Kaʻū News Briefs Aug. 11, 2024

Mayor Mitch Roth took in the most votes in Saturday's mayoral primary and is headed to the General Election against Dr. Kimo Alameda. Photo from Roth campaign

HAWAI'I COUNTY HAD THE HIGHEST VOTER TURNOUT in the state for the Primary Election on Saturday, according to state elections officials who published the numbers of votes cast for each candidate. Citizens can still sign up for the General Election on Nov. 5 when there will be a runoff between Mayor Mitch Roth and Dr. Kimo Alameda in the nonpartisan race, in addition to other county, state and federal elections. See https://elections.hawaii.gov/register-to-vote/registration/,

MAYOR MITCH ROTH TOOK IN THE MOST VOTES in Saturday's mayoral primary, with 37 percent, followed by Dr. Kimo Alameda's 27 percent. The two will face off in the General Election on Nov. 5. His celebration was at the ILWU hall in Hilo.  Roth said, "Leadership isn’t about popularity; it’s about results. We’re grateful to our team for helping to continue making Hawai‘i Island better than we found it!"   He pointed to the accomplishments of his administration, including streamlining the building permit process, achieving a high county bond rating, improving infrastructure including roads and parks, and helping to reduce homelessness.  "We're much better off from where we took over four years ago and I think in another four years, we;re gonna be much better off than where we are not. We've go a lot of big projects we're working on, and we really want to get those projects done."

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Kimo Alameda has campaigned for two years. Photo from Friends of Kimo Alameda.

KA'U'S REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS ISSUED THIS STATEMENT after winning the Democratic

Rep. Jill Tokuda won the primary.

primary on Saturday. "I am deeply humbled and grateful for your incredible support in the Primary Election. As we move forward, our mission is clear: we must stand united and work tirelessly to ensure that Democrats retake the U.S. House majority in the upcoming general election. The stakes have never been higher, and our collective efforts are crucial in shaping a future that reflects our shared values and aspirations.
    "This is probably one of the most consequential elections of our lifetime. It is essential that we rally behind Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz, doing everything in our power to get them to the White House. Their leadership is vital for the progress and prosperity of our nation, and we must be all in to make this happen.
    "Your support has been the backbone of our campaign, and I am counting on you to continue this journey with us. Together, we can create the change we want to see and build a brighter future for Hawaiʻi. Let's keep the momentum going!"

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, seefacebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies in the mail and on stands.

The Reunion features the screening of a PBS film Ka'u Sugar, A Town Remembers on the history of the sugar plantation  and the closing of the mill in 1996. It will also feature a film  on history of the local coffee industry.