The Next Honolulu Mayor

City Managing Director Kirk Caldwell yesterday said he will run for mayor when Mayor Mufi Hannemann leaves office, be it 2010 or 2012. Hannemann has set up an exploratory gubernatorial committee, however, and many suspect he will resign as mayor next summer to run for governor. Caldwell said if that happens, he will throw his hat in the ring for mayor then.

--Honolulu Advertiser

As I review yesterday, Hannemann will probably give up his position as Honolulu Mayor in 2010 to run for the coveted Governor's office. As a result, Kirk Caldwell could possibly run for Honolulu Mayor. The other possible candidates (Coucil Chair Todd Apo and UH Professor Panos Prevedorous) are still considering their options. All in all, I can't wait for the upcoming elections.

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The Next Governor

While things have been quiet recently in the cornerstone political fight of 2010 — the race for governor — don't expect that to last too long. The stakes are simply too high. The Hawai'i governorship is a political plum unlike any elsewhere in the country. Our highly centralized bureaucracy (what other governor has final say over schools, hospitals, welfare, virtually all taxes and more?), makes the governor's office a particular prize.

--Honolulu Advertiser

Hawaii governorship is truly a remarkable position. Because of the power of this position, the citizens of Hawaii must elect a new governor in 2010 wisely. I can see the competition coming down to two main players: current vice-governor Duke Aiona of the Republican party and Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann.

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