5 Key Takeaways from the Saturday Primaries

During Hawaii’s recent Democratic primaries, while the top congressional leaders secured their positions with ease, the local races proved more contentious, revealing unexpected outcomes and notable competitive spirit.

One of the most shocking results was the defeat of House Speaker Scott Saiki. He lost his bid for reelection to the House District 25 seat against Kim Coco Iwamoto, a civil rights attorney and former school board member known for her progressive stance. Saiki had represented this urban district, which encompasses Ala Moana, Kakaako, and downtown Honolulu, since 1994. He had narrowly beaten Iwamoto in both the 2020 and 2022 primaries.

Throughout his campaign, Saiki focused on the achievements from the previous legislative session, which included vital measures such as disaster relief and tax cuts. However, Iwamoto challenged his record, particularly on issues such as condo insurance rates and the minimum wage. She argued that Saiki had not done enough to meet the demands of his constituents. If Iwamoto prevails in the general election, she will make history as the first openly transgender individual to serve in the Hawaii House of Representatives.

Another significant loss occurred for veteran politician Clayton Hee, a former Hawaii State Senator. Hee, who had received endorsements from three former governors, was defeated in the Democratic primary for District 23 by Ben Shafer. Shafer is recognized for his community advocacy, particularly against the controversial expansion of Turtle Bay Resort. His victory was bolstered by substantial support from various unions, notably the Hawaii State Teachers Association. In the upcoming general election, Shafer will face Republican State Senator Brenton Awa, who ran unopposed in his primary. This matchup is anticipated to be one of the most competitive races in the state, as both candidates strive for control of one of Hawaii’s few swing districts.

In another surprising development, State Representative Trish La Chica emerged victorious against Ken Inouye, the grandson of the late U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye, for the Democratic nomination in the 37th District. La Chica focused her campaign on educational issues, appealing directly to students, parents, and educators in Central Oahu. In contrast, Inouye, who serves as an assistant vice chancellor at the University of Hawaii-West Oahu, addressed broader concerns related to the cost of living and the nexus between retirees and younger generations. This contest highlights the evolving political landscape in Hawaii.

Compounding the unique nature of these elections, the late Representative Mark Nakashima won 100% of the vote in the Democratic primary for the 1st House District, despite having passed away on July 11. Nakashima remained on the ballot as the sole candidate, which led to his uncontested victory. Following this, Hawaii’s Office of Elections confirmed that Governor Josh Green will be tasked with appointing a replacement based on a list of three candidates nominated by the Democratic Party.

The primary elections also brought attention to the race for mayor of Hawaii Island. Mayor Mitch Roth garnered approximately 39% of the vote in the primary but did not secure the required 50% needed for an outright win, indicating a likely runoff on November 5. Kimo Alameda, a psychologist, emerged as Roth’s closest competitor with around 28% of the vote. The other candidates, Breeani Kobayashi, a hotel general manager, and Junior Tupa‘i, a pastor who previously ran for lieutenant governor, did not receive sufficient support to qualify for the runoff.

These primary results set the stage for an interesting political season as Hawaii prepares for the general elections. The changes and competitive nature of local races may influence the political landscape significantly.

Source: USA Today