By Wendy Osher

In one of the closest races on the Maui ballot, a mere 59 votes determined the winner in the East Maui council race.  Council-member-elect Robert “Bob” Carroll, ended up ahead in 21 out of 39 precincts.

Robert "Bob" Carroll reclaims the East Maui council seat by a mere 59 votes taking 21 out of 39 Maui County precincts. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Carroll’s voting percentage was the best in Keanae where he earned 58.2% of the vote, but his greatest voting numbers were at the Kamalii Elementary School and the Haiku Community Center, where Carroll was ahead by more than 200 votes at each location.

Carroll also took the lead at the Paia Community Center and the Haiku Elementary School that both fall within the East Maui District as well.

Challenger Bill Medieros, who is the incumbent, had more than 50% of the vote at Hana High and Elementary School, one of the precincts most identified with the East Maui Community.  There,  217 people cast votes in his favor, 14 more than Carroll, who ended up winning the East Maui race.

Medeiros had his greatest vote count at the Velma McWayne Santos Community Center where 629 people casts votes in his favor, 264 more than Carroll.

The final vote count was 17,253 votes or 40.8% for Carroll, and 17,194 or 40.7% for Medeiros.  There were 1,143 Blank votes and 15 Over votes in the East Maui Council race.