DeCoite Bests Ritte in Vote Recount

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

Last week, we reported that results for the District 13 Representative seat in the Primary Election were pending a recount. Incumbent Lynn DeCoite and challenger Walter Ritte came within 91 votes of each other, triggering an automatic recount process under the laws governing the new mail-in ballot system in Hawaii, according to Maui County Clerk Kathy Kaohu, who oversees ballots cast in Maui County.

On Monday, Aug. 10 at 5 p.m. the recount began, and final results were announced Tuesday morning, with DeCoite winning by 93 votes over Ritte. DeCoite will move on to the General Election, when she will face the Republican and Aloha Aina party candidates.