Esther Kiaaina is stepping down from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to campaign full-time in the race for Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District, Civil Beat’s Chad Blair has learned. 

“Due to the time and resources needed to run an effective campaign, I must commit my full attention to voters and get my message out,” Kiaaina told Civil Beat.

Kiaaina said she submitted her resignation this week, but may stay in her post until the end of the year to give OHA time to find a replacement.

Kiaaina, a Democrat, has been OHA’s chief advocate since 2009. Previously she served as chief of staff to former Congressman Ed Case, who is running for U.S. Senate. 

She is facing off against fellow Democrats Mufi Hannemann, who is the former Honoulu mayor, and Honolulu City Council member Tulsi Gabbard. Hilo attorney Bob Marx is also running in the Democratic primary.

All four want to fill the seat that Rep. Mazie Hirono will vacate to run for U.S. Senate.  A GOP candidate has yet to declare, though the name of Jonah Kaauwai — the ousted Hawaii GOP chair who left his post in September — has been bandied about.

Here’s a photo of Kiaaina, taken as a screenshot from her campaign website: