Cavasso enters race for lt. governor

Advertiser Staff

Former state Rep. Cam Cavasso yesterday filed to run for lieutenant governor as a Republican.

Cavasso, 51, of Waimanalo, said he would use his legislative experience to help the executive branch work more closely with the legislative branch. He also cited his background as a financial adviser and small-business owner of Hydro-seed Hawaii, which is now run by his two sons.

"I know what it's like to struggle and I believe that experience would be invaluable in helping our administration move forward regarding the economy," he said. Cavasso also said his service in the U.S. Army would be "a valuable asset as we deal with our civil defense, our military and our fire and police in these times of danger."

Cavasso is married and has five children.

Other Republicans running for lieutenant governor are retired state judge James "Duke" Aiona and former CNN International News journalist Dalton Tanonaka.

In another announcement yesterday, state Sen. Ron Menor said he has called off plans to run for lieutenant governor, and will instead seek re-election to the Senate. Menor, D-18th (Waipi'o Gentry, Wahiawa), said he decided to pull out for family reasons after it became clear that running for lieutenant governor "would impose a substantial hardship on the people closest to me."

Menor's wife is a full-time elementary school teacher. The couple have three sons, and also care for Menor's 75-year-old mother, who has been ill, he said.