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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 6:31 p.m., Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Hannemann, Kobayashi draw large support

By Mary Vorsino and Greg Wiles
Advertiser Staff Writers

Across Honolulu, mayoral candidates continut Palolo Elementary School, 21-year-old William Dearmore cast his vote to keep Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann in office

"He seems to be doing a good job," Dearmore said.

Rod Frias, a 35-year-old, construction worker also chose Mufi because "I think he's doing a good job."

But Laurie Chivers, 52, voted for Hannemann's rival, Ann Kobayashi, primarily because of Kobayashi's opposition to the rail projected supported by Hannemann.

"I also like her (leadership) approach," Chivers said.

Kathleen Maika, a 56-year-old, title officer, chose Kobayashi because she is not sure Hannemann will serve his full term.

"I think we need change," she added.

At Radford High School, teacher Janice Chuck, 53, voted for Hannemann because,

"I think he's a leader with vision. He's lived up to fixing infrastructure."

Tip Crocker, a 48-year-old education assistant, chose Kobayashi because, "I felt betrayal by my mayor, Mufi."

Kobayashi, however, is a "sensible woman."

"She really genuinely wants good for the community," Crocker said. "I know Mufi does too, but with his rail that's his monument."

John Gallagher, a 52-year-old musician, voted for Kobayashi at Central Union Church because he said Hannemann has not supported the Honolulu Symphony and booked the Lion King at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center, which hurt the symphony financially.

Jeremy Gracey, a 28-year-old anesthesia technician and student, stuch with Hannemann.

"I think he's doing a really good job," Gracey said. "I like that he's for rail. I would like to see the rail pass and ease some of the commuter problems we have."

"My biggest deciding factor in the mayor's race lis where the candidate

stood on rail because I'm pro-rail."

Eyona Menka, a 31-year-old, retail visual manager, wore an "I (heart) Obama" tank top when she voted for Hannemann.

"I cross paths with him from time to time," Menka said. "He seems like a down-to-earth

guy. He just seems like a guy you'd know or would be related to."

Reach Mary Vorsino at mvorsino@honoluluadvertiser.com and Greg Wiles at gwiles@honoluluadvertiser.com.