The latest campaign spending reports show Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann outspent City Councilwoman Ann H. Kobayashi by more than 4 to 1 in his successful re-election bid.

From Oct. 21 through Nov. 4, Hannemann spent $549,882, while Kobayashi spent $125,520, according to records from the state Campaign Spending Commission.

"Our volunteers really worked hard and operated within the framework of a grassroots campaign. We were able to capture more than 42 percent of the vote without spending a lot of money," said City Councilman Donovan M. Dela Cruz, who chaired Kobayashi's campaign.

Kobayashi lost by more than 47,000 votes.

From Jan. 1 through Nov. 4, Hannemann raised $921,414. He entered 2008 with nearly $2 million in his campaign war chest.

For the year through general election day, he spent almost $2.2 million.

Kobayashi raised $409,579 and spent $591,516 from Jan. 1 through Nov. 4.

During the last mayoral contest, Hannemann spent roughly $2 million, while his opponent Duke Bainum spent $4 million.

"We feel fortunate we had such a significant edge in fundraising," said Hannemann campaign coordinator A.J. Halagao. "Bear in mind that most of the donations our campaign received were $100 or less. People throughout the island wanted to support a proven, effective leader. And the voters showed this at the polls, where we earned a decisive victory, easily winning all nine council districts."

The reports also show the spending by anti- and pro-rail transit groups on a ballot question that asked voters to approve a rail system using steel wheels on steel rails.

Pro-rail groups such as the Hawai'i Carpenters Union, Go Rail Go and the Pacific Resource Partnership spent a total of $1,122,790 on advertising and other pro-rail marketing campaigns. Specifically, Go Rail Go spent $342,209.

The main opposition group, Stop Rail Now, spent $101,380.

During the campaign, proponents said the rail project could provide Honolulu's economy a needed boost.

"It presented us a once-in-a-lifetime economic stimulus opportunity. Beside the economic value the project would bring, it provided an opportunity to reduce traffic in the future, and it allows us to build high-density, affordable homes so our children and grandchildren will have a place to live within walking distance of a rail stop," said Ron Taketa, business representative for the Hawai'i Carpenters Union, which spent $441,221, primarily on prime-time TV ads promoting the project.

In addition to the carpenters union, the Pacific Resource Partnership and the Committee for Balanced Transportation (Go Rail Go) were the top three pro-rail spenders.

The Pacific Resource Partnership, which is a joint program of the Hawai'i Carpenters Union Local 745 and contractors across the state, spent $262,849, according to campaign commission records.

Go Rail Go's contributors include transit contractors such as InfraConsult, employees of transit contractors such as Parsons Brinckerhoff, and hoteliers such as Outrigger Enterprises Inc.

Stop Rail Now's contributions were primarily from individuals.

Spending by these political action committees excludes ads paid for by the city to promote rail and educate residents. The city has spent more than $2.7 million in taxpayer money since August 2005 on public relations and outreach efforts.