Ruggles beats incumbent Paleka in Puna council race

HILO — Jennifer Ruggles unseated Hawaii County Councilman Daniel Paleka in the District 5 race.

With all precincts reporting, the 27-year-old Fern Acres resident won 1,921 votes, or 54 percent.

Paleka, who was elected to the Puna mauka seat in 2014, received 1,632 votes, or 46 percent.

“I do believe our message has been heard,” said Ruggles, prior to the final tally.

She said the district had been “underserved and underrepresented.”

Paleka received $22,475.93 in donations and spent $14,961.60 this election period.

Ruggles received $11,432.98 in donations and spent $8,275.54.