Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann is leading City Council member Ann H. Kobayashi in his bid to return to Honolulu Hale.

Hannemann surged to a large early lead after the first set of results were released and hopes to build on the momentum.

Hannemann spent election day driving from neighborhood to neighborhood waving signs and greeting supporters. Kobayashi boarded a trolley and drove around O'ahu with her daughter and son, stopping to meet with supporters and sign wave.

Hannemann campaigned on a "record of achievement," touting his administration's efforts to repair sewers and roads while bolstering public safety and core city services. He promised to get the economy moving by spending on infrastructure creation and improvement. He backed the rail transit plan as a means to stimulate the economy as well as a method meant for relieving traffic congestion for commuters.