Anderson last night defeated visitor magazine publisher Ron Vaught in one of six contested races. The others were won by incumbents Jo Anne Johnson of West Maui, Robert Carroll of Hana, Joe Pontanilla of Kahului, Dain Kane of Wailuku and Mike Molina of Makawao.

Anderson, Nishiki's executive assistant for the past seven years, will replace the five-term council maverick after he was effectively forced out of office by term limits.

Charmaine Tavares of Upcountry, Riki Hokama of Lana'i and Danny Mateo of Moloka'i drew no opposition this year, and each will return for another two-year term.

With Anderson replacing Nishiki for the South Maui seat, and eight of nine incumbents returning, the direction and leadership of the council isn't expected to change in any dramatic way.

Tavares said key issues in the next term will be traffic congestion, growth and keeping up with new infrastructure needs, including sewage treatment plants and especially water.

"We've got water problems all over the place," she said.

Another big issue, she said, is the lack of affordable housing. She said she expects the council to create a Committee on Housing to tackle that issue.

"We need to work with (Mayor Alan Arakawa's) administration to make affordable housing happen on this island," she said.

Johnson said it appears it will be "business as usual" for the next term. She said the council should consider a change in the chair position, from Kane to Tavares.

"We've got to get serious and set some goals and objectives," Johnson said.

Kane could not be reached for comment.

In any case, Johnson said she's hopeful the council will be able to work on the island's transportation problems, property tax reform and other "quality of life" issues.

Anderson said that endorsements by Nishiki and Johnson helped get her message across.

"People want a balanced approach to our future growth, so the needs of our resident population are met before we dedicate land and resources to nonresidents (looking to buy homes on Maui)," she said.

Maui County Council candidates are required to live in their district but are elected by voters countywide.