Hanabusa to primary Hawaii governor

Rep. Colleen Hanabusa (D-Hawaii) on Friday announced her plans to run for Hawaii governor.

She will challenge Democratic incumbent Gov. David Ige (D).

Hanabusa is creating a campaign committee to run for the position, the Honolulu Star Advertiser reported. Her entrance to the race had been widely speculated, in part due to her sampled up fundraising efforts this year.

{mosads}“I am fourth generation from Waianae. I have had the honor and privilege of serving a community who was forgotten and ignored by many,” Hanabusa said in a statement. 

“I know what it means to be focused and steadfast of the challenges and I know the difficulties in bringing about major changes,” she said.

She said she has gained the skill set and experience through her career to tackle the issues facing the state.

“I believe we need experienced leadership to continue the Hawaii that I care so deeply about and love,” she said.

Ige said in a statement he looks forward to “giving voters the opportunity to compare our records of achievement and visions for the future.”

“I hope to build on the solid foundation my administration has established in our first three years,” Ige said in a statement, according to Hawaii News Now.