10 Hawaii election stories HPR is following this year

With so much at stake this election both locally and nationally, it can feel overwhelming. Here at Hawaiʻi Public Radio, we’ve narrowed down the top 10 articles about the election, races and topics we’re paying close attention to.

Polls close in Hawaiʻi on Tuesday at 7 p.m., but you can still vote as long as you’re in line by that time at a voter service center. If you have not yet sent your ballot by post, you should take it to an official box as it must be received by the close of polls.

1. Harris vs. Trump for US President

We’d be remiss not to talk about the biggest race on everyone’s mind: the presidential race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Hawaiʻi has historically been solid, electing only two Republican presidents since statehood: Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon. In 2020, President Joe Biden won just over 63 percent of the vote in Hawaii, compared to Trump’s 34 percent.

During the low-turnout Democratic primary in March, when Biden was still leading the presidential ticket, Hawaii had the highest percentage of uncommitted votes in the country. However, there appears to be more enthusiasm now with Harris as the candidate, with political organizations reporting an increase in volunteers since she became the Democratic nominee.

2. Checking the local temperature on marriage equality through the constitutional amendment question

Hawaii legalized same-sex marriage in 2013, but left in Section 23 of the constitution that says the Legislature has the power to restrict same-sex marriage — and effectively restrict same-sex marriage.

This the question asks voters whether that power and language should be repealed. Hawaii inserted Section 23 into its constitution in 1998 after receiving 69% voter approval. It was largely seen as a reaction after the Hawaii Supreme Court became the first in the world to rule in favor of same-sex marriage in 1993.

The results of this constitutional amendment question could indicate changing views, although the wording of the question may have alienated some voters. Constitutional amendments must win a majority of votes to pass. That means a blank vote is essentially a “no” vote.

3. Holder vs. challenger for Mayor of Hawaiʻi County

Mayor Mitch Roth is facing Kimo Alamedaa psychologist best known as the leader of the Hawaiʻi Island Fentanyl Task Force. Roth is seeking a second term as mayor of Hawaiʻi Island. Before that, he spent eight years as a county prosecutor. Roth’s campaign focuses on his achievements in affordable housing, investment in dilapidated infrastructure and homelessness.

Roth frequently points to the success of his 13-point plan to reduce homelessness, as this year’s point-in-time number reflected a 28 percent drop in homelessness on Hawaiʻi Island. Alameda says Roth didn’t do enough during his time as mayor to prevent people from becoming homeless by addressing drug addiction and mental health issues. Alameda also criticized Roth for not moving fast enough on the canal conversion and the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant.

4. No incumbent in West Oʻahu State Senate District 22 race

Democrat Cedric Gates is running for a seat against Republican Samantha DeCorte. District 22 covers Ko ʻOlina through Waiʻanae and Mākua in West Oʻahu and faces significant issues including homelessness, crime and traffic congestion. Gates focuses on the cost of living, particularly strategic tax cuts on food and medicine, as well as improving accessibility to renewable energy.

DeCorte’s top priority is to accommodate Native Hawaiians by expanding funding for the Home Hawaii Department of Lands to pay for land acquisition and infrastructure development. In the 2022 election, DeCorte lost to former Senator Maile Shimabukuro by less than 75 votes. Shimabukuro resigned from the Legislature at the beginning of this year.

5. Incumbent Brenton Awa’s unconventional campaign in Windward Oʻahu’s District 23 Senate race

Sen. Brenton Awa, a Republican, faces Democrat Ben Shafer. The large geographic district covers Windward Oʻahu to the North Shore. Awa has pledged not to campaign and has received no political contributions this year. Instead, his Instagram focuses on planting trees to replace plants damaged by the invasive coconut rhinoceros beetle and banning foreign investors from buying property in Hawaiʻi.

Shafer has raised about $67,000 so far in his campaign. Its main focus is addressing climate change and its impact on North Shore infrastructure and homes. He also wants to address the high cost of living and government accountability.

6. Honolulu council members ask voters to consider pay raises

Currently, the Honolulu Salary Commission sets councilmen’s salaries, but the council can veto it. The question to O’ahu voters ask if the council’s vote on their salaries should be removed and if any increase in councilors’ salaries should be capped at 5%. It also questions whether councilor salaries should be adjusted at the same rate as union contracts for city employees.

This comes after the Honolulu Wage Commission in 2023 recommended a 64% increase in councillors’ salaries. Council President Tommy Waters refused to let the council vote on a raise in 2023, despite pushback from several other council members.

7. Republican incumbent faces Democratic teachers union for State House District 39

Republican Elijah Pierick is facing Democrat Corey Rosenlee, the former head of the Hawaii State Teachers Association, for a second term. In 2022, Rosenlee lost to Pierick by just over 700 votes. However, that victory came amid a bribery scandal involving a former representative of that district, Democrat Ty Cullenwho was convicted of accepting bribes.

Pierick is part of a socially conservative faction of Republicans in the Legislature. His campaign focuses on crime and business deregulation. In comparison, Rosenlee supports paid family leave, universal preschool, and expanding child tax credits. If Pierick is re-elected, that could signal what this central O’ahu district has become a new republican bastion.

8. Incumbent Kapolei’s first test after winning a Democratic seat

Republican Rep. Diamond Garcia, also part of the social conservative faction, faces small business owner and Democrat Anthony Makana Paris. Garcia won House District 42 in 2022 against then-incumbent Matthew LoPresti, who had been arrested for allegedly driving while intoxicated before the election — though his case was dismissed. Garcia’s campaign is focused on decreasing business regulations. Makana Paris is focused on providing affordable housing to families in Hawaii. A second victory for Garcia could signal that this O’ahu district has become a new Republican stronghold.

9. A neighborhood over, a story similar to no. 8

Republican David Alcos faces Democrat John Clark III, a retired naval officer and longtime ʻEwa borough council member. Alcos won House District 42 in 2022, defeating incumbent Sharon Har, who had been arrested for allegedly driving while intoxicated before the election — though her case was ultimately dismissed. Do you see a pattern?

Alcos recently faced scrutiny, having to pay the Ethics Commission more than $12,000 for failing to disclose millions of dollars in debt. If Alcos is re-elected, it could signal that this district has become a new Republican stronghold.

10. Will local voter turnout rebound after a historic low?

The 2020 general election — the first time Hawaii voted primarily by mail — generated the largest voter turnout since 1996. Since then, momentum has waned. This year, the state had its lowest primary voter turnout since statehood: a whopping 32%. However, Hawaiʻi is already on track to beat that number overall.

Voters in Hawaii will be among the last in the country to finish voting on Tuesday. The results of the local elections will not be made public until after the polls close at 19:00 at the earliest.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio will also share updates wherever you listen to the radio on the HPR-1beginning with NPR Special Coverage at 2 p.m. Your local election hosts Bill Dorman and Ashley Mizuo will join the airwaves around 7:00 p.m.

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