On Kauai, the top two mayoral candidates faced off for the first time since the primary election.

According to the Office of Elections, Bernard Carvalho Jr. finished first on September 20 with 39.8% of the votes. JoAnn Yukimura came in second with 30%.

The Superferry wasn't mentioned during the debate but the economy was a hot topic.

More than 300 people packed into the Veterans Center in Lihue Monday night to listen to the two choices for mayor.

The political forum started with a debate followed by questions from the crowd.

Much of the discussion focused on Kauai's slowing economy.

"I call it an economic tsunami. It is approaching us with speed and certainty. Many businesses and households on Kauai are already feeling the effects of our struggling economy," said Kauai Mayoral Candidate Bernard Carvalho Jr.

"Words are easy. Effective action on complex and difficult issues is much harder," said Kauai Mayoral Candidate JoAnn Yukimura.

The candidates discussed the need to lure more visitors to the island. Both also talked about restricting big box stores and supporting small businesses.

Carvalho is the county parks director. He has been endorsed by the family of the late mayor Bryan Baptiste.

"The vision of our new mayor must bring clarity, focus and necessary action during these times of uncertainty," Cravalho said.

"Bernard has been part of the administration that has dragged its feet on solid waste, failed to site a new landfill, and will be giving us a 50-million dollar bill just for emergency expansion of the existing landfill," Yukimura said.

Yukimura has emphasized her political experience. She has served as mayor and also on the county council.

She took a jab at Carvalho when both were asked about which, county programs they'd considering cutting due to tough economic times.

"As far as I'm concerned no programs will be cut. KPAL is a program that reaches out to kids throughout the island and it is there. It's gonna stay," Cravalho said.

"Bernard's answer is an answer from someone who doesn't know the budgeting process or the realities of the budget," Cravalho said.

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