in 1988, akana challenged incumbent democratic hawaii county mayor dante carpenter in the mayoral election. akana, a republican, was considered a long shot candidate for the office. he "threw no fund-raisers, made no campaign promises, sought no union endorsements and spent only $1,660." however, on november 8, 1988, akana pulled off an upset victory by unseating carpenter in the election. he was sworn into office in 1988.