Kimball, Lee Loy defeat County Council challengers

Two East Hawaii County Council members defeated their challengers and retained their seats based on mail-in ballots.

During Saturday’s primary election, Hamakua Councilwoman Heather Kimball had received 3,086 votes, nearly double those received by her sole challenger, Troy Martinez, with 1,582. Kimball’s share of the votes was about 66%.

“I’m very pleased to see the support I’ve received from my district,” Kimball said.

Kimball will be entering her second term as Hamakua’s council member after being first elected in 2020. During the election, she said she hoped to focus on improving her district’s infrastructure, as well as its emergency preparedness measures, while addressing the rising cost of living throughout the county.

“It’s nice to be able to focus 100% on the many projects we have for the district,” Kimball said. ”Now, it’s time to get right back to work.”

Meanwhile, Councilwoman Sue Lee Loy — who serves in council District 3, which includes parts of Hilo, Keaukaha, Waiakea and parts of Keaau — will also keep her seat.

With about 90% of all votes reported, Lee Loy had about 64% of the total votes in her race Saturday evening, beating out her sole challenger, Darcy Alameda. Lee Loy received 3,713 votes compared to Alameda’s 2,020.

“I’m feeling grateful for everyone’s support and confidence,” Lee Loy said, adding that she is glad to be able to use her experience to work with a slightly different district after a minor redistricting last year.