HONOLULU -- Hawaii Democrats and Republicans saw a few seats change parties in the state Legislature on Tuesday night.

Democrats picked up two additional seats in the state House and maintained their hold on the Senate.

Two political newcomers: Della Au Bellati won a seat representing the Makiki and Tantalus area and Karl Rhodes in the Kakaako and Waikiki area.

In the Senate, Democrat Jill Tokuda won the seat vacated by Sen. Bob Hogue. Republicans won the seat left by outgoing Sen. Brian Kanno with former Councilman Mike Gabbard in Kapolei.
That kept the Senate at 20 Democrats and five Republicans.

"We were disappointed to lose two of our seats in the House, but you win some and you lose them and at least we won the big one," Republican Party Chairman Sam Aiona said.

"We need to work together. The election is over. The rhetoric is done. We need to sit down to solve the problems of the people of Hawaii. We look forward to working with the governor," Democratic Party Chairman Mike McCartney said.

The Republican Party said its efforts were focused on getting Gov. Linda Lingle re-elected, noting it is the first time in Hawaii history that a Republican governor has won two terms.