Esther Kiaaina, chief advocate for the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs and a veteran congressional aide, is expected to announce Wednesday that she will run in the Democratic primary election for the 2nd Congressional District.

Kiaaina served as an aide in Washington, D.C., to former U.S. Rep. Ed Case, former Delegate Robert Underwood, D-Guam, and U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii. She has expertise on Native Hawaiian public policy issues and has worked as an advocate for OHA and as a land assets manager with Kamehameha Schools.

"I believe I have the experience at a critical time for the people of Hawaii," she said.

Kiaaina, 48, joins Honolulu City Councilwoman Tulsi Gabbard in the Democratic primary in the 2nd District, which covers rural Oahu and the neighbor islands. U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, is giving up the seat to run in the Democratic primary election for U.S. Senate to replace Akaka.

Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann has said he is looking at a potential 2nd District campaign.

On the Republican side, former Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona has not ruled out a campaign.

Kiaaina has been involved with APIAVote, a national effort to encourage Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders to participate in politics and civic affairs. She was also part of Hawaiians for Obama during the 2008 presidential campaign.