Karl Rhoads, a legislative aide who serves on the Downtown Neighborhood Board, will announce today he will challenge state Rep. Bev Harbin in the Democratic primary for House District 28.

Rhoads was one of four Democrats bypassed by Gov. Linda Lingle when she appointed Harbin in September to replace Ken Hiraki. The governor later asked Harbin, a small-business advocate, to resign because Harbin had not disclosed that she owed state taxes for her failed auto repair business and had misdemeanor criminal convictions for writing bad checks.

Harbin, who initially said she would only serve out the remainder of Hiraki's term, refused to resign and said she would run for election this year.

"I think the residents of the 28th District deserve honest and competent and experienced representation in the state House. And I think I'm that candidate," said Rhoads, an aide to state Rep. Marilyn Lee, D-38th (Mililani, Mililani Mauka).

Rhoads said issues such as crime, affordable housing and education will likely be the most important to district residents.

The controversy over Harbin's appointment will also likely be a theme of the campaign. O'ahu Democrats recommended Rhoads and three other Democrats to Lingle, but the governor chose Harbin, who joined the party in July after Hiraki announced his resignation to work for Hawaiian Telcom.

"I know I can do a good job, and I have the experience to prove it," Rhoads said.

Harbin is preparing her bills for the upcoming session, where she plans to be a voice for small business. She had left the door open to step aside if a credible young candidate were to emerge and said she wanted to hear what issues Rhoads would highlight. "I certainly hope he's running for the district instead of running against me," Harbin said.

Collin Wong, a Republican computer consultant who lost a close race against Hiraki in 2004, has said he will run this year.

Reach Derrick DePledge at ddepledge@honoluluadvertiser.com.