Attorney joins race for Case’s seat in U.S. House

Joe Zuiker says he will limit donations to minimize influence on his campaign

An attorney and former Peace Corps volunteer has joined the race for Hawaii's 2nd Congressional District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Joe Zuiker, 64, filed nomination papers Thursday.

In a statement on his Web site, www.joezuikerforcongress.com, the marathon runner said he wants to try to break the cycle of candidates winning office with the help of large donations from special-interest groups.

He plans to limit campaign donations to $200 from any individual or group.

"Like all of the other candidates, I could attempt to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars from special interests," Zuiker said on his site. "But big money from special interests usually creates tongue-tied candidates. The big money limits their ability to speak out about what's really in their hearts."

Zuiker, who has completed 14 marathons, said he plans to literally run for office.

"I will run around each island during the course of my campaign, explaining to everyone I meet my ideas for bringing common sense back to the deliberations of the U.S. House of Representatives," he said.

The 2nd Congressional District seat, representing rural Oahu and the neighbor islands, is being vacated by Democratic Rep. Ed Case, who is running against U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka for his seat.

Tokuda aims for Senate

Jill Tokuda, a small-business owner and former interim director of the Democratic Party of Hawaii, has announced her candidacy for state Senate District 24, representing Kaneohe to Kailua.

"I want to make life better for those around me, and I strongly believe that serving our community in the state Legislature is the best way to accomplish this," Tokuda said in announcing her campaign last week.

A graduate of Castle High School and George Washington University, Tokuda started her own small business, Charitable Ventures Inc., that has since merged with Reynolds Recycling.

Tokuda also has served as director of development for the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii and as an aide to former Lt. Gov. Mazie Hirono.

She is seeking the Senate seat being vacated by Republican Sen. Bob Hogue, who is running for the 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. House.