City Council members and the prosecutor say they are not taking this year's election for granted even if no opposition has emerged at this point.

Ann H. Kobayashi said the lack of an opponent for her seat is not a surprise, but she is preparing to run as if the field were crowded.

"There may be someone who may want to put their name forward, you just never know what might happen. There are always people interested in running for this seat," said Kobayashi.

She said there are several reasons challengers may be scarce.

"Council seats, the area is very large and it's not that easy (to cover). Does it mean there is no interest in being in office? I would hope there would be (interest). It's not an easy position to be in.

"There is always criticism, you put in a lot of time and it's hard on the family. The pay is getting better so maybe more people will look at running. It used to be that you had to hold down two jobs."

Also running unopposed are four other council members. Several declined to speculate on why no one has so far filed against them.

TRANSIT ISSUES

Council member and vice-chair Todd K. Apo, an attorney, currently represents the first municipal district, home to the fastest growing neighborhoods on O'ahu. It includes 'Ewa, 'Ewa Beach, Honouliuli, West Loch, Kapolei and nearby areas.

Apo said his campaign theme is adequately investing in the infrastructure needs of West O'ahu and subsequently shifting the island's population center there.

"Transit is big, but it's part of a much larger issue for my district, which is transportation. How do you provide the infrastructure for a community that continues to grow? How do you set city and state policies for the area of the island's growth?" he said.

Barbara Marshall, the council chair, said the issues most often brought to her attention are traffic congestion, the rising cost of housing, utilities, groceries and the misuse of beaches by illegal campers, she said. Her district includes Waimanalo, Kailua and most of Kane'ohe.

Marshall said she's also worried about maintaining city operations in the face of mounting costs and is opposed to the rail-transit project.

"From mandates imposed on the county by the state, often times without funding, to continuing increases in energy costs and employee benefits, the financial outlook for the city is certainly not what it was even five years ago," said Marshall.

Romy Cachola, who represents the seventh municipal district, said he may be unopposed now but is preparing for a challenger.

"That's the worst mistake you can make if you take things for granted. I have never taken things for granted in my life since I came here from the Philippines. The challenges we faced early on with practically no money, jobless, looking for a place to stay I think I'm already tested," said Cachola. "If somebody runs, that's not in my control."

EXPECTING OPPONENTS

Nestor Garcia, who represents areas including Waikele, Waipahu, Village Park, Makakilo, Kunia and Mililani Town, said he's running to ensure transit-oriented development in his district is handled correctly.

"It will literally change the face of Waipahu and it will change the way we live and work. That's what's driving me to seek my last term," said Garcia. "I wouldn't be surprised if someone ran against me on that issue (rail transit) alone. I ran for Congress a few years ago so I know what it's like to race in a crowd."

City prosecutor Peter Carlisle has filed for a fourth term in office and would be running unopposed for the second time in four electoral contests.

"Until the deadline has passed you have two options: to run unopposed or run scared. I have to be preparing to run as if there is opposition," Carlisle said. "The first election I had was a really hot election and I was barely the last person standing. The second was unopposed and the third election was me versus the former prosecutor, Keith Kaneshiro, and he lost and I won."