Fire Capt. Soo
joins crowd running
for Mirikitani seat

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Star-Bulletin staff

Honolulu Fire Capt. Richard Soo announced today his intention to run for the 5th District City Council seat vacated by Andy Mirikitani.

Soo, who turns 50 next week, lives in the Kalawahine Streamside Homestead of the Makiki-Punchbowl area and formerly lived in Manoa.

He has been with the Fire Department for nearly 26 years. In recent years, he has gained prominence as the fire department's spokesman on fire and rescue incidents.

Soo said he believes his public sector experience in emergency services would bring a different perspective to the Council.

Soo joins a crowded field. Former state Sen. Ann Kobayashi filed her candidacy to run for the seat yesterday as did longtime Makiki/Lower Punchbowl/Tantalus Neighborhood Board chairman John Steelquist.

Former City Councilman Kekoa Kaapu filed nomination papers earlier this week and former state Rep. Sam Aiona also is expected to file.