Incumbents Win; Challengers Fail to Convince Enough Voters

Voters could vote by mail or stand in line. Photos: Alfredo Evangelista

In person voting on November 3 delays results.

Alfredo G. Evangelista | Assistant Editor

The General Election on November 3 was a mixed bag but one thing was clear—all incumbents on Maui won as the challengers failed to convince the voters.

The November 3 election was the second time Maui and the rest of the state voted primarily by mail. For the general election, 107,930 were on the Voter Rolls, with 71,634 actually voting—or 66.5%. Of those who voted, 92% or 66,077 voted by mail.

By comparison, in the 2016 General Election, 93,912 were on the Voter Rolls with 52,972 actually voting—or 56.4%. Of those who voted in 2016, 26,496 voted in person while 26,476 voted by mail.

During the 2020 Primary Election, 102,835 were on the Voter Rolls, with 43,954 actually voting or 42.7%. Of those who voted, 43,247 voted by mail with 697 voting in person.

For the 2020 General Election, there were 5,095 more on the Voter Rolls. More in person voting also occurred as 4,567 cast their ballots at the one Voter Service Center on each of the County’s three populated islands: Velma McWayne Santos Community Center in Wailuku, Lana‘i Community Center, and Mitchell Pau‘ole Center in Kaunakakai. On the final day for voting, long lines marked the only polling place on Maui—Velma McWayne Santos Community Center. At noon, voters lined up on the sidewalk along Papohaku Park and at 3 p.m., the lines remained equally long. Most of the in person ballots were cast for Republican candidates or in the absence of GOP, for the Aloha Aina.

Long lines for in person voting on O‘ahu in Honolulu and Kapolei led to a delay of the first printout until about 11:30 p.m. Normally, the State Office of Elections releases the first printout a half hour after the polls close at 7 p.m. However, polls cannot close until anyone standing in line by 7 p.m. has completed voting. The Hawai‘i law allowing same day registration for new voters added to the processing time for many new in person voters.

Nationally, there was no consensus on who won the presidency until Saturday morning on November 7—four days after the polls closed as media networks considered the states of Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, and Pennsylvania too close to call. Initially, President Donald J. Trump led many of the so-called battleground states with a strong showing among ballots cast on Election Day. But as early in person votes and mail-in ballots were counted in Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania and ballots were counted in Democratic leaning precincts in Arizona, Georgia, and Nevada, former Vice President Joe Biden started to lead. As the week progressed, Biden was projected to win Michigan and Wisconsin by most media outlets, and Arizona by Fox and the Associated Press, moving him within one or two states of the 270 electoral votes needed. On Saturday, November 7th, most media outlets including the Associated Press, CNN and FOX added Pennsylvania and Nevada to Biden’s total and recognized him as President-Elect. As of press time, Trump had not yet conceded but instead promised additional legal actions (by Sunday, ten separate legal challenges were already rejected by the courts). The Electoral College will meet on December 14 to formally vote for the next President and Vice-President.

Central Maui State Senator Gil Keith-Agaran said, “I’m very happy we will have President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris to call on for help and guidance on dealing with this pandemic and getting Hawai‘i’s people and businesses through the economic doldrums we are expecting. As Joe has been saying, he’ll be a President of all Americans and not just people who supported him. That change in tone alone is a great change.” In 2008, Keith-Agaran was a Hawai‘i Alternate Delegate while his wife Kallie Keith-Agaran was a Delegate for Barack Obama at the Democratic National Convention in Denver. The Hawai‘i delegation shared their hotel with the delegation from then-Vice-President nominee Joe Biden’s home state delegation of Delaware.

Senator Harris also makes history as the first woman and the first Asian and Black to serve as Vice President. “We are not perfect in the United States but over time there is a persistent pull towards a more inclusive society in which opportunity is truly equal,” observed Kahului (District 9) Rep. Justin Woodson. “We all felt that intransigent pull today as we elected our first woman, a woman of African and Asian descent to the second highest office of the land. God bless America.”

Tina Wildberger

South Maui (District 11) Rep. Tina Wildberger noted, “I am so proud to witness America’s first woman, woman of color, woman of Asian descent, ascend and break the glass ceiling to the executive branch of our national government. Little girls everywhere see this image now and know they too can achieve any goal they hold in their hearts. Joe Biden gets credit for making this beautiful moment a reality. On January 20th our country can rejoin the Paris Climate Accord, rejoin the World Health Organization, restore Deferred Action for Child Arrivals status and end the long list of cruelties and crimes perpetrated by the biggest mistake that has been the 45th presidency.”

Locally, no legal actions were threatened; nor were any mandatory recounts required.

In the County of Maui, 47,301 or 68% voted for the Biden/Harris team while 22,111 or 30.9% voted for the Trump/Pence slate. Less than 3% voted for the other four candidacies while there were 555 or 0.8% blank votes and 54 or 0.1% over votes. (Both the Republicans and the Democrats improved their showings from 2016, when 33,480 or 63.2% voted for the Democratic team of Clinton/Kane while 13,446 or 25.4% voted for the Trump/Pence slate. There were no significant third party candidates on the ballot this year.)

Also in the County of Maui, Democrat Kai Kahele received 42,135 votes (58.8%) to Republican Joe Akana’s 19,113 or 26.7% in his quest to become the U.S. Representative for the Second District (replacing Tulsi Gabbard who after winning a single delegate in her failed pursuit of the presidency decided not to run for re-election.) Kahele, a Hawai‘i Island state senator will need to resign before being sworn into Congress in January. The Governor will have the opportunity to appoint a replacement from a list determined by the Hawai‘i Island Democratic Party.

Keith-Agaran and family signwaving during his campaign to be re-elected as State Senator.
Photo: Basilia Evangelista

Incumbent State legislators easily win re-election

State Senator Gil Keith-Agaran, representing Senate District 5 (Central Maui)—the first and only state senator of Filipino ancestry from the island of Maui—easily won his re-election. Keith-Agaran received 13,888 votes or 60.1% to Christy Kajiwara-Gusman, a former Democrat who ran as a Republican who received only 6,679 votes or 28.9%. The third candidate, Rynette “Ipo” Keen from the newly-formed Aloha ‘Āina party received only 1,028 or 4.5% of the vote. (Interestingly, during the last weeks of the election, there were reports the Aloha Aina party was organized as an LLC instead of the usual political party status.) Keith-Agaran beat Kajiwara-Gusman in every precinct.

“I’m grateful to continue serving Central Maui—we face difficult times but I remain optimistic and confident that working together, we can make opportunities out of the serious challenges we face economically,” said Keith-Agaran. “Many thanks to my wife Kallie Keith-Agaran, my mom Lydia Coloma, my sister Vel, extended family and friends for their help and support in an unusual year for campaigning.” In the Senate, Keith-Agaran will remain as the Vice Chair of the powerful Ways and Means Committee and will continue to lead Senate negotiations on capital improvement projects and CIP grant-in-aids. He will also serve as Vice Chair of the Water & Land Committee and will sit on the Higher Education committee.

Justin Woodson

State Representative Justin Woodson, representing House District 9 (Kahului) also easily won his re-election. Woodson received 7,015 votes or 74.0% while his Aloha ‘Āina opponent Kahala Chrulpalyk received only 1,383 votes or 14.6%. Woodson prevailed in all precincts and unlike other Democrats also won the in person tallies. In the House, Woodson will chair the Education committee.

“I would like to give my deepest gratitude to the Filipino community for your continued support,” said Woodson. “I appreciate that you allow me to be a part of you and you will always be a part of me.”

State Representative Angus McKelvey, representing House District 10 (West Maui) also easily won his re-election, garnering 5,837 votes or 56.2% over his Republican opponent Kanamu Balinbin (3,162 or 30.5%) and his Aloha Aina opponent Travis Gyldstrand (606 or 5.8%). McKelvey won in every precinct. In the House, McKelvey will chair the Government Reform committee.

In her first re-election, Representative Tina Wildberger, representing House District 11 (South Maui) also easily won with 7,650 votes (64%) over her Aloha ‘Āina opponent Howard Greenberg who received 2,668 votes or 22.3%. Wildberger won all the precincts but Greenberg collected most of the in person votes.

“I appreciate all of the South Maui voters who demonstrated their confidence in my commitment to serve them,” Wildberger said. “It’s time to get to work to undo all the harm done and to make up time lost to address sea level rise and the climate crisis.”

State Representative Lynn DeCoite, representing District 13 (Molokai) also easily won her re-election with 7,717 or 64% compared to her Aloha ‘Āina opponent Theresa Kapaku (1,999 votes or 16.6%) and her Republican opponent Robin Vanderpool (1,583 votes or 13.1%). DeCoite won all precincts and most of the in person ballots cast.

Incumbents vs. Challengers; Hui O Maui Citizens for Change vs. Maui ‘Ohana

During the general election for County Council races, competing slates contested all nine seats. The Hui O Maui Citizens for Change backed four incumbents (Tasha Kama, Alice Lee, Michael Molina, and Yuki Lei Sugimura), four challengers (Claire Kamalu Carroll, Tom Cook, Stacey Crivello and Rick Nava) and Alberta De Jetley for the open Lāna‘i seat. The Maui ‘Ohana backed four incumbents (Kelly King, Keani Rawlins-Fernandez, Tamara Paltin and Shane Sinenci), two challengers (Aja Eyre and Carol Lee Kamekona) and Gabe Johnson for the vacant Lana‘i seat. In the end, all eight incumbents won (due to term limits, for the second time in his legislative career, Lana‘i Councilmember Riki Hokama was prevented from running for re-election).

Yuki Lei Sugimura

Incumbent Yuki Lei Sugimura (Upcountry) ran unopposed and received the highest number of votes —48,258 or 67.4% but with 23,352 or 32.6% blank votes. Sugimura did her best in precincts 12-05 (3073) [Kula, Waiohuli, ‘Ulupalakua], 08-05 (3057) [Koa, Kehalani, Wailuku Heights], 13-02 (3045) [Ha‘ikū], 09-01 (2423) [The Legends, 12th increment, Pōmaika‘i], 10-05 (2400) [Maka] and 09-02 (2184) [Old Sandhills, The Islands, Palama Drive, The Greens].

“I appreciate the vote of confidence to return to the table to represent the people of Maui County,” said Sugimura. “We need to bring back our economy for the many families who lost their jobs. We need to feed our children, keep them sheltered and happy! I hope the Governor will extend the eviction moratorium which ends on December 31st. Our economy is not ready to lift the veil.”

Alice Lee

Incumbent Council Chair Alice Lee (Wailuku) also faced no opposition and tallied the second highest votes—48,010 or 67.0% but with 23,600 or 33.0% blank votes. Like Sugimura, Lee did best in precincts 08-05 (3110), 13-02 (2999), 12-05 (2787), 10-05 (2441), 09-01 (2393), 9-02 (2174) and added 08-02 (2027) [Waiehu].

“I would like to commend all candidates, their families, supporters and volunteers for their hard work and dedication in the past election,” said Lee. “Maui County is fortunate to have such high-quality people seek public office. As we prepare for the new Council term in January 2021, please be assured that the eight returning members, along with one newly elected member will work together in a highly cooperative and collaborative spirit to get the people’s business accomplished.” Lee also expressed her thanks to the Filipino community for their efforts during the pandemic. “We would especially like to acknowledge Binhi at Ani and the other Filipino organizations who continue to provide food and supplies to our residents and the Fil-Am Voice for keeping us up to date with important community information.”

Incumbent Mike Molina (Makawao-Ha‘ikū-Pā‘ia) collected the top vote among the incumbents facing challengers—41,219 or 67.4%. ‘Ohana candidate Aja Eyre received only 18,455 votes or 25.8%. Molina did his best in precincts 13-02 (2731), 12-05 (2528), 08-05 (2403), 09-01 (2136), and 10-05 (2006) [Kā‘anapali, Nāpili, Pu‘ukoli‘i].

South Maui Councilwoman Kelly King received 34,147 votes or 41.9%. She beat local contractor Tom Cook who was endorsed by the Hui. Cook finished with 25,496 votes or 35.6%. The blank votes in the race (11,915 and 14 double votes) exceeded the 8,651 difference between King and Cook. King performed best in precincts 13-02 (2965) and 12-05 (2051). Cook managed to beat King in four precincts but by slim margins: 08-02 (1119-1086), 08-05 (1766-1737), 08-06 (701-685) [Waikapu] and 12-06 (101-85).

West Maui Councilwoman Tamara Paltin won her rematch with Rick Nava, outpacing her opponent with 33,686 votes or 47.0%. The Hui-backed Nava received 26,583 votes or 37.1%. The difference between the two were 7,103 votes while the blank votes were 11,323 (and 18 double votes). In the precincts encompassing the West Side, 10-02 through 10-05, Paltin beat Nava 4,559-3,822, with 826 blank votes and 3 double votes. Nava bested Paltin in all four Kahului precincts (09-01 through 09-04): 4,541 to 3,703 and three other precincts 08-02 (1193-1049) [Waiehu], 10-03 (898-767) [Lahainaluna] and 13-06 (588-548) [Kaunakakai] while Paltin carried the other 27 precincts. Paltin’s best precincts were 13-02 (3160-1244) and 12-05 (2218-1410). The precincts with the highest number of blank votes were 13-02 (988), 11-02 (787) [Maui Meadows, Mākena (Keonekai to Okolani)], 12-05 (732), 11-03 (676), 08-05 (655) and 11-04 (655). By comparison, in the 2018 general election Paltin received 28,376 votes or 46.7% while Nava received 14,581 votes or 28.8% with 7,665 blank votes and 6 double votes.

East Maui incumbent Shane Sinenci received 32,988 votes or 46.1%, beating Claire Kamalu Carroll in another rematch. Carroll, endorsed by the Hui, received 26,234 votes or 36.6%. The difference between the two were 6,754 votes with 12,362 blank votes (and 26 double votes). Sinenci’s best precincts were 13-02 (3157) and 12-05 (2141). Carroll prevailed in all four Kahului precincts 4306 to 3870, two Wailuku precincts: 08-05 (1819-1681), 08-06 (704-673), and four East Maui precincts: 13-04 (555-320) and 13-05 (199-158), 13-06 (731-398), 13-07 (123-70), 13-08 (415-316). Sinenci beat Carroll in the East Maui precinct 13-03 comprising Hāna-Ke‘anae-Kaupō: 742-259. By comparison, in the 2018 general election Sinenci received a total 23,654 votes or 46.7% while Carroll received 19,467 votes or 38.5%.

Keani Rawlins-Fernandez

In their third rematch, Molokai Councilwoman Keani Rawlins-Fernandez again beat former Councilwoman Stacy Helm Crivello. Rawlings-Fernandez received 31,706 votes or 44.3% while the Hui endorsed Crivello collected 26,331 votes or 36.8%. The difference between the two were 5,375 votes with 13,555 blank votes (and 18 double votes). Rawlins-Fernandez’ best precincts were 13-02 (2964) and 12-05 (2118). Crivello beat Rawlins-Fernandez in all the Kahului precincts: 4307- 3721, in most of the Wailuku precincts 5463-5275 and on Molokai: 1662-1343. By comparison, in the 2018 general election Rawlins-Fernandez received a total of 22,134 votes or 43.7% while Crivello received 20,643 votes or 40.8%. Rawlins-Fernandez remains the only Councilmember of Filipino/part-Filipino ancestry.

In the closest election on Maui, Kahului Councilwoman Tasha Kama, endorsed by the Hui (but in 2018 endorsed by the ‘Ohana), received 30,022 votes or 41.9%, beating back Carol Lee Kamekona who received 27,630 or 38.6%. The difference between the two were 2,392 votes with 13,934 blank votes (and 24 double votes). Kama topped the 2000 votes mark in only one precinct: 08-05 (2116) and convincingly protected her home base of Kahului: 5247-3119. Kamekona edged Kama in 14 of 34 precincts including West Maui (10-01 to 10-05): 4030-3749 and South Maui (11-01 to 11-04): 4902-4111 as well as precincts 12-01 (1122-1087), 12-02 (737-647), 12-05 (1807-1751), 13-01 (552-493), 13-02 (2781-1487), 13-03 (512-332), and 13-05 (171-167).

Gabe Johnson

For the Lāna‘i seat, the third time proved the charm for ‘Ohana backed Gabe Johnson who beat Hui endorsed Alberta De Jetley—32,095 to 24,479, with Johnson receiving 44.8% and De Jetley receiving 34.2%. The difference between the two were 7,616 votes with 15,024 blank votes (and 12 double votes). Like Kama, Johnson topped the 2000 vote mark in only one precinct: 13-02 (2962). De Jetley beat Johnson in nine precincts including Lāna‘i City: 13-04 (618-531), Molokai: 1318-1030 as well as 08-05: 1692-1611), 08-06 (673-658), 09-02 (1160-1151), and 12-06 (93-85).
The precincts with the highest Voter Rolls were 13-02 (8,073) [Ha‘ikū], 10-05 (6,750) [Kā‘anapali-Nāpili-Pu‘ukoli‘i], 12-05 (5,862) [Kula, Waiohuli, ‘Ulupalakua], 08-05 (5,406) [Koa, Kehalani, Wailuku Heights], and 11-02 (5,057) [Maui Meadows, Makena (Keonekai to Okolani)].
The precincts with the highest mail turnout were 13-02 (5,067), 12-05 (4,161), 10-05 (4,054) and 08-05 (3,900).

The precinct with the highest percentage of mail turnout was 08-05 with 72.1% (3,900 of 5,406). The precinct with the second highest percentage of mail turnout was 12-05 with 71.0% (4,101 of 5,862).

The precinct with the lowest percentage of mail turnout was 10-03 [Lahainaluna] with 54.7% (1,655 of 3,025).

Charter Amendments

In addition to races for national, state and local offices, Maui voters were asked to approve or disapprove seven amendments to the County Charter proposed by the County Council.

Similar to the Council races, there were two groups advocating for a certain vote on the proposed Charter amendments. The Holomua ‘Ohana for Professional Management advocated a YES on all proposed Charter amendments while the Vote No on Charter Amendments Hui O Maui Nui We Can’t Afford It advocated a NO on all proposed Charter amendments.

Former Maui County Mayors Alan Arakawa, Charmaine Tavares, James “Kimo” Apana and Gov. Linda Lingle backed the Hui O Maui’s NO-vote on the subject of the Charter Amendment to appoint a County Manager.

The most hotly contested Charter Amendment involved professionalizing the County Managing Director. Maui’s living former Mayors (Linda Lingle, Kimo Apana, Charmaine Tavares and Alan Arakawa) supported the Hui O Maui opposition. The Hui O Maui, in a variety of ads argued residents should pick their Mayor for accountability rather than ceding authority to someone selected by a committee. Current Mayor Michael Victorino also opposed the Charter Amendment. While supporters claimed no Mayor would lose any power, suggesting the Mayor would still appoint the Managing Director, in the end, the voters agreed with the Mayors and voted it down. 37,642 said NO (52.6%), 27,626 said YES (38.6%), with 6,314 blank ballots and 28 double votes. Precincts 08-05 (2,576 NO votes) and 12-05 (2,336 NO votes) and 13-02 (2,169 NO votes) led the opposition with the most votes in opposition. Interestingly, Precinct 13-02 also had the highest YES votes (2,687) with the next highest YES votes coming from Precinct 10-05 (1,761 YES votes) but Precinct 10-05 also registered 2,085 NO votes.

The second most contested Charter Amendment involved the creation of a Department of Agriculture. Farmers were on both sides of this issue. The proposed Charter amendment was approved with 43,646 YES votes (60.9%), 23,507 NO votes (32.8%), 4,412 blank votes, and 45 double votes.

Two term limit clarifying Charter Amendments were also before the voters pertaining to the Council and the Mayor. Currently the term limit provisions specifically state consecutive terms. The Charter Amendments deleted the word consecutive but the present Councilmembers were grandfathered in, e.g., Riki Hokama after a two-year absence could run again and each incumbent Councilmember will not have their past tenures be counted as one of the five. Both Charter Amendments passed. The amendment relating to the Council passed with 48,955 YES votes (68.4%), 18,253 NO votes (25.5%), 4,371 blank votes and 31 double votes while the amendment relating to the Mayor passed with 47,267 YES votes (66.0%), 19,970 NO votes (27.9%), 4,345 blank votes and 28 double votes.

The proposed Charter Amendment relating to the Affordable Housing Fund (increasing it from 2% to 3%) also passed with 37,570 YES votes (52.5%) and 29,076 NO votes (40.6%), with 4,915 blank votes and 49 double votes.

Another proposed Charter Amendment pertained to requiring judicial action within thirty days if there is a dispute as to interpretation of the Charter. This also passed with 39,577 YES votes (55.3%), 23,479 NO votes (40.1%), 7,982 blank votes and 25 double votes.

Finally, a proposed Charter Amendment to reduce the power of the Mayor to appoint members of the Charter Commission was also before the voters. Currently, the Mayor appoints all eleven members with the approval of the Council. The proposal sought to leave the Mayor with appointment power over only two members of the Charter Commission and allow each Councilmember to appoint one member. The proposed Charter Amendment passed with 34,861 YES votes (48.7%), 28,742 NO votes (40.1%), 7,982 blank votes and 25 double votes.

The Council will now need to pass any enabling legislation once the results are certified.

Gabe Johnson, Tasha Kama, Kelly King, Alice Lee, Mike Molina, Tamara Paltin, Keani Rawlins-Fernandez, Shane Sinenci, Yuki Lei Sugimura
In 2022, will any curent councilmember challenge Mayor Mike Victorino, if he stands for re-election?

Questions

Now the races for the Council are decided, the next question is Who will be Council Chair? Will Lee retain the Chair? Will King try to reclaim it? Or will Vice Chair Rawlins-Fernandez be a sleeper?

The 2022 election will be a reapportionment election so all Maui legislative seats will be up for election (and there is a possibility that census changes may award Maui with another seat)—will all incumbents run and will they face opponents?

And in two years, will any of the current councilmembers challenge Mayor Michael Victorino, should he run for re-election?

Alfredo G. Evangelista is a graduate of Maui High School (1976), the University of Southern California (B.A. Political Science cum laude, 1980), and the University of California at Los Angeles School of Law (1983). He is a sole practitioner at Law Offices of Alfredo Evangelista, A Limited Liability Law Company, concentrating in estate planning, business counseling, nonprofit corporations and litigation. He has been practicing law for 37 years (since 1983) and returned home in 2010 to be with his family and to marry his high school sweetheart, the former Basilia Tumacder Idica.