Ikaika Anderson led all other challengers in the race for the Honolulu City Council seat representing Kailua, Kaneohe and Waimanalo, according to early election returns. Final election returns are expected later tonight, however, the results indicate that Anderson has won the election to fill the vacancy following the Feb. 22 death of councilwoman Barbara Marshall.

An Anderson victory is also a positive sign for supporters of the city's plans to build a $5.4 billion elevated commuter rail from East Kapolei to Ala Moana.

While Anderson expressed concerns about the project, he said he would abide by the results of last November's voter referendum in which a narrow majority of voter supported the project.