WAILUKU, Maui — Wayne Nishiki edged ahead of Don Couch in the race for the South Maui seat in early results last night.

Nishiki, 64, claimed the label "maverick" long before the term became popular in the just-concluded presidential campaign, and served 22 years on the council before being forced out of office in 2004 because of term limits.

Nishiki's aide, Michelle Anderson, held the South Maui seat for two terms but decided not to seek re-election this year.

Prior to the 2008 campaign, Couch lost two state Senate races as a Republican and served as an executive assistant to former Mayor Alan Arakawa, also a Republican. But Nishiki's outsider status, while attracting a loyal following among environmentalists and anti-development groups, allowed Couch to bridge the political divide in the nonpartisan council race.

In fact, Couch was pictured in campaign ads with Democratic U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye and other top political and community leaders.

In the race for the Lana'i seat, Sol Kaho'ohalahala appeared headed toward victory over tour guide and limousine driver John Ornellas, 57, despite questions about the former's residency.