Honolulu Councilman Ikaika Anderson, one of seven Democrats running for the 1st Congressional District seat, supports equal time for major candidates at the Democratic Party of Hawaii‘s convention next month.

Anderson’s request, issued today, follows demands made this week by state Sen. David Ige to also be allowed to deliver a speech. Ige, who is challenging Gov. Neil Abercrombie, was told by party officials that candidates running for statewide office would not be allowed to address the convention from the podium, as has been customary.

Only top elected officials — including Abercrombie, the congressional delegation and Senate President Donna Mercado Kim, one of Anderson’s opponents — will be granted speaking slots. The reason given is that convention time has been shortened this year.

Photo: Top Hawaii Democrats sing at the close of their state convention, Sheraton Waikiki, May 27, 2012. (Civil Beat)

—Chad Blair