City Councilman joins race for Congress

Honolulu City Councilman Ernie Martin is joining the growing field of local political figures who plan to run in the Democratic primary next year for the congressional seat representing urban Honolulu.

Martin, 57, has served on the Council for seven years, and is required by city term limits to step down next year from the Council seat he now holds representing the large area from Mili­lani Mauka and Wahiawa to the North Shore and including the Windward areas of Kahuku, Kaaawa and Kahaluu.

He served as Council chairman for more than five years.

Martin is an attorney who began his career with the city as a grounds­keeper trainee. He went on to become deputy director of community serv­ices under former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann, and served as acting director of community services under former Mayor Peter Carlisle.

“Coming up the ranks, I never really envisioned myself having a career on the legislative side or being a career politician,” he said.

“I just was fortunate I had this opportunity to serve on the City Council, and if given the opportunity, I feel very confident I’ll be able to represent our state very well up in D.C.”

The 1st Congressional District seat representing urban Honolulu is being vacated by Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa, who announced earlier this year she plans to run for governor in 2018.

Former state Senate President Donna Mercado Kim, (D, Kalihi Valley-Moanalua-Halawa), and state Rep. Kaniela Ing, (D, South Maui) have also said they plan to run for the urban Honolulu congressional seat.

State Rep. Beth Fukumoto (D, Mili­lani-Mililani Mauka-Waipio Acres) has said she is also considering running for the same seat.