In the Aug. 8 primary election, incumbent Dennis “Fresh” Onishi is facing a single challenger, Kelton Chang, for the District 3 seat of the Hawai‘i County Council.

With only two candidates, the person with the most votes in this primary wins the seat.

Onishi first served on the council from 2008 to 2016. While seats on the Hawaiʻi County Council have term limits of four consecutive two-year terms, someone who has held a council seat in the past can return and run again, which is what Onishi did in 2024, beginning his second stint on the County Council.

Chang, branch manager at Ace Auto Glass in Hilo, is running for the first time.

The pair are fighting to represent constituents living in portions of South Hilo and Kea‘au. District 3 encompasses south of Banyan Drive, east of Manono Street, southeast of West Lanikaula, West Kawili, West Puainako Streets.

The district also stretches east of Komohana, southwest of Haihai Street; southeast of Kanoelehua Avenue until Kea‘au-Pāhoa Road; Kea‘au-Pāhoa Road until Kaloli and 21st; and includes part of Orchidland, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Pana‘ewa, Puainako and Keaukaha.

Here are the candidates in alphabetical order.

Kelton Chang

Chang was born and raised in Hawaiian Paradise Park in Puna and currently lives in the Waiakea Uka area.

Big Island Now’s attempts to reach Chang were unsuccessful. But he said on his campaign website: “As someone who has witnessed first-hand how high living costs can force families out of Hawai‘i, I am committed to fighting for our communities’ needs and well-being. I believe that my knowledge and understanding of these issues can help bring about positive change for our residents and local businesses in our communities.”

Chang is concerned about the ongoing decline of the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant and its aging infrastructure affecting the community of Keaukaha. He committed to amplifying the voices of his district and driving the necessary actions to address and resolve this situation, ensuring a cleaner and safer environment for future generations.

If elected, Chang wants to address housing and access to care assistance kūpuna face in the community.

“While there are existing programs in place, many seniors struggle to qualify or meet the stringent requirements for assistance, leading them to endure hardships,” his website states. “I aim to implement a more streamlined approach to facilitate easier access for seniors to essential services, especially for those at high risk of losing housing due to increasing living costs.”

If elected, Chang said his primary focus initially will be to familiarize himself with all procedures and languages to enhance his effectiveness in serving as a council member.

Dennis “Fresh” Onishi

Onishi, 65, was born and raised in District 3. He works full-time as a member of the County Council.

Since elected in 2024, Onishi said he’s been proud of the work he’s done with Parks and Recreation Director Clayton Honma in bringing back the all-day Summer Fun program at Waiakea Uka gym and recreation center for the district’s working parents.

Onishi has moved forward on the relocation of the Hawai‘i Fire Department’s Maintenance Shop at the Keaukaha Military Reservation and is working with the Departments of Pubic Works and Finance on replacing the roof for Waiakea Fire Station.

Onishi also is working with Mayor Kimo Alameda and state Rep. Chris Todd in securing $7 million to renovate the Kawananakoa Gym, and with Office of Hawaiian Affairs member Kai Kahele for another potential $3.5 million in additional funds for the renovations.

He said he’s working with the Department of Public Works to ensure work is moving forward on the historic single-lane Four Mile Bridge construction, located on Kīlauea Avenue just south of Haihai Street in Hilo, which stalled before he was elected two years ago. He’s also working with private landowners and stakeholders in creating the first cat sanctuary on the Big Island.

Onishi said he’s also been working with the county’s Elderly Activities Division on resources to help senior programs, as well as with private businesses, nonprofits and government stakeholders on mental health issues with those experiencing homelessness.

He added that he has been dealing with stakeholders and private businesses to beautify and make improvements to Lili‘uokalani Gardens.

Onishi also is proud to have brought back the Hawaiʻi Isle Police Activities League (HI-PAL) with activities islandwide, such as Kona 3-on-3 Basketball Jam, Kawamoto Swimming Classic, 808 Motorcross, High School Drag Racing and Keiki Rodeo. He’s also looking to bring back the famous HI-PAL Winter Basketball Classic in December.

“I’m also having our partners work with our Liquor Control in providing educational presentations at our events on ‘Underage drinking isn’t a good choice,'” he said.

If elected to another term, Onishi said he wants to create another 120-participant all-day summer fun program in Hilo, work with local colleges to create more internship programs, continue to push to complete existing projects that are underway, and work with the county administration to improve a better living condition for all residents.

Previous Big Island Now election stories:

What you need to know about voting in Hawai‘i County for the Aug. 8 primary election

Who is running for Hawai‘i County Council? 29 candidates meet Tuesday filing deadline

District 1: Incumbent Heather Kimball seeks re-election for 4th and final term against two challengers

District 2: District 2 incumbent for Hawai‘i County Council faces 4 challengers

District 4: Hawaiʻi County’s District 4 is an open council seat with Ashley Kierkiewicz unable to run due to term limits

District 5: District 5 candidates for Hawaiʻi County Council bring distinct knowledge, experiences to race

District 6: Candidates for Ka‘ū District seat on Hawai‘i County Council talk priorities for rural and remote area

District 7: 3 candidates running for open Kona District County Council seat talk housing, parks, infrastructure

Districts 8 and 9: These seats are uncontested.