The race to see who will be the next mayor of Hawaii County appears to be headed for a runoff in November.
After initial results were released just after 7 p.m., Mitch Roth was leading Ikaika Marzo, 31.9% to 20.9%, in all eligible votes (after blank votes and “over” votes are discarded).
Incumbent Mayor Harry Kim, who was seeking his fourth term, was third with 15.7% of eligible votes cast. He was followed by Neil Azevedo and Stacy Higa, with 11.2% and 9.2%, respectively.
In other close East Hawaii contests, Dominic Yagong (37.1%) was leading Heather Kimball (28.5%) in the District 1 County Council race, and incumbent Councilman Matt Kaneali‘i-Kleinfelder (46.6%) held a narrow lead over Ikaika Rodenhurst (42%) for the District 5 seat.
Both races appear headed for a runoff in November, unless a candidate reaches 50% plus one vote after additional results are released.