Hundreds showed up to listen to the contenders for Big Island mayor but some in the crowd wanted to voice their opinion as well. The four leading candidates were invited based on their campaign contributions. The protestors wanted to hear from all eight. Councilmember Angel Pilago, who represents North Kona, sided with them.

"I agree with the people protesting out on the road that this needs to be a fair and impartial and open debate. We are for clean and open government," Pilago said.

With the primary election a month away the competition is heating up.

State Senator Lorraine Inouye emphasized her political experience, pointing out she even served as mayor for two years.

"Our people are suffering. Prices are getting out of hand. In fact, I think right now we should even look at lowering your property taxes," said Inouye.

The candidates debated issues like transportation, solid waste and the tension between the east and west side of the island.

"There's a perception out there, for example, the west Hawaii side, they're generating more tax revenue for us but they're not getting a return on the investment for their taxes," said councilmember Stacy Higa.

Attorney Billy Kenoi was executive assistant to Mayor Harry Kim. Kenoi is pushing for a mass transit system for the island.

"You tell me for $25 million that we cannot get our kids, our families and our seniors taken care of? If I don't build that mass transit system and create it, I wouldn't run for reelection in 4 years," Kenoi said.

40% of voters are undecided, according to a recent poll done for the Hawaii Tribune Herald and West Hawaii Today. The survey found Kenoi in the lead with 25%, followed by Inouye with 16%, Pilago with 14% and Higa with 2%.

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