State Senate Majority Leader Gary Hooser, a progressive known as an advocate for the environment and social-service programs, plans to run for lieutenant governor in 2010.

Hooser, D-7th (Kaua'i, Ni'ihau), informed his supporters about his campaign last night in an e-mail. He chose to announce early to try and gain a tactical and fundraising advantage over other potential contenders.

Hooser said his life experiences in the private sector and state government and his Neighbor Island background would bring a distinct perspective to the Democratic ticket.

"It's a time in my life where I want to do more," he said.

Several other Democrats are considering campaigns for lieutenant governor, including Democratic Party of Hawai'i chairman Brian Schatz, state Sen. Robert Bunda, D-22nd (North Shore, Wahiawa), Hono- lulu City Councilman Donovan Dela Cruz and Honolulu City Councilman Rod Tam.

Lieutenant governors are elected separately from governors, but party leaders and activists typically consider the dynamic between the lieutenant governor and governor candidates when choosing preferences.

U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie, D-Hawai'i, and Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann have been telling people privately that they plan to run for governor. State Senate President Colleen Hanabusa, D-21st (Nanakuli, Makaha), and former congressman Ed Case are also thinking about possible campaigns for governor.

Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona is expected to be the Republican candidate for governor.

Dan Boylan, a history professor at the University of Hawai'i-West O'ahu, said Hooser handled himself well during his unsuccessful campaign for Congress in the 2nd Congressional District primary in 2006. Hooser finished fifth among 10 candidates in a campaign won by U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawai'i.

Boylan said Hooser is a liberal who has developed an image as a reformer. "I think he's in as good a position as any. Schatz probably has the best position, simply because he's got his hands on the controls of the party at the moment," he said.

EARLY ANNOUNCEMENT

Some within the party said privately that it is too early to announce a campaign, since a lot could change in a year, and questioned the value of Hooser coming out first other than to test the waters to see if his campaign is viable.

Schatz said he would evaluate his political options later this year.

Bunda said he, too, is weighing his options. "Like many of my colleagues, I am exploring all options, including serving out the remainder of my current term in the Senate," he said.

Dela Cruz's and Tam's council terms expire in 2010 and both are restricted by term limits. Dela Cruz said he would concentrate on his council district for now. "In 2010, we want to continue to serve the public in a capacity that we can make a positive difference and help ensure a positive future for the state," he said.

Tam has told The Advertiser he plans to run and will formally announce later this year.

Hooser, 55 and a married father of two children, was first elected to the Senate in 2002 after serving two terms on the Kaua'i County Council. Born in California, he is a graduate of Radford High School, Kaua'i Community College and the University of Hawai'i-West O'ahu. He founded real-estate sales and print and Internet publishing businesses and now works in communications when the Senate is not in session.

MAJORITY LEADER

After his congressional campaign, Hooser rose to majority leader in the Senate and increased his statewide profile.

Hooser was among a handful of lawmakers to call for an environmental impact statement for Hawaii Superferry before an environmental review was required by the state Supreme Court. He was one of just five senators to vote against a law that allowed Superferry to resume operating while the review is completed.

Hooser was also behind a law that requires new homes to have solar water heaters starting in 2010.

Political observers began speculating about Hooser's future late last year after the senator released a biographical video on his Web site.

Hooser said he would start campaign meetings this week and hopes to raise $100,000 in the next 45 days by asking for $100 contributions from 1,000 potential donors. He would have to resign his Senate seat to run for lieutenant governor but can wait until the filing deadline in July 2010 before formally declaring his candidacy.

"Looking forward, I believe the leadership of our state needs to have people who have a broader scope of experience," he said. "I think I bring that to the table."

Hooser said he believes he has the experience to serve as second-in-command and, if necessary, as governor. He said he would also use the position as an opportunity for statewide advocacy.

"It gives you a platform to be an advocate," he said. "I see myself as an advocate for the issues that I hold dear, which would be rural issues, Neighbor Island issues, environmental issues, and education."