Posted on: Friday, June 14, 2002

Bainum in race for mayor — in 2004

By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser City Hall Writer

City Councilman Duke Bainum is still running for mayor, but has reset his sights on the 2004 election.

That's because Mayor Jeremy Harris dropped out of this year's governor's race, leaving Bainum and several other mayoral hopefuls trying to decide their next political move.

Bainum made his political intentions official yesterday at a downtown news conference. He thanked his friends and supporters and said, "I was and I still am committed to running for mayor of Honolulu."

Bainum said he believes that voters are interested in his independent approach and straight talk. For the next six months, he'll focus on serving on the council, continuing to represent the Palolo-to-Waikiki area.

"My eye has always been set on Honolulu Hale. It's a job I love," Bainum said. "The city and county's a great place to make positive changes in hundreds of ways."

Bainum campaign manager and attorney Andrew Winer estimated that the campaign spent half a million dollars and still has several hundred thousand dollars left. Winer said Bainum's name recognition got a 20 percent boost from the campaign, so it's been money well spent.

Bainum said more than 2,300 people contributed to his campaign, most of them donating $100 or less. He acknowledged that he and his family paid most of his campaign costs.

Former City Councilman Mufi Hannemann has yet to decide what he will do next. Hannemann has been urged by supporters to run for governor or lieutenant governor or Congress or the council.

Former Mayor Frank Fasi has yet to state his next race.

Former Honolulu Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro has already indicated he will not seek another race this year. Kaneshiro, who prides himself on not being a career politician, said he believed he could do a good job as mayor and is not out to win just any race.

Hannemann felt good about the race and believed that his campaign had "the momentum and the dollars and the endorsements" to win.

He said he's still getting a lot of suggestions from people across the state.

"I'm still mulling," Hannemann said. "I can afford to take a little more time to make a decision."