Arakawa to Face Paltin in Maui Mayor’s Race

Alan Arakawa (left-file photo by Wendy Osher) and Tamara Paltin (right-file photo).

By Wendy Osher

Saturday’s primary election featured a crowded race of six contenders.  The field was narrowed to incumbent mayor Alan Arakawa, and challenger Tamara Paltin.

Arakawa held a commanding lead throughout the night with 17,492 votes (63.6%), ahead of Paltin, who garnered 3,331 votes (12.1%).

In announcing his run for reelection, Arakawa said he hoped that he and his team had done enough over the last four years to earn the trust and confidence if the people of Maui County.

Arakawa is making a bid for re-election for a second consecutive four-year term. He also served in the same capacity between 2002 and 2006.

Paltin, who is new on the election scene, is an Ocean Safety Officer for the County of Maui.  She served as secretary of the Save Honolua Coalition in2007, Vice President of the organization in 2008, and president of the group in 2009.  She is also the current secretary and treasurer of the HGEA Unit 14.

Paltin’s community involvement includes: membership in the Maui Nui Marine Resource Council; volunteer instructor for the American Red Cross Lifeguard/First Aid/CPR programs; and member of E Alu Pu communities learning network, Kahana Canoe Club, Save Honolua Coalition, HGEA union, and Hawaiian Lifeguard Association.

Ousted from the race were Alana Kay, Nelson Waikiki Jr., Orion Kopelman, and Beau Hawkes.

Hawkes, whose run-in with Maui police was captured in a viral video, ended up with 372 votes for a last place finish.

Despite being disqualified as a candidate, Neldon Mamuad’s name still appeared on the ballot and he managed to get 710 votes.  The county clerk issued a proclamation in July saying the ballots had already been printed before the invalidation was upheld in circuit court, so none of the votes cast for him actually counted.

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