There is another candidate running for Hawaii lieutenant governor.

Former Honolulu City Council Chair Ikaika Anderson made the announcement in Kailua Tuesday morning. Joining him were campaign co-chairs former Gov. Neil Abercrombie and former Council Chairwoman Ann Kobayashi, current Council Chair Tommy Waters and Kumu Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu.

“Now more than ever, we need a decisive and deliberate decision-maker as Hawaii’s next lieutenant governor,” Anderson said.

Former Honolulu City Council chair Ikaika Anderson announces his candidacy for Lt. Governor at Kailua Beach Park.
Former Honolulu City Council Chair Ikaika Anderson announced his candidacy for lieutenant governor at Kailua Beach Park Tuesday. Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2021

Among the platform issues he identified in his brief remarks were finding housing for the homeless and controlling the spread of tourism into residential communities.

Anderson says he has already worked to line up support on the neighbor islands.

“This campaign is truly going to be Hawaii heart and soul,” he said.

Anderson is the second Democrat to make an official LG announcement. Last week, former state Sen. Jill Tokuda announced her bid.

Former state senator and City Councilman Ron Menor is considering a run for LG, as is Hawaii Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Sherry Menor-McNamara. Word around town is that there may be more candidates, too.

Lt. Gov. Josh Green is expected to seek the governorship next year. Gov. David Ige is completing his second and final term.

At least one Republican candidate — Paul Morgan — has filed paperwork with the state Campaign Spending Commission signaling their intention to seek the governorship. The primary is Aug. 13.

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