Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann told his Cabinet and staff yesterday afternoon that he has authorized a committee to explore a potential run for governor in 2010, setting up a possible challenge to U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie in the Democratic primary.

The formation of a committee by Hannemann's supporters gives Democrats some indication about the mayor's political intentions next year, but allows the mayor to remain focused on his job and delay a formal announcement. The committee would also allow Hannemann to raise money for a campaign that could cost more than $3 million.

"There are a lot of people out there who have urged him to consider that race (for governor)," said Elisa Yadao, a Hannemann volunteer.

Candidates for governor want an early start on fundraising because of the large amount of money necessary to be competitive and the challenge of raising donations during a recession. Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona, a Republican candidate for governor, has raised $1.5 million.

Abercrombie, who announced his campaign in March, is awaiting word from the state Campaign Spending Commission about whether he can transfer $1 million in federal donations to his governor's campaign. A decision is expected in July or August.

Hannemann can transfer the roughly $660,000 left over from his re-election campaign for mayor last year to his governor's campaign. But the mayor is unable to raise new money until a new committee is formed.

FUNDRAISING HELP

Hannemann is heading to a U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting in Providence, R.I., and, sources say, plans to stop by Washington, D.C., for a meet-and-greet next week at a prominent law and lobbying firm that could help him with fundraising.

Hannemann, according to those familiar with what he told his Cabinet and staff, stressed that he wanted to keep his attention on his job as mayor and the city's multi-billion-dollar rail transit project. The mayor is expected to meet with a Federal Transit Administration official in Washington and attend a transit event in Chicago during his Mainland trip.

Abercrombie's campaign was not immediately available for comment last night. But sources close to the congressman have questioned how Hannemann will be able to explain why he would leave his job as mayor at a crucial time for the rail project to seek higher office.

Both Hannemann and Abercrombie have strongly backed the rail project.

RIVALS WITH A PAST

Abercrombie and Hannemann faced each other in a special election and the Democratic primary for Congress in 1986 in what is known as among the most negative campaigns in state history. Hannemann angered Abercrombie with campaign ads that suggested the former University of Hawai'i campus radical was soft on drugs and had smoked marijuana.

Abercrombie won the special election. But Hannemann won the primary, then lost in the general election to Republican Pat Saiki.

"It would be fascinating to watch," said Dan Boylan, a University of Hawai'i-West O'ahu history professor. "I don't think there is a lot of love lost between them at all. I don't think either thinks very much of the other."

Boylan and other Democrats said Hannemann and Abercrombie are civil to each other and have worked cooperatively on transit and other issues. Influential Democrats have also suggested to both men that they try to avoid a primary clash.

"It appears that they are headed for this standoff," Boylan said. "I don't think this is any exploratory committee. He's going to run."

Brian Schatz, the chairman of the Democratic Party of Hawai'i, said an Abercrombie-Hannemann primary "would make an already exciting election year even more exciting."

"We feel blessed to have so many strong candidates for the top offices in this state," he said.