10 Hawaii election stories HPR is watching this year

With both the local and national stakes at stake in this election, it can seem overwhelming. Here at Hawaiʻi Public Radio, we’ve narrowed down the top 10 election stories, races and topics we’re paying close attention to.

Polls in Hawaii close at 7 p.m. Tuesday, but you can still vote as long as you’re in line at a voter service center. If you have not yet sent in your ballot, please take it to the official drop box as it must be received before the polls close.

1. Harris vs. Trump for President of the United States

It would 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. Hawaii has historically been solid blue since becoming a state, electing only two Republican presidents: Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon. In 2020, President Joe Biden won just over 63% of the vote in Hawaii to Trump’s 34%.

During the low turnout of the Democratic primary in March, when Biden was still on top of the presidential race, Hawaii had the highest percentage of absentee ballots in the country. However, there now appears to be more enthusiasm for Harris as a candidate, with political organizations reporting an increase in volunteers since she became the Democratic nominee.

2. Checking the local heat on marriage equality over the constitutional amendment issue

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

It – asks the voter if that power and language should be abolished. Hawaii incorporated Section 23 into its constitution in 1998 after receiving 69% voter approval. Many saw it as a backlash after the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled in 1993, the first in the world, to rule in favor of same-sex marriage.

The results of this constitutional amendment question may signal a shift in viewpoints, although the wording of the question may have confused some voters. In order to adopt amendments to the Constitution, it is necessary to receive a majority of the votes cast. This means that a blank vote is essentially a “no” vote.

3. Incumbent vs. candidate for mayor of Hawaii County

Mayor Mitch Roth standing in front Kimo Alamedaa psychologist best known as the leader of the Hawaii Island Fentanyl Task Force. Roth is running for a second term as mayor of Hawaii Island. Prior to that, he worked as a regional prosecutor for eight years. Roth’s campaign focused on his achievements on affordable housing, investment in dilapidated infrastructure and homelessness.

Roth often points to the success of his 13-point plan to reduce homelessness, as this year’s count showed a 28 percent decrease in homelessness on Hawaii Island. Alameda says Roth has not done enough during his tenure as mayor to prevent people from becoming homeless by addressing addiction and mental health issues. Alameda also criticized Roth for not moving fast enough to transform Hilo’s cesspools and sewage treatment plant.

4. No candidate in the West Oahu State Senate District 22 election

House Democrat Cedric Gates is running for the seat against Republican Samantha DeCourt. District 22 covers Ko Olina through Waianae and Makua in West Oahu and faces major challenges including homelessness, crime and traffic congestion. Gates focuses on the cost of living, including strategically lowering taxes on food and drugs, and improving access to renewable energy.

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

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

Sen. Brenton Ava, a Republican, faces Democrat Ben Schafer. The geographically large area covers windward Oahu to the North Coast. Ava has pledged not to campaign and has not received any political contributions this year. Instead, his Instagram focuses on planting food trees to replace plants damaged by the coconut beetle and banning foreign investors from buying real estate in Hawaii.

So far, Shafer has raised about $67,000 in his campaign. His main focus is on climate change and its impact on infrastructure and homes on the North Coast. He also wants to draw attention to the high cost of living and the responsibility of government.

6. Honolulu council members are asking voters for their opinion on a pay raise

The Honolulu Wage Commission currently sets the salaries of council members, but the council can veto it. The a question put to the voters of Oahu asks whether the board’s vote on their salaries should be overturned and whether any pay increase for board members should be capped at 5%. He also questions whether council members’ salaries should be adjusted at the same rate as union contracts for city employees.

This was after the Honolulu Wage Commission in 2023 is recommended increasing the salaries of council members by 64%. Council President Tommy Waters refused to allow the council to vote on the 2023 raise, despite the objections of several other council members.

7. Republican incumbent faces Democratic teachers union for state’s 39th district

Republican Rep. Elijah Piric is facing Democrat Cory Rosenlee, the former president of the Hawaii State Teachers Association, for the second time. In 2022, Rosenlee lost to Pierik by just over 700 votes. However, this victory occurred in the midst of a bribery scandal involving the former representative of this district, Democrat Ty Cullenwho was convicted of accepting a bribe.

Pierik is part of the socially conservative faction of Republicans in the legislature. His campaign focused on crime and business deregulation. By comparison, Rosenlee supports paid family leave, universal preschool and expanding the child tax credit. If Pierika is re-elected, it could mean that this central area of ​​Oahu has become a new Republican stronghold.

8. Incumbent Kapolei’s first test since winning the seat from a Democrat

GOP Rep. Diamond Garcia, who is also part of the socially conservative caucus, is up against small business owner and Democrat Anthony McAne Paris. In 2022, Garcia won the 42nd House District against then-incumbent Matthew LoPresti, who was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence before the election, although his case was dismissed. Garcia’s campaign is focused on reducing business regulations. Makana Paris is focused on providing affordable housing for Hawaiian families. A second victory for Garcia could mean this Oahu area has become a new Republican stronghold.

9. One district has ended, a similar story with No. 8

Republican Rep. David Alkos faced Democrat John Clark III, a retired naval officer and longtime Ewa Borough Board member. In 2022, Alcos won the 42nd House District, defeating then-incumbent Sharon Harr, who had been arrested for allegedly driving under the influence before the election, although her case was later dismissed. See a pattern?

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

10. Will local voter turnout recover from historic lows?

The 2020 general election — Hawaii’s first-ever vote-by-mail vote — saw the highest voter turnout since 1996. Since then, the momentum has dropped. This year, the state had the lowest voter turnout of any primary election since the state’s founding, at an abysmal 32%. However, Hawaii is already poised to break that mark overall.

Voters in Hawaii will be among the last in the country to finish voting on Tuesday. The results of the local elections will be announced no earlier than after the polling stations close at 19:00.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio will also share updates wherever you listen to the radio on KhPR-1beginning with NPR’s special coverage at 2 p.m. Your local election anchors Bill Dorman and Ashley Mizuo will join the air around 7 p.m.

Voter Resources and Important Links: