Longtime State Sen. David Ige just announced he’s running for governor against Gov. Neil Abercrombie.

A Civil Beat poll recently found that less than half of voters approve of Abercrombie’s job performance. And in a statement this morning, Ige said that after talking to friends and neighbors, “I realized that people here in Hawaii are hungry for a governor they can believe in and trust.”

Ige said, “The citizens of Hawaii continue to face serious issues.  We need to strengthen and diversify our economy, improve education, and re-engineer government to better serve the people.  It is time for real and enduring solutions to ensure that we are taking the right steps to create opportunities for our children and future generations.” 

He also pledged inclusiveness, saying in the statement, “It takes people who are committed and engaged, and a leader who listens and works together to find solutions…Our campaign will celebrate the diversity that is so unique to Hawaii.  It will be about listening to your stories, and hearing your voices so we can create a government that engages the citizens of Hawaii to collaboratively solve problems and pursue opportunities.”

Ige said he will serve the remainder of his Senate term.

His announcement was first reported by KITV this morning.

— Kery Murakami