"It's kind of sad, because I think it's an important election," said Carl Takamura, executive director of the Hawai'i Business Roundtable. "I'm surprised."

One reason the primary has not taken greater shape is that the number of candidates — 30 for seven of the board's 13 elected seats — makes it difficult for voters to digest. On O'ahu, 18 candidates are running for three open seats. Since school board positions are unpaid and nonpartisan, candidates traditionally do not invest money on television advertisements or political mailings, so much campaign activity takes place under the radar, making it harder for candidates to distinguish themselves.

Many of the community forums held this year have involved candidates for all political races, and some school board candidates who have appeared have felt lost in the shuffle.

Unlike state House and Senate candidates, who campaign in specific districts, board candidates for O'ahu are elected by all island voters, as Neighbor Island candidates are elected by all Neighbor Island voters, limiting the effectiveness of door-to-door canvassing.

In one of the few chances for voters to compare school board candidates in an equal setting, 'Olelo will televise a 90-minute debate among the O'ahu at-large candidates on Channel 54 at 6:30 p.m. Friday, the night before the primary.

"There is a lot of apathy about BOE elections," said Don Hayman, president of the Hawai'i State Parent Teacher Student

Association. "They don't get the kind of visibility as the Senate or the House."

Hayman believes the campaign will take on a sharper focus for the general election in November. The PTSA and the Business Roundtable, working with other partners, plan a forum solely for school board candidates.

Questions about an education reform law approved by the state Legislature, and Gov. Linda Lingle's continuing call for local school boards, could emerge and have an impact before the general election.

"I think parents this year are more inclined to take a closer look," Hayman said.

Several school board candidates have created Web sites or are relying on contacts in the community to get them through the primary.

One O'ahu at-large candidate, former U.S. Rep. Cecil Heftel, has run television ads. But Heftel fractured his hip and has been hospitalized since late August, ending his plans for sign-waving and rallies.

The only other television advertising so far has been from the Hawai'i State Teachers Association, which has backed Heftel, incumbent Garrett Toguchi and Nobleza Magsanoc, operations manager at Pacific Resource Partnership, for the three O'ahu at-large seats.

The teachers' union also has used print advertising for its candidates, which include retired principal Margaret Cox for a Kaua'i seat, incumbent Breene Harimoto for a Leeward seat, incumbent Denise Matsumoto for a Honolulu seat, and incumbent Herbert Watanabe for a Big Island seat.

"We make our endorsements because members of the BOE are the policy-makers for the Department of Education," said Roger Takabayashi, president of the teachers' union. The HSTA, along with the Hawai'i Government Employees Association, traditionally has had the greatest influence in board elections through its recommendations to union members.

Lingle, whose push for elected local school boards failed last session in the Legislature, has endorsed a slate of candidates that support her views through an outgrowth of her education advisory committee. Care for Our Kids, operated by Lingle's friend Brian Woolford, has distributed slate cards through Republican candidates.

The group has endorsed Darwin Ching, an attorney and former deputy attorney general; Signe Godfrey, owner of Olsten Staffing Services; and Pam Smith, a consultant and graphic designer, for the O'ahu at-large seats.

It has backed Shad Kane, a retired Honolulu police lieutenant, for the Leeward seat; and David Adams, a marketing director, for the Big Island seat.

Woolford, who owns D&D Furniture, said raising money and getting the candidates' message out has been difficult. He said the group would consider doing more if candidates move on to the general election.

"It's not about partisan politics," he said of the group's efforts. "It's about what's best for the kids."