Psychologist Kimo Alameda clinches victory in Hawaii Island mayoral race

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – With the first printout of general election results released shortly after midnight on Nov. 6, Hawaii News Now has called the race for Hawaii County mayor.
Challenger Kimo Alameda defeated incumbent Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth with 51.2% (35,577 votes) to Roth’s 44.2% (30,717 votes).
The results were expected to be close.
“It was a close race to begin with,” Alameda said. “I know Big Island wanted change and I know they wanted more than the status quo.”
Alameda is a psychologist. Born on Hawaii Island, he grew up on a ranch in Waiakea Uka. The 54-year-old is a graduate of Hawaii Pacific University and UH Manoa, and earned his doctorate at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He has worked extensively in public health and has led the Hawaii County fentanyl task force.
This is his first time running for office.
“We‘ve got to recognize the fact that we’ve been Hilo-centric for a long time,” Alameda said. “Puna has needs, Kona has needs, Waimea, Kau, every other part of the island has needs too, just like a family.
“Our administration will be very cognizant of that, and we hope to provide better geographic equity,” he said.
Roth was seeking a second term after winning the seat in 2020.
“We’ve made this island a lot better in the last four years and I leave with no regrets if that’s the case,” Roth said.
He has built a career in law enforcement, serving eight years as Hawaii County prosecutor. He was a deputy prosecutor on Hawaii Island and in Honolulu before that. The 59-year-old is a graduate of the University of Hawaii at Manoa and Whittier Law School.
“I just feel totally blessed, and humbled,” Alameda told Hawaii News Now Sunrise, the morning after the election. “It‘s a result of the voice of the people… I can’t wait to get started.”
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