On primary election day, Maui voters will elect the person to represent them in the state Senate for the next four years: Two Democrats are vying for the seat, and there is no Republican opposition, so Sept. 23 voting will determine the winner.

Both contenders have experience in the job, but this time around The Advertiser recommends that incumbent Shan Tsutsui be returned to the state Capitol for another term serving the 4th Senatorial District.

The race mirrors the 2002 election, when Tsutsui unseated Jan Yagi Buen, whose position on privatization and other issues drew fire from pro-labor voters. The Advertiser at the time endorsed Buen, who had a record of support for long-term healthcare insurance and other needed improvements, especially in the health sector.

But although that record hasn't diminished, Tsutsui has, in the meantime, proved to be an energetic public servant who is in touch with his district. In short, he has served his district well.

Among the hottest topics on Maui is the concern over effects of the planned Superferry project. Tsutsui has effectively brought the concerns of his constituents regarding the impact on traffic and on Maui's environment to the fore.

These are important issues and are probably solvable without undue delays to the project. Tsutsui was right to heed the voters' concerns and — equally important — has stated a willingness to help seek solutions.

Impressively, the freshman senator also has managed to position himself in a relatively short time. He's been majority caucus leader and vice chairman of the Tourism committee since 2003, and last year he became vice chairman of the all-important Committee on Ways and Means.

Someone who attains quick leadership posts while keeping an ear to the ground is clearly worth keeping in office.