Hirono officially running for governor
Advertiser Staff
Lt. Gov. Mazie Hirono filed nomination papers yesterday to run for governor, pledging to bring people to the table to strengthen the economy and the public school system.
Hirono, 54, said she wants to improve the economy by continuing to support the tourism industry and diversify the economy, particularly by working with the University of Hawai'i to boost research in biotechnology, ocean sciences and health.
She emphasized her 22 years in public service, including 14 years in the state Legislature, saying she will be able to work with lawmakers to accomplish goals. She said her leadership style differs from that of Gov. Ben Cayetano.
"It's not a style of leadership that says my way or the highway, top down," she said. "It's collaborative. It's action-oriented through collaboration."
Hirono, a lawyer, was born in Fukushima, Japan, and emigrated to the United States as a child.
She faces state Rep. Ed Case, D-23rd (Manoa), and former lawmaker and city managing director D.G. "Andy" Anderson in the Democratic primary election Sept. 21.
In other filings yesterday, state Sen. Matt Matsunaga and Board of Education member Donna Ikeda filed to run in the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor.
Matsunaga, 43, has served three terms in the state Senate, including a stint as co-chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
He said he intends to work for better jobs in Hawai'i, better schools and to restore trust in state government. Matsunaga is the son of late U.S. Sen. Spark Matsunaga.
Ikeda, 62, is former chairwoman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, and cited education as a key component of her campaign.
"As lieutenant governor, I want to bring all branches of government together to break the gridlock that holds our education system," she said.
Four more people have entered the race for the City Council's Leeward O'ahu seat.
Pam Witty-Oakland, 43, has served as an aide to Councilman John DeSoto for nearly 10 years. The Kapolei resident believes her experience as an aide, budget analyst and link to neighborhood boards will help her be able to get right to work in January.
Fellow DeSoto aide Donna Broome, who lives in Wai'anae, also filed her nomination papers, as has Nanakuli resident John S. Kaopua III.
Wai'anae Coast Neighborhood Board chairwoman Cynthia Rezentes also is running. She has worked as part of a team trying to phase out the city's use of the Waimanalo Gulch landfill in favor of more environmentally friendly methods of garbage disposal.
Same-sex marriage opponent Mike Gabbard had previously filed to run in the race.
