Kim Wins

Hawai‘i County Former Mayor Harry Kim became mayor once again after today’s primary election, edging out a field of 12 other candidates.

Kim had a big lead over Wally Lau, Hawai‘i County’s former managing director, in early election returns on Saturday, Aug. 13, and was declared the winner later in the evening with a 50.4% of the votes.

Since receiving over 50% of the votes cast, Kim will become the Big Island’s mayor without a runoff race with Lau in November.

Kim led Lau 49.1% to 25.4%, when the second batch of results was released about 8:30 p.m.

Sign made by Harry Kim’s supporters. Courtesy photo.

At 9:46 p.m., Kim clinched the election with 18,869 votes, more than twice Lau’s tally at 9,195 (24.6%).

The results were confirmed at 11:30 p.m. in the fourth and final election results printout (see below), with Kim receiving 20,274 votes (50.5%).

3rd Printout: 10:30 p.m.
42 of 43 districts counted

KIM, Harry 18,869 50.4%
LAU, Wally 9,195 24.6%
HOFFMANN, Peter S. (Pete) 3,839 10.3%
HAPAI, Marlene (Nachbar) 2,265 6.1%
MCCANDLESS, Shannon K.K. 776 2.1%
KA’EHU’AE’A, Wendell 356 1.0%
WEINERT, Eric, Jr. (Drake) 265 0.7%
AKINA, Alvin A., Jr. 230 0.6%
TAMASHIRO, Gene 216 0.6%
LUTA, Helen O. (Ole) 190 0.5%
WAUGH, Timothy R. (Timmy) 145 0.4%
CUNNINGHAM, Daniel H. 120 0.3%
BRYANT, Paul (Amaury) 118 0.3%
Blank Votes: 813 2.2%
Over Votes: 16 0.0%

4th Printout: 11:30 p.m.
43 of 43 districts counted

KIM, Harry 20,274 50.5%
LAU, Wally 9,797 24.4%
HOFFMANN, Peter S. (Pete) 4,149 10.3%
HAPAI, Marlene (Nachbar) 2,456 6.1%
MCCANDLESS, Shannon K.K. 822 2.0%
KA’EHU’AE’A, Wendell 390 1.0%
WEINERT, Eric, Jr. (Drake) 287 0.7%
AKINA, Alvin A., Jr. 238 0.6%
TAMASHIRO, Gene 230 0.6%
LUTA, Helen O. (Ole) 201 0.5%
WAUGH, Timothy R. (Timmy) 162 0.4%
BRYANT, Paul (Amaury) 129 0.3%
CUNNINGHAM, Daniel H. 126 0.3%

Harry Kim supporter. Courtesy photo.

Kim served as the Big Island’s mayor from 2000 to 2008, and was also the county’s longtime civil defense director.

Harry Kim

Harry Kim supporters. Courtesy photo.

Harry Kim supporters. Courtesy photo.