Puna's seat in House only Big Island primary

The Big Island will offer voters only one contested primary race in September, with four Democrats vying for the 4th District House seat in lower Puna being vacated by legislative veteran Helene Hale.

Democratic incumbents Reps. Dwight Takamine and Josh Green, and Sen. Russell Kokubun all face no opposition.

The Democrats are retired university administrator and small business- woman Sara Burgess, prison guard Faye Hanohano, community programs volunteer Lou Ann "Luana" Jones and farmer and store employee Gerard Silva.

Burgess said she is focused on protecting individuals' rights and the environment.

Hanohano is state secretary-treasurer for the United Public Workers and is expected to garner union support.

Jones is focusing on youth, strengthening the community and environmental protection.

Silva has called for more funding for infrastructure and government services.

The winner will face Republican Brian Jordan and Libertarian Aaron Anderson in the general election.

Other general election races will be, in the 2nd District, incumbent Democrat Jerry Chang versus Republican Sharon Vannatta; 3rd District, incumbent Democrat Clifton Tsuji versus Republican Fabian Toribio; in the 5th District, incumbent Democrat Robert Herkes against Republican Charles Hosley and nonpartisan Michael Last; and in the 7th District, Incumbent Cindy Evans versus William Sanborn.

Incumbents Dwight Takamine in the 1st District, Josh Green in the 6th District and Russell Kokubun in the 2nd Senate District, all Democrats, face no opposition.