Two more people have declared their intent to challenge incumbent City Council members during the fall election.

Garry P. Smith, a 55-year-old retired naval officer, has signaled that he will challenge Todd K. Apo for his seat, according to filings with the state Office of Elections.

Smith, an 'Ewa Beach resident, said he is running based on the belief that city spending is out of control. He believes the budget needs to be cut and taxes lowered, especially during the present economic downturn.

Smith, who has yet to raise any money, said Apo is out of touch with his constituents.

"I don't think he understands what it's like. He's an attorney, he makes a large income working for (Ko Olina developer) Jeff Stone and I don't think he knows what it's like to be an average person living on a fixed income or low income on the Leeward Coast," Smith said. "My property taxes went up $1,000 last year, in just one year. I live on a fixed income and I'm having trouble making ends meet."

Apo said he welcomes the opportunity to discuss and debate any issue.

"We have worked hard to provide the necessary and expected city services to residents and to catch up on neglected infrastructure repairs," Apo said. "In doing so, we have lowered residential real property tax rates, provided additional homeowner credits and exemptions, and instituted circuit breaker protections for lower-income households. I will continue to serve West O'ahu diligently and with an understanding and appreciation for the broad interests of our growing community."

Apo represents 'Ewa, 'Ewa Beach, Honouliuli, West Loch, Kapolei, Kalaeloa, Honokai Hale and Nanakai Gardens, Ko Olina, Nanakuli, Wai'anae, Makaha, Kea'au and Makua.

Lillian L. Hong, who ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 2004, has pulled papers to run against Lynn Vasquez and incumbent Romy M. Cachola for the district seven seat.

Hong did not return messages seeking comment yesterday.

Both Smith and Hong have picked up applications, which they must fill out and file with the state Office of Elections before their names are placed on the ballot.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann, who officially pulled papers June 16 but has yet to file, has seven people who have signed up to run against him, but none have any campaign funds or much name recognition and only two have formally filed.

In addition to Apo and Cachola, three other council members — Nestor R. Garcia, chairwoman Barbara Marshall and Ann H. Kobayashi — are up for re-election, as is city prosecutor Peter Carlisle.

Marshall's seat has drawn interest from retired retail sales manger Leigh Prentiss, who lost to Marshall in 2004. Prentiss officially filed on Wednesday.