Former members in hunt to regain their old seats

Former Maui County Council members Sol Kaho'ohalahala and Wayne Nishiki advanced in their bids to take their old seats on Lanai and south Maui, respectively.

Kaho'ohalahala, who served on the council from 1995 to 1998, was the executive director for the Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission for three years.

Nishiki, who stepped away several years ago after reaching the consecutive term limit, will be facing Don Couch, an information technology manager who ran unsuccessfully twice against state Sen. Rosalyn Baker.

Nishiki's daughter Kahekai, a first-time candidate, will challenge incumbent Councilman Michael Molina for the Makawao-Haiku-Paia seat.

Councilwoman Jo Anne Johnson advanced to the general election in a bid for a west Maui seat.

In the Kauai County Council race, where the top 14 vote-getters advance to the general election, incumbents led the way.

Council Chairman Jay Furfaro and former Council Chairman and interim Mayor Bill "Kaipo" Asing led the vote, followed by incumbents Tim Bynum and Ronald Kouchi.

Next was incumbent Daryl Kaneshiro, who was named to the Council after Asing moved up to the mayoral spot.

Dickie Chang, host of the public access cable show "Walaau," and Derek Kawakami, the son of former state Reps. Bertha and Richard Kawakami, rounded out the top vote-getters.

In Hawaii County Council races, Upper Puna-Kau challenger and jobs advocate Guy Enriques handily beat incumbent slow-growth environmentalist Bob Jacobson.

Former Puna councilman Gary Safarik lost to Emily Naeole, who ousted him two years ago.

Naeole is a self-described "prayer warrior" who frequently calls on God for guidance while championing low-income underdogs.