Former Kohala Councilman Pete Hoffmann on Monday became the first candidate to formally announce he’s running for Hawaii County mayor.
“I think the county needs strong and effective leadership, and I believe I’m the right guy to do this job at this time,” Hoffmann said.
Hoffmann’s the first, but he’s by no means the only candidate considering a run for mayor. Other names that have surfaced for the open seat include state Sen. Russell Ruderman, former Mayor Harry Kim, Hilo Councilmen Aaron Chung and Dennis “Fresh” Onishi, Marlene Hapai, an unsuccessful Republican candidate for state House, former Hilo Councilman J Yoshimoto and frequent candidates Wendell Kaehuaea and Kawiki Crowley.
If history is any indication, it’s likely a lot more people will jump into what will be a crowded field for the empty seat once candidate qualifying begins in February. Current Mayor Billy Kenoi is term-limited.
Other potential candidates who mentioned the possibility or have been mentioned by others, Council Chairman Dru Kanuha of Kona, Hamakua Councilwoman Valerie Poindexter, Civil Defense Director Darryl Oliveira, state Sen. Josh Green and former state Rep. Faye Hanohano, all said Monday they have no plans to run.
Hanohano, who had previously said she was considering a mayoral campaign, said Monday she’s now looking at running for a seat on the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees or returning to the state Legislature in either a House or Senate seat. Meanwhile, she’s running as a delegate for the Native Hawaiian constitutional convention planned for February.
Hoffmann, 74, a Waikoloa Village resident, served eight years on the County Council, ending in 2012. He served two years as council chairman. A retired U.S. Army colonel, since leaving the council he has worked for a wide variety of community organizations including the Hawaii Island Food Basket, the Waikoloa Senior Center, the Catholic Diocese of Honolulu and the West Hawaii Community Health Center.
He’s served on the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii. In addition, he is a substitute teacher at Waikoloa Elementary/Middle School, has participated in two musical productions with the Aloha Performing Arts Company and remains active in the county’s Senior Softball League.
“I believe the integrity that I’ve demonstrated throughout my tenure on the County Council, the hard work that I’ve brought to all of my community activities and the effective leadership that has marked my career in the U.S. Army and beyond are characteristics most needed in county government today,” Hoffmann said in a statement.
Kim, 76, who was mayor from 2000 to 2008, lost to Kenoi by a 1,438 margin — earning 49 percent of the vote compared to Kenoi’s 51 percent — in 2012. Kim jumped into the race on the last day of qualifying last time, and this time might follow the same route.
“I’ll know when I know,” Kim said when asked Monday if he’s running.
Chung, a freshman this year who previously served on the council from 1996 to 2004, said he hadn’t intended a run for mayor when he came back to the council, but events may cause him to consider it. He said as a “local boy,” born and raised in Hilo, he has to do what he thinks is best for the county.
“I worked really hard to get back into the council. It wasn’t with the intent of it being a stepping stone to the Mayor’s Office,” Chung said. “I want to support a person who shares my ideals, and if there is no one running who shares those values, then I have to give it serious thought.”
Onishi, who is term-limited on the council, has said he didn’t plan to run, but he seemed less sure Monday.
“I am not running at this time,” Onishi said. “But you never can tell. As of now, no.”
Ruderman has said he’s considering three alternatives: running for re-election to his Senate seat, running for mayor or running for County Council. He said Monday he’s still mulling over those options.
