HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Tuesday afternoon was the filing deadline for candidates to run in Hawaii's 2024 elections, and according to the Office of Elections, there were 46 filings on the last day.
Major uncontested races include the prosecutors for Honolulu, Kauai, and Hawaii Island.
Three candidates for Honolulu Mayor filed to run against incumbent Rick Blangiardi, but political analysts say their chances of unseating Blangiardi are slim.
The deadline to file was 4:30 p.m., and many said they were surprised by the lack of competition this election year.
"I think the biggest surprise to me is there is only one competitive race statewide if you look at it," said Camron Hurt, Common Cause program manager.
He said that's the race between House Speaker Scott Saiki (D) and his challenger in the primary Kim Coco Iwamoto (D).
"It's disappointing because healthy competition is needed for a democracy," Hurt said.
"I think when you see people who aren't running, and you see the statistics that reflect the distrust in our government, that should be a red flag alarm to everybody," Hurt added. "And it's not because certain people just feel comfortable and the power that they have, but our democracy isn't growing if we're not competing for it."
One hour before the deadline, community activist Choon James threw her name into the mayor's race.
"I said, 'Oh no, we need to get dialogue going and an incumbent mayor should answer questions,' and so I said Okay, I'm going to plunge in and apply for it and get the needed signature so here we are on the 11th hour," James said.
“Democracy thrives on healthy competition, and the addition of these candidates will only serve to enrich the discussion surrounding the future of our great city. I applaud their commitment to public service and desire to contribute to the betterment of our society. This election is about the future of the City & County of Honolulu and ensuring that every citizen has the opportunity to thrive. I remain committed to addressing many long-standing issues of deep public concern to Oahu residents as well as bringing vital improvements to the community I have the privilege of serving," Blangiardi's campaign said.
David Duke Bourgoin and Karl Dicks also filed to run for Mayor.
"It's always a tough battle going against an incumbent, it's going to be even tougher coming in later, but that doesn't mean it's not impossible," Hurt said.
The Kauai, Oahu, and Hawaii island prosecutors are going unchallenged.
"I don't think people always understand that if they want tougher laws, you actually get a say in that, you get a say in your prosecutor," Hurt added.
Democrat Clayton Hee made it official yesterday, he's running to come back to the state senate, targeting Republican Senator Brenton Awa's seat.
Then there are six candidates running against Mayor Mitch Roth on Hawaii island, including Jr. Tupai, Breeani Kobayashi, Kimo Alamed, Daniel Cunningham, Yumi Kawano, and Kavin Kahikina.
On the final day, Republican Sheila Walker threw in her name for state senator of District 6, which is a seat currently held by Democrat Angus McKelvey.