HILO, Hawaii: Incumbent Mark Nakashima easily dispatched Noralyn Pajimola by three thousand votes in the first district race. Nakashima has enjoyed a strong hold on the Hamakua region, unchanged by the recent reapportionment. Both candidates spoke during the Grand Rally event in Hilo the night before the primary.

Clift Tsuji will walk back into the statehouse unopposed for district 2.

Richard Onishi defeated Brittany Smart for the the third district house seat. Both candidates spoke in Hilo on Friday evening. For Smart, the election held special meaning. Onishi will go on to face Republican Marlene Hapai in the general.

Faye Hanohano is once again destined for Puna’s 4th district house seat.

Incumbent representative Denny Coffmann seemed skeptical about his chances, after reapportionment. Nonetheless, he won his primary contest and now goes on to face Republican Dave Bateman in the general.

Nicole Lowen edged Kalei Akaka by roughly 50 votes to take Kona’s district 6 nomination. Republican Roy Ebert awaits in November.

Cindy Evans ran unopposed in the district 7 race. She goes back to work in the statehouse.