Hawaii grapples with lava, hurricane as election nears

HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii holds primary elections this weekend.

On the Big Island’s southeastern corner, that means voters are gearing up for the polls even as a volcano oozes lava and Hurricane Hector aims for waters to the south.

Elections are challenging times for candidates even in the best of circumstances. But Big Island politicians live on top of one of the world’s most active volcanoes and in the general vicinity of hurricanes that barrel through the central Pacific Ocean many summers.

This year, lava from Kilauea volcano has destroyed more than 700 homes since May and upended the local economy.

Many voters have left the island after losing their homes and jobs. Or they’re struggling to keep their businesses afloat because tourism has dropped dramatically.