Jane Clement, during the primary election. District 7 includes part of Kealakekua, Kona Scenic Subdivision, Kainaliu, Honalo, Keauhou, Kahaluu, Holualoa, Kona Hillcrest, Pualani Estates, Sunset View, Kuakini Heights, Kona Vistas, Alii Heights, Kona Industrial and Lono Kona.
District 8 — Political newcomer Holeka Inaba defeated Bo Kahui in the primary election for the County Council District 8 seat being vacated by term-limited Karen Eoff in the primary. The district runs from Mauna Lani Drive and Queen Kaahumanu Highway south along the coast to Old Mamalahoa Trail north of Kailua-Kona, and extends east to the Pohakuloa Training Area boundary.
District 9 — Incumbent Tim Richards defeated both Phillip “Ippy” Aiona and Ranae Keane for the County Council District 9 in the primary election. District 9 includes Mauna Lani Resort, Waikoloa Village, Puako, Waikii, parts of Waimea, Puukapu Farms, Puukapu Homesteads, Puukapu Village House Lots, Lualai, Puuopelu, Lalamilo, Waiaka, Kawaihae, Kohala Ranch, Mahukona, Hawi, Kapaau and Halaula.
Hawaii County Prosecutor
Deputy Prosecutor Kelden Waltjen narrowly averted a runoff in the race for Hawaii County prosecutor defeating Jared “Kamaka” Auna, a defense attorney and former deputy prosecutor, and Christopher Bridges, who’s been a lawyer for two-plus decades, in the primary election.
State House of Representatives
District 6 — Incumbent David Tarnas will retain his seat representing areas of North Kona and North and South Kohala after running unopposed in the primary election.
District 7 — Incumbent David Tarnas will retain his seat representing areas of North Kona and North and South Kohala after running unopposed in the primary election.