Menor To Run For Honolulu City Council, Not Lieutenant Governor

The former councilman and state representative wants to return to Honolulu Hale.

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There are at least five top Democrats who want to be Hawaii’s next lieutenant governor, but Ron Menor is not one of them.

While his name has been mentioned as a possible candidate for LG, Menor now says he instead is running for the Honolulu City Council, where he last served from 2013 to 2021.

Councilmember Ron Menor listens to Bill 85 89 testimony at Honolulu Hale.
Ron Menor is running again for the Honolulu City Council. Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2019

The District 8 seat — Aiea, Pearlridge, Waimalu, Newtown, Pearl City, Seaview, Crestview, Waipio Gentry and portions Waipahu — is currently represented by Brandon Elefante.

But council seats are limited to two consecutive four-year terms at a time, so Elefante is now running for the Hawaii state Senate seat for District 16, which includes Aiea, Pearl City and Halawa. Bennette Misalucha current holds that seat and has pulled papers to run again.

Menor, who previously served in the Hawaii Legislature, confirmed Monday that he is running for the council.

Several other candidates have expressed interest in the District 8 seat, including state Rep. Val Okimoto, the current minority leader who says she is for sure running and leaving the House.

Council seats are nonpartisan.

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