Six announce plans to run in city's special election

By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser City Hall Writer

The number of people hoping to fill the City Council seat vacated by convicted felon Andy Mirikitani grew to six yesterday: a former state senator, two former councilmen, a neighborhood board chairman, a businessman and a fire captain.

• Capt. Richard Soo, who normally acts as spokesman for the Honolulu Fire Department, surprised many at City Hall yesterday when he filed papers to become a candidate.

Soo, who turns 50 on Monday, has been with HFD for nearly 26 years, 12 of which he served at the Manoa station.

Soo said he is interested in serving as a longtime government worker who understands the system and as a single parent who wants to work to improve the community. He said he offers voters a choice of someone who is not a career politician.

Soo said he has asked the Fire Department to put him in a less visible role until the Jan. 26 special election. He would not have to retire unless he wins the election.

"I'm a good facilitator and I think a council member is a facilitator to the constituents," he said.

Soo faces competition from folks better known in political circles.

• Ann Kobayashi is a former state senator. Aside from legislative duties, she has done other work in city and state government. Kobayashi said she believes that voters know her and will value her experience.

• Former state Rep. Sam Aiona said he plans to file before the deadline at 4:30 p.m. Monday. The businessman also represented a portion of the district before and says his familiarity with the community is an asset.

• Makiki/Tantalus Neighborhood Board Chairman John Steelquist also is running for the seat. Steelquist, a professor at Chaminade University, has been very active in the community.

• Kekoa Kaapu, former City Council member, has also filed to run for the vacant City Council seat.

• Rounding out the field as of yesterday was businessman Danny Auyoung of Makiki.

For more information about the special election, look on the City's Web site.

Correction: Kekoa Kaapu, former City Council member, has filed to run for a vacant City Council seat to be filled in a special election next Jan. 26. A previous version of this story omitted Kaapu's name.