HILO, Hawai'i — Big Island physician Josh Green is coasting to what appears to be an easy victory in the state Senate district that includes Kona and Kohala, while early returns suggest County Councilman Bob Jacobson could lose the Ka'u seat he has held for the past six years.

The District 3 Senate seat Green and Isbell are seeking is now held by Republican Paul Whalen, who did not seek re-election. No other Republican filed to run in the district, which means the race will be decided in today's primary.

Green stressed reform of the state's health care system during his campaign, promising to pressure Hawai'i Medical Service Association to increase reimbursements to doctors and hospitals in an effort to make health care more accessible on the neighbor islands.

Isbell, a former County Councilwoman and a veteran of 16 years in the state House, stressed local issues such as road improvements for Kona.

On the council, Jacobson's district was divided by a proposal for a massive development at Sea Mountain in Punalu'u, a project Jacobson opposed.

Guy Enriques helped form a group that wanted to negotiate with the developer for various community benefits, but the project stalled after facing strong opposition from Jacobson and his supporters, leaving a divided community.

Some residents want to preserve rural Ka'u as it is, while other were willing to consider development to create jobs closer to home. That split appeared to be hurting Jacobson, who was trailing far behind Enriques in early returns.