A host of local races were decided during the Aug. 8 primary election, including:
Hawaii County Council
District 2
• Incumbent Council Chairman Aaron Chung of Hilo retained his seat after besting challenger William Halversen in the primary. The district includes Downtown Hilo, Wailoa, Mohouli, Ainako, Kaumana, Piihonua, Wailuku and Waianuenue.
District 3
• Incumbent Hilo Councilwoman Sue Lee Loy was re-elected to her District 3 seat, defeating Henry Kaaihue and Paul Neves. The district includes Banyan Drive, Keaukaha, Hilo Industrial Area, University of Hawaii at Hilo, Puainako Houselots, Kawailani Houselots, Panaewa, Kulani, Keaau Shopping Area and Keaau High School.
District 4
• Incumbent Puna Councilwoman Ashley Kierkiewicz was unopposed in the primary, thus winning her second term on the council. The district includes Hawaiian Paradise Park, Hawaiian Beaches, makai of Pahoa Town, Nanawale Estates, Leilani Estates, Pohoiki and Kapoho.
District 6
• Incumbent South Kona Councilwoman Maile David was unopposed in the primary, thus winning her fourth and final term representing the district, which includes Volcano Village, Hawaiian Orchid Island Estates, Pahala, Punaluu, Naalehu, South Point, Ocean View, Milolii, Hookena, Honaunau, Keei, Napoopoo, Captain Cook, part of Kealakekua, Keopuka Heights, Kona Hospital and Keopuka Kai.
District 7
• Incumbent Kona Councilwoman Rebecca Villegas was elected to a second two-year term, easily defeating her well-financed challenger, Jane Clement, during the primary. District 7 includes part of Kealakekua, Kona Scenic Subdivision, Kainaliu, Honalo, Keauhou, Kahaluu, Holualoa, Kona Hillcrest, Pualani Estates, Sunset View, Kuakini Heights, Kona Vistas, Alii Heights, Kona Industrial and Lono Kona.
District 8
• Political newcomer Holeka Inaba defeated Bo Kahui in the primary election for the County Council District 8 seat being vacated by term-limited Karen Eoff. The district runs from Mauna Lani Drive and Queen Kaahumanu Highway south along the coast to Old Mamalahoa Trail north of Kailua-Kona, and extends east to the Pohakuloa Training Area boundary.
District 9
• Incumbent Tim Richards defeated Phillip “Ippy” Aiona and Ranae Keane for the County Council District 9 seat in the primary. District 9 includes Mauna Lani Resort, Waikoloa Village, Puako, Waikii, parts of Waimea, Puukapu Farms, Puukapu Homesteads, Puukapu Village House Lots, Lualai, Puuopelu, Lalamilo, Waiaka, Kawaihae, Kohala Ranch, Mahukona, Hawi, Kapaau and Halaula.
Hawaii County Prosecutor
• Deputy Prosecutor Kelden Waltjen narrowly averted a runoff in the race for Hawaii County prosecutor, defeating Jared “Kamaka” Auna and Christopher Bridges, both of whom are defense attorneys and former deputy prosecutors, in the primary election.
State House of Representatives
District 6
• Incumbent David Tarnas will retain his seat representing areas of North Kona and North and South Kohala after running unopposed in the primary election.
District 7
• Incumbent Nicole Lowen also ran unopposed in the primary, thus retaining her seat representing North Kona.