HONOLULU (AP) – The chief advocate for the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Esther Kiaaina, says she’s running for a U.S. House seat.
Kiaaina announced Wednesday her candidacy for Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District to replace U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, who is running for Senate.
Kiaaina joins Honolulu City Councilwoman Tulsi Gabbard in the Democratic primary. Gabbard announced her candidacy in May.
They seek to replace 63-year-old Democrat Hirono who wants to succeed U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka. The 86-year-old Akaka is retiring when his term ends.
Kiaaina touts her 20 years of experience as a congressional aide, having started as an intern for U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye in Washington.
The 2nd District includes rural and suburban Oahu, along with the neighbor islands.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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