Hawaii Republican Party Chair David Chang told me that he talked to Oahu businessman Matthew DiGeronimo today and learned he will be pursuing a serious campaign for Congress.

The retired Navy submarine officer will be running for the District 2 seat being vacated by Mazie Hirono. That territory includes the Neighbor Islands and rural Oahu.

“We’re really excited,” Chang said.

The Hawaii GOP had been searching for a candidate to run in the race for some time. 

In addition to DiGeronimo, fellow Republican David Crowley of Hilo pulled papers March 28 to compete for the same seat.

On the Democratic side of the ticket, Mufi Hannemann, Esther Kiaaina, Tulsi Gabbard, Rafael del Castillo, Miles Shiratori and Box Marx have launched campaigns to win their party’s nomination in the Aug. 11 primary.

— Nathan Eagle