Former Big Island state Sen. Malama Solomon yesterday asked Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona for a debate between the lieutenant governor candidates before the general election on Nov. 7. The Aiona campaign declined the invitation.

Solomon, who is the running mate of former Mililani state Sen. Randall Iwase, the Democrat challenging Republican Gov. Linda Lingle, said she had no preconditions other than selecting a venue and time that would allow the debate to be seen by a large audience.

"We owe it to the voters of Hawai'i," Solomon said in a written statement. "They need to hear the candidates for the state's second-highest office take a public stand on the many pressing issues facing the state."

Robert Piper, Aiona's campaign manager, said Aiona has a full campaign schedule in the weeks before the election. He said Aiona and Solomon both have records in office that voters can examine if they want to compare the candidates.

Lingle and Iwase participated in a debate Friday night that was televised statewide, and they have a public forum scheduled in Kona this weekend.

Lingle and Aiona are seeking a second four-year term. Iwase prevailed in a three-man Democratic primary on Sept. 23.