U.S. Rep. Kaiali‘i Kahele officially entered the race to become Hawaii’s next governor during an event held Saturday at the Boys and Girls Club of the Big Island in Hilo.
U.S. Rep. Kaiali‘i Kahele officially entered the race to become Hawaii’s next governor during an event held Saturday at the Boys and Girls Club of the Big Island in Hilo.
“Kai’s resolve to serve Hawaii’s people right here at home and provide responsive, decisive leadership at the highest level of our state government is exactly what Hawaii needs right now,” said Gerald DeMello, Hilo resident and long-time government relations specialist.
Kahele announced that he will be participating in the state’s public funding program and that the campaign will not be taking single donations greater than $100.
“If we cannot win with a campaign uncorrupted by max donations and big outside money, then we have truly lost,” Kahele said and added, “Hawaii is not for sale!”
Kahele already has received the endorsement of two labor unions: Ironworkers Local 625 and the Plasterers & Cement Masons.
With the Hilo native’s entry into the race, the Democratic primary now includes Hawaii Lt. Gov. Josh Green and former Hawaii first lady Vicky Cayetano. Kirk Caldwell, former mayor of Honolulu, pulled out of the race on Wednesday.
Hawaii’s primary election is scheduled to be held Aug. 13.
Kahele has served in Congress since 2020, elected to replace Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Before that he was a state senator representing Hilo.
Green has served as lieutenant governor since 2018 under Gov. David Ige. Before that he was a state senator representing Kona and Ka‘u. He is still an emergency room physician at Kohala Hospital on the Big Island.
Cayetano is married to former Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano. She also was CEO of United Laundry Services.
