Maui Council Races Narrowed to Top Two Contenders

Mike White (left-file photo) and Mike Molina (right-photo by Wendy Osher).

By Wendy Osher

Saturday’s primary election featured four Maui council races, each of which were narrowed to the top two vote-getters in each district.  In Makawao, the two Mikes–Mike Molina and Mike White–advance to the general; in West Maui incumbent Elle Cochran will face newcomer Kaʻala Buenconsejo; in East Maui, incumbent Bob Carroll faces Nick Nikhilananda; and in South Maui, Don Couch faces John Fitzpatrick.

For complete RESULTS, visit out link at Primary Election 2014.

Molina Finishes Primary in Lead for Old Council Seat

Former Councilmember Mike Molina received an estimated 1,300 more votes than incumbent Mike White in the race for the Makawao-Haʻikū-Pāʻia council seat.  The two will face each other in the general election after defeating fellow candidates Henry Kahula Jr. and Alex Haller in Saturday’s primary.

Molina garnered a total of 11,125 votes or 40.4% of the vote, compared to White, who earned 9,815 votes or 35.7% of the vote.

Molina served for five consecutive two-year terms as councilmember for the Makawao-Haʻikū-Pāʻia district before reaching his term limit in 2010. He is currently employed as an executive assistant to the mayor for the Makawao, Pāʻia and Central Maui areas.

Mike White was voted in to represent the Makawao-Haʻikū-Pāʻia district after winning the 2010 election to fill the vacancy.  He also served in the Hawaiʻi State Legislature from 1993 to 1998 and currently serves as the General Manager of the Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel.

Cochran and Buenconsejo in Running for West Maui Council

In West Maui, current councilmember Elle Cochran managed to maintain a 40% lead over the three candidate field, earning 10,999 votes.  She finished ahead of Kaʻala Buenconsejo, who ended the night with 7,645 votes (27.8%), despite heavy support from a political action committee in the form of mailed advertising.  Rick Nava was defeated with 4,780 votes.  Cochran will face Buenconsejo in the November 4 general election.

East Maui Incumbent Carroll Holds Strongest Lead in Maui Council Races

In East Maui, Councilmember Bob Carroll had the strongest lead for council candidates on Maui.  A total of 16,563 people voted for Carroll, who took 60.2% of votes cast in the race.  He will face Nick Nikhilananda, who finished with 3,910 votes (14.2%).  Ousted from contention was John Blumer -Buell, who had just 1,939 votes or 7% of the vote.

Couch Garners Nearly 15,000 Votes, Faces Fitzpatrick for South Maui
In South Maui, Councilman Don Couch also held a strong lead throughout the night, earning the support of more than 15,000 voters.  More than 11,200 votes separated Couch and his nearest opponent, John Fitzpatrick, who garnered 3,832 votes.  The two will face off in the general election in November.  Fellow candidates Robin Knox and Jerry Metcalfe received 2,052 and 1,124 votes respectively, and fell short of enough votes to advance.

For complete RESULTS, visit out link at Primary Election 2014.