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Donna Kim
intends to run
for Mizuguchi’s seat
The councilwoman makes a
By Gordon Y.K. Pang
preliminary decision to seek the
seat held by the state Senate president
Star-BulletinCity Councilwoman Donna Mercado Kim says she has made a preliminary decision to run for Senate President Norman Mizuguchi's seat this fall.
Mizuguchi is not certain he will seek re-election and will wait until after the legislative session before deciding whether he will run or give up the seat he's held since 1978.
Mizuguchi acknowledged that recent events, including an unprovoked attack by a stranger on his wife at her workplace last year, have forced him to re-evaluate his priorities.
But right now, he said, "My sole interest and objective is to produce results in this legislative session and to make this a productive session and that is my goal and I'm really not thinking about re-election."
Kim noted that the city's recent term-limit law bars her from running for re-election to her Council seat in 2002. If she runs for the Senate, Kim will have to resign her council seat by July 25, the last day a candidate can file for September's primary election.
The longtime chairwoman of the powerful Zoning Committee, Kim lost that title last summer when Jon Yoshimura became Council chairman.
Kim said that switch has left her in a position where "I feel I will no longer be as effective" on the Council.
"It's very frustrating when legitimate questions are raised and ignored," she said.
Having been on the Council since 1985, Kim is its longest-serving member. She also served in the state House of Representatives from 1982 to 1985.
Mizuguchi represents the 15th Senate district, which includes Moanalua Valley, Aiea and Pearlridge.
Kim, like Mizuguchi, is a Democrat. She represents the 7th Council seat, which stretches from Kalihi to portions of Halawa.
As of Jan. 28, Kim reported $245,123 in her campaign fund.
State Campaign Spending Commission officials say Kim can spend the surplus on a bid for the state Senate by changing the registration of the current committee.
Kim's Senate intentions may be another indication that Councilman Mufi Hannemann will run for mayor this year. Kim and Hannemann are longtime allies and have said they would not run against each other. Kim had been eyeing the mayor's race and Hannemann had looked at running for the Senate in Mizuguchi's district.
Hannemann said today he will make a decision "soon" on whether he will challenge Mayor Jeremy Harris this fall. "I'm still crossing my t's and dotting my i's," Hannemann said.
