Both Honolulu and Hawaii Counties have mayoral races

HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Itʻs a crowded field for Hawaii Countyʻs mayoral race with seven candidates vying for the top county position.

KHON2 was at the voting centers in Hilo and saw a good turnout with Hawaii County having received the most votes of all the neighbor islands.

Along with incumbent Mitch Roth, there is Dr. Kimo Alameda who served under two previous mayors and previously lead Hawaii Countyʻs fentanyl task force. Former candidate for Lt. Gov, Junior Tupaʻi who is also a pastor in Hilo. There is also Hilo businesswoman and Hawaii United Way Chair Bree Kobayashi along with Daniel Cunningham, Kavin Kahikina and Yumi Kawano.

If a candidate receives 51% of the vote, they could win tonight. If that does not happen then the two candidates with the most votes will move on to the general election ballot in November.

The Hawaii County Clerk, Jon Henricks reminded voters, "Everything stops at 7, so if youʻre at the dropbox at 7 at that last second then youʻre okay. But if you come at 7:01, itʻs going to be locked and secured for that purpose and same here if youʻre in line to vote at 7 youʻre fine."