Bainum, who lent his campaign committee more than $1 million early in this race, has lent it another $935,000 since July.

But Hannemann remains ahead on campaign contributions, collecting more than $1.4 million so far. Bainum has received $1.1 million in contributions.

Both candidates reported having more than $200,000 left to spend before the primary. If neither wins more than 50 percent of the vote in a field that includes former Mayor Frank Fasi and seven lesser-known candidates, the two with the most votes will face off in the Nov. 2 general election.

Hannemann campaign spokes-woman Elisa Yadao said the money Bainum has lent his campaign presents Hannemann with an uphill battle.

"Does it put us at a disadvantage? Absolutely," she said. "But at the end of the day, the voters are going to make up their minds based on who has the leadership ability to be the best mayor."

Bainum campaign spokeswoman Phyllis Kihara said the loans show that Bainum is firmly committed to the job he is seeking.

"From the start, this has been a campaign about honest change and ending the influence of campaign contributions on city government," Kihara said. "Duke feels so strongly about this that he's willing to finance a large part of his own campaign. It has allowed him to stay independent and to put the people's interest before special interests."

Bainum raised $1,116,073 during the two-month period that ended Sept. 3, including the latest loans. Hannemann raised $197,601 during the key period.

Fasi reported spending a total of $4,039 on the race, including $50 raised since July.

Most of the money spent by Bainum and Hannemann was for advertising and consultants. Kihara said the Bainum camp's heavy spending reflects the nature of modern campaigns.

"We take this campaign very seriously, and there are a lot of strong messages we need to get out to the people of Honolulu," she said.

Yadao said the Hannemann campaign also is working hard to promote their candidate.

"We do believe that our message is getting out there, that people are hearing it, and that ultimately Mufi's track record of being a leader who's tested and decisive is going to win the day," she said.

In the 2000 mayor's race, Harris spent $2,536,891; Hannemann spent $1,191,120; and Fasi spent $212,754. Harris won in the primary election.