HONOLULU -- Incumbent Mayor Mufi Hannemann needs at least 50 percent plus one vote of ballots cast Saturday to be re-elected mayor outright.

With a $3 million war chest and no opponents, Hannemann was cruising toward easy re-election. Then Panos Prevedouros, a University of Hawaii professor strongly opposed to rail, jumped into the race, followed by Councilwoman Ann Kobayashi.

"I am always concerned Denby. I approach every race as though I were the underdog. That's the only way I know how to run that is why I am everywhere and I will continue to be everywhere through Saturday," Hannemann said.

Hannemann has been everywhere, seeming to show up at community events almost daily as he has throughout his term.

Opponent Kobayashi has made Hannemann's leadership style an issue, saying he is "bullying and confrontational."

"I do what is right, not always what is popular. I have a style of leadership that is upfront. You always know where I stand, yet it is very collaborative," Hannemann said.

2008 HONOLULU MAYORAL RACE PROFILES Mufi Hannemann Ann Kobayashi Panos Prevedouros TOP ISSUES Video: Homeless Problem Video: Oahu's Main Problems RESOURCES Find You Polling Place Statewide Polling Locations (PDF)

If re-elected, Hannemann said he will not promise to stay a full four years.

"Right now, I am focused on being the mayor. I intend to stay, but in 2010 there are some opportunities that would enable us to look at, or I should say, there would be some opportunities to compel us to look at, but that doesn't mean we are going to leave," Hannemann said.

Opponent Prevedouros criticizes Hannemann for not repairing Oahu's roads and sewers fast enough.

"We can't fix everything over night. We have a problem of decades of neglect whether it is our roads, our parks our sewers so our problem is two-fold catch up with work had to be done all these years and then put us on a good foot going forward," Hannemann said.

With the tough economic times ahead, Hannemann said he hopes voters will remember he faced difficulties in the past and is prepared to handle challenges in the future.

"We bring a leader who does not need on the job training," the mayor said.