Incumbents on Big Island keep their seats in the State House

UPDATE: All voting data is through the third printout released at 4:40 a.m. Wednesday.

Hawai‘i County will have more representation in the State Legislature with one additional House seat created in January due to the increase in the island’s population. Early votes show incumbents on the Big Island will keep their seats. Democratic Kirstin Kahaloa also was the apparent winner for the newly created District 6 seat.

District 3: Includes Keaukaha, parts of Hilo, Pana‘ewa and Waiākea

Democrat Chris Todd, the state representative for District 2 from 2017 until 2022, received 5,182 votes (72.1%). Aloha ʻĀina challenger Devinshaw McMackin of Hilo tallied 1,226 votes (17%).

On Tuesday night, Todd said he was happy there was representation from the Aloha ʻĀina Party. While he didn’t know his opponent, he said he respected him for keeping the campaign positive.

“I’m not someone very attached to the two party system and it was good to give voters other options,” Todd said.

With the redistricting, he said it’s a fantastic opportunity to provide representation to Puna, which for the first time will have three lawmakers representing the area.

“It will level the playing field and provide more attention to that area,” Todd said

While the outcome of the race is slightly disappointing, McMacklin said the work doesn’t end: “I’m still going to advocate for equal pay and housing.”

District 4: Includes Hawaiian Paradise Park, Hawaiian Beaches, Koae, Kapoho, Pohoiki, Leilani Estates and Kehena

Democrat incumbent Greggor Ilagan will keep his seat, receiving 4,832 votes (67.2%), easily outdistancing second-place finisher Rep. Ho Keikilani, who had 1,607 votes (22.3%).

Ilagan has served as state representative for District 4 since 2020. Previously, he was elected to the Hawai’i County Council in 2012 and 2014, chairing the Planning and Housing committees and a member of the Finance and Public Works committee.

“I’m overwhelmed with happiness and greatly appreciative of the voters,” Ilagan said. “It’s great to be back in politics and I appreciate the kindness of the candidates and running a clean campaign.”

The easy part, Ilagan said, is winning the election. Now it’s the hard part of delivering the work for the people. The representative invited his constituents in Puna to visit him during town hall meetings he’s scheduled in December.

Ho, the executive director at Melaleuca: The Wellness Company and a mother of three, congratulated Ilagan on his victory.

“Personally, I wanted to give the community an option, and as a mother I have a deep concern about many issues in this state, and in our district,” Ho said Tuesday night. “I ran to help bring common sense and compassionate solutions that support the community’s day-to-day life.”

Nonpartisan Brian Ley received 354 votes (4.9%). Libertarian Party Candace Linton received 155 votes (2.2%).

District 5: Includes Kea‘au, Kurtistown, Mountain View, Glenwood, Volcano, Pāhala, Punalu‘u, Nā‘ālehu, Miloli‘i, Ho‘opuloa, Ho‘okena and Pawaina

Democrat Jeanné Kapela will keep her seat with 4,954 votes (65%). She is the first woman and Native Hawaiian to represent her district. As part of the redistricting, she will also now represent portions of Puna.

“I am just filled with gratitude for the opportunity to continue to serve my community,” Kapela said.

The representative added she is excited to tackle challenges that will come nationally, including women’s reproductive rights.

“As we know Hawaiʻi has been a historically pro-choice state,” she said. “We have to buckle down and increase access to health care.

Kapela said Puna is a medical desert where there is a lack of services.

“We need to fix that along with housing,” she said. “Everyone deserves a roof over their head and it’s the job of the legislature to ensure that.”

Republican Lohi Goodwin came in second with 1,926 votes (25.3%). He said the results of Tuesday’s election weren’t unexpected.

“A lot of the local people are disenfranchised by this whole process,” Goodwin said. “I don’t think this vote reflects the values of the community but it’s who shows up.”

Despite the loss, Goodwin said he will continue to be active in the community.

“I’m not done with this yet,” he said.

Libertarian Party candidate Mike Last, a retired electrical engineering consultant, received 249 votes (3.3%).

District 6: Includes Hōnaunau, Napo‘opo‘o, Captain Cook, Kealakekua, Keauhou, Hōlualoa and Kailua-Kona

Using data from the U.S. Census, the district boundaries are re-evaluated every 10 years. As a result of the 2020 census, boundaries were moved to make room for an additional seat: District 6. There are now eight representative seats in Hawai‘i County.

Democrat Kirstin Kahaloa will be the first to represent District 6 with 5,405 votes (63.1%). Kahaloa, president and past president for Hawaiʻi Island Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce, said she is thrilled Hawaiʻi Island gets an additional voice.

“I’m thrilled, honored, humbled and overwhelmed in a good way,” Kahaloa said. “I’m excited to get to work immediately.”

Kahaloa said she’s eager to hear from the community about their needs and what legislation can help the district. Last legislative session, there was a fund created for universal preschool and Kahaloa said she wants to make sure it gets used for that purpose.

Republican challenger Jonathan Kennealy captured 2,641 votes (30.8%). He is a graduate of Waiakea High School and joined the army as a military police soldier on active duty. He served all over the world and throughout the U.S. as a federal police officer.

District 8: Includes Hawī, Waiaka, Waimea, Makahalau, Palihooukapapa, Waikii, Waikōloa, Waikui, Kawaihae and Mahukona

Democrat David Tarnas will keep his seat, receiving 5,553 votes (65.8%).

Tarnas served as state representative for House District 6 from 1994-1998 and as state representative for House District 7 from 2018-2022. He is a member of the Waimea Community Association; South Kohala Traffic Safety Committee; Waikoloa Community Leadership Council; North Kohala Community Access Group; Pohakuloa Training Area Community Advisory Group; Hawaii County Agricultural Advisory Commission; former chair, Hawaii County Democratic Party; and flutist with the Hulihee Palace Band.

“I’m grateful I can continue to serve as state representative,” Rep. Tarnas said. “I’m looking forward to working with the new administration.”

Tarnas said he hopes to remain chair of the water and land committee so he can continue to address water shed and coastal issues.

Republican Monique Perreira, a licensed massage therapist, garnered 2,477 votes (29.3%).

Click here to view new district maps. Click here to view the Reapportionment Commission Final Report and Plan.