© 2024 Hawaiʻi Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Council Member Announces Run For Honolulu Mayor Seat

City Council Member Kymberly Pine announced Monday she will run for Honolulu mayor.

Earlier this year, she had signaled her interest in seeking the city's top office, which incumbent Mayor Kirk Caldwell will vacate after he is termed out in January 2021.  Caldwell said he is seriously considering a run for the governor's seat in 2022, when Gov. David Ige will complete his final term.

Pine, who represents Council District 1 (covering parts of Ewa Villages and Ewa Beach, Kapolei, Makakilo, Kalaeloa, Ko Olina, Nanakuli, Wai'anae and Makaha), said she is seeking the mayorship "to change the way Honolulu is led."

"There are things happening right now that are forcing families to leave our beautiful home. New leadership is necessary to shift Honolulu's path," she said in a statement.

She has been at odds with Caldwell on key issues, opposing increases in trash pickup fees and questioning the estimated $773 million cost to renovate Blaisdell Center, as examples.

Others are also considering a run for Honolulu mayor, among them former U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa and Keith Amemiya, ex-executive director of the Hawaii High School Athletic Association.

In her announcement, Pine outlined several changes she wants to see in the city:

• More trust and transparency at Honolulu Hale.

• Additional "truly affordable housing units" with creative solutions.

• Reduced homelessness with housing, effective services and job training.

• Improved quality of life by prioritizing essentials like fixing roads, cleaning beaches and maintaining parks.

• Prioritization of funds for police, fire, emergency services and lifeguards to increase safety and reduce crime.

• Adoption of creative sustainability and conservation policies.

• Work with tourism leaders to manage the impact of the industry on residents, and

• Adoption of innovative technologies to make the city more efficient.

Pine, 49,  has served two, four-year terms on the council. She also represented Ewa Beach, Iroquois Point and Pu'uloa in the state House of Representatives. 

While the mayor's race is nonpartisan, Pine served as a Republican in the House and as minority floor leader.

Related Stories