Office of Hawaiian Affairs board Chairwoman Haunani Apoliona was holding off a challenge from former OHA deputy administrator Colin Kippen and appeared on her way to winning election to her fourth term tonight.

With Kippen hitting hard against Apoliona and the OHA's current administration, the race was being viewed as a referendum on the public's attitude toward the policy direction of the agency, whch has been a lightning rod for Hawaiian issues.

Three other incumbents on today's ballot also appeared headed to reelection – Bob Lindsey, Colette Machado and Don Cataluna.

Running behind Apoliona and Kippen for the at-large seat were Helene Honda and Sol Nalua'i.

On the Big Island, incumbent Lindsey was beating William (Willy) Meyers, a Papa'ikou resident who is a retired Hawaiian Airlines customer service agent.

For the Moloka'i-Lana'i seat, incumbent Machado of Puko'o was beating back a challenge by Waipa Purdy, a Kualapu'u resident who is a retired Hawaiian Airlines customer service agent.

Cataluna, a retired plantation executive and Koloa resident, needed only one vote cast for him to return to the board.

The terms of the five other OHA board members are up in two years.