Kaʻū News Briefs Aug. 11, 2024

Mayor Mitch Roth took in the most votes in Saturday's mayoral primary and is headed
to the General Election against Dr. Kimo Alameda. Photo from Roth campaign

HAWAI'I COUNTY HAD THE HIGHEST VOTER TURNOUT in the state for the Primary Election on Saturday, according to state elections officials who published the numbers of votes cast for each candidate. Citizens can still sign up for the General Election on Nov. 5 when there will be a runoff between Mayor Mitch Roth and Dr. Kimo Alameda in the nonpartisan race, in addition to other county, state and federal elections. See https://elections.hawaii.gov/register-to-vote/registration/.

MAYOR MITCH ROTH TOOK IN THE MOST VOTES in Saturday's mayoral primary, with 37 percent, followed by Dr. Kimo Alameda's 27 percent. The two will face off in the General Election on Nov. 5. His celebration was at the ILWU hall in Hilo.  Roth said, "Leadership isn’t about popularity; it’s about results. We’re grateful to our team for helping to continue making Hawai‘i Island better than we found it!"   He pointed to the accomplishments of his administration, including streamlining the building permit process, achieving a high county bond rating, improving infrastructure including roads and parks, and helping to reduce homelessness.  "We're much better off from where we took over four years ago and I think in another four years, we;re gonna be much better off than where we are not. We've go a lot of big projects we're working on, and we really want to get those projects done."

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies in the mail and on stands.

Kimo Alameda has campaigned for two years. Photo from Friends
of Kimo Alameda.

DR. KIMO ALAMEDA CELEBRATED HIS ADVANCEMENT TO THE GENERAL ELECTION at Nanimau Gardens on Saturday, after garnering 27 percent of the vote. He said that the results giving thousands of votes to candidates other than the incumbent show that over 60 percent of the people want change. He praised all the candidates who entered the race for their positive campaigns, saying it takes the courage of the candidates and their families. He noted that he has been running for mayor for almost two years. "I want to be the mayor for everybody because our island is big." He said he seeks to represent all areas of the island in his administration and that the county administration has been Hilo centric for far too long "and our neighbors need change."

     He said that now that his kids are older, "I want to turn my attention to the community, because that's the place that they are going to be living..... I want them to live in a place that they can call their  home. I want our kupuna to enjoy their golden years  And I want our kids to have hope. Right now it doesn't feel like like there's hope.... We are the hope campaign."

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies in the mail and on stands.

KAʻŪ'S REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS ISSUED THIS STATEMENT after winning the Democratic

Rep. Jill Tokuda won the primary.

primary on Saturday. "I am deeply humbled and grateful for your incredible support in the Primary Election. As we move forward, our mission is clear: we must stand united and work tirelessly to ensure that Democrats retake the U.S. House majority in the upcoming general election. The stakes have never been higher, and our collective efforts are crucial in shaping a future that reflects our shared values and aspirations.
    "This is probably one of the most consequential elections of our lifetime. It is essential that we rally behind Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz, doing everything in our power to get them to the White House. Their leadership is vital for the progress and prosperity of our nation, and we must be all in to make this happen.
    "Your support has been the backbone of our campaign, and I am counting on you to continue this journey with us. Together, we can create the change we want to see and build a brighter future for Hawaiʻi. Let's keep the momentum going!"

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies in the mail and on stands.

The Reunion features the screening of a PBS film Ka'u Sugar,
A Town Remembers on the history of the sugar plantation
 and the closing of the mill in 1996. It will also feature a film 
on history of the local coffee industry.