Few big-name challengers emerge in local races as other incumbents stand unopposed
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The stage is set for Hawaii’s 2024 election season.
The deadline for candidates to file for office passed on Tuesday afternoon.
And in a word, this season is quiet — maybe too quiet. It looks like there will be very few contested races at the top of the ticket — with established, well-financed incumbents facing very few opponents with real ability to win and far more unopposed races than usual.
“I think that some mainstream candidates are more reluctant to run these days, they don’t want to put their family through the social media scrutiny,” said HNN political analyst Colin Moore.
“And so I think the bar to decide to run in a race is higher than it used to be.”
Honolulu Prosecutor Steve Alm appears poised to be re-elected without opposition — along with Hawaii County Prosecutor Kelden Waltjen and Kauai Prosecutor Rebecca Like.
Meanwhile, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi does not face a major challenge. Businesswoman Choon James filed Tuesday afternoon and potential other candidates have little recognition.
Three Honolulu councilmembers up for reelection — Andria Tupola, Radiant Cordeiro and Augie Tulba — appeared to have no opponents in the upcoming elections. But Esther Kiaaina picked up three opponents.
Councilmember Calvin Say is retiring from office, opening up a battle for his seat.
We asked Moore if he’s ever seen it this quiet.
His answer: “Never.”
“I think this is shocking and extraordinary,” he continued. “I mean, I don’t think we’ve ever had a case where the mayor doesn’t have a strong challenge.”
On Hawaii Island, Mayor Mitch Roth has a half-dozen opponents.
And in the state Senate, a high-profile contest is shaping up between veteran Windward Oahu politician Clayton Hee, who is challenging newly-elected Republican Sen. Brenton Awa.
Twelve state lawmakers were unopposed as of Wednesday morning — one Republican and 11 Democrats.
The national races are equally quiet. Democrat Senator Mazie Hirono’s best-known challenger is Republican Bob McDermott, who served in the state House.
Moore regrets the lack of excitement in local races. “That’s when we hold incumbents to account — we can have interesting policy discussions. It’s kind of the way we we shape our future,” he said.
“Without campaigns, we don’t get to have those conversations.”
Candidates running unopposed will be officially elected in the primary election, which is Aug. 10.
The general election on Nov. 5 includes the presidential race, which could bring all the excitement we need.
Click here for the full list of candidates.
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