In the early returns, the veteran congresswoman had nearly 75 percent of the vote over Steve Tataii.

In the Republican primary, 10-year state House member Bob McDermott was expected to beat Big Island accountant James "The Ump" Donovan.

In the 1st Congressional District, representing urban Honolulu, U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie was unopposed in the Democratic primary. In the early returns, almost 30 percent of the voters, however, left the ballot blank for their congressional vote.

In the GOP primary, auto detailer Mark Terry led over businessman Stephen Bischoff.

Mink has been hospitalized at Straub Clinic and Hospital since Aug. 30, suffering from viral pneumonia resulting from a case of chickenpox. She has been in intensive care since Sept. 1. Her office and family will only say she’s in serious condition, but on the road to recovery.

McDermott said voters had a right to know more about her condition before the election, as did Taitii, but no additional information was released.

Gov. Ben Cayetano, who said his office also could not get details on Mink’s condition, said he hoped "the opponents don’t make anything more of it and try to capitalize on what clearly is a physical illness."

Mink, 74, a member of the House for 24 years over two different stretches, represents the Neighbor Islands and rural O‘ahu. She won re-election two years ago by a nearly two-to-one margin.