WAILUKU, Maui — Two familiar Maui politicians were well on their way last night to clearing their first hurdle to returning to office.

Both Wayne Nishiki of South Maui and Sol Kaho'ohalahala of Lana'i held solid leads in their respective council races.

In the only other council race contested in the primary, incumbent Jo Anne Johnson, 62, of West Maui had a convincing margin over Alan Fukuyama, who is likely to face her in the Nov. 4 general election.

The top two vote-getters in each primary race advance. Although council members must run from a residency district, they are elected in a countywide vote.

Nishiki, 64, served on the council a total of 22 years and is attempting a comeback after a four-year absence. He was forced out of office in 2004 because of term limits, and was happy to sit on the sidelines while former aide Michelle Anderson held the South Maui seat for two terms before deciding not to seek re-election this year.

Don Couch, who worked as an executive assistant to former Mayor Alan Arakawa, was comfortably in second place.

Couch, 52, said his four years working for the administration gives him unique insight into county government.

"I have a genuine advantage of knowing what the administration needs and how all the departments work. I can better question and work with the administration," he said.

Couch said that unlike Nishiki, he would be "open and accessible to all people" and work cooperatively with his council colleagues.

"Wayne is famous for not allowing people to come to his office," Couch said.

Nishiki is best known for antagonizing developers and for his populist policies. The candidate said voters know what they are getting when they cast a vote for Nishiki.

"I speak their language," he said. "They may not agree with me, but they want someone in there who will be the watchdog on their behalf. Even developers say to me, 'At least you're consistent. We know where you stand.' "

Where he stands is less emphasis on luxury home projects and more pressure on builders to produce affordable housing.

"It seems like the corporations are controlling everything and there's no real heart on Maui anymore," he said. "It's like the poor people are getting run over."

Kaho'ohalahala, 57, served two terms each on the council and in the state House, but has been out of office for four years. Tour guide John Ornellas, 56, was in the second position in the Lana'i race, according to initial results.

Two councilmen, Mike Victorino of Wailuku and Danny Mateo of Moloka'i, are unopposed. The four remaining council races will be determined in the general election.