HILO, Hawaii (KHON2) -- The answer to who will occupy the mayoral seat in Hawaii County looks to be Dr. Kimo Alameda as he took the lead in the first print out, which came a little after midnight.
Turnout in Hilo was strong despite the rain and flooding on Monday, which concerned the Hawaii county clerk.
"We still have two county council races on the ballot here. So for some voters, thatʻs something to be decided. And, of course, we have a mayoral race here thatʻs on every personʻs ballot on this county. So Iʻm sure that is sparking some interest for some of our voters as well," Jon Henricks told KHON2 Tuesday afternoon.
KHON2 mapped precinct results from the primary and found that Mayor Roth led in most areas of the island, including all of west and most of south areas while Alameda claimed votes in several Hilo precincts and nearby areas.
With votes that were split between two other challengers in the primary now going to either Roth or Alameda, both candidates appealed to the voters shortly after that election.
"Sixty-four percent of our island voted for change and right now weʻre the only change option available," Alameda told KHON2.
While Roth said, "As for other candidates who are not in the runoff, Brianni and Junior, we believe our values align with theirs and we think many of their supporters will see that."
