Councilwoman Tsuneyoshi Running For Hawaii Governor

The Oahu politician will seek the Republican nomination.

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On Tuesday Honolulu City Councilwoman Heidi Tsuneyoshi announced that she is running for governor of Hawaii.

That brings to four the number of known candidates seeking the Republican nomination. The others are Big Island business consultant Paul Morgan, Hawaii veteran and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command program manager Lynn Mariano, and Gary Cordery, director of the Aloha Freedom Coalition.

Tsuneyoshi said her primary reason for running is her love for the people of Hawaii.

Heidi Tsuneyoshi declares governor candidacy Feb. 22, 2022
Heidi Tsuneyoshi declared her candidacy for governor at the Capitol on Tuesday. Submitted

“One of my greatest concerns is seeing our people leave our home and what is happening to our land,” she said at a press conference near the State Capitol.

Tsuneyoshi said her experience on the council as well as in education and working with homeless people make her an ideal “servant leader.”

Fiscal responsibility is her top campaign issue, followed by transparency and accountability in government.

Tsuneyoshi’s run for governor opens up her District 2 seat on the nine-member council representing Mililani Mauka, Wahiawa, Mokuleia, Waialua, Haleiwa, Pupukea, Sunset Beach, Kahuku, Laie, Hauula, Punaluu, Kahana, Kaaawa, Kualoa, Waiahole and Kahaluu.

Lt. Gov. Josh Green, former Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell, businesswoman Vicky Cayetano — and maybe U.S. Rep. Kai Kahele —- are the Democrats so far also seeking to lead the state come December 2022.

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