Veteran state lawmaker Belatti enters Hawaii lieutenant governor race

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – State Rep. Della Au Belatti is entering the race for Hawai‘i lieutenant governor.

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The veteran state lawmaker formally announced her campaign at a press conference Thursday morning, shifting from her previous campaign for the U.S. House seat in Hawai‘i’s 1st Congressional District.

Belatti said she is redirecting her focus to hold the state accountable for addressing the needs and priorities of Hawai‘i’s working families.

Belatti said Hawai‘i needs “a lieutenant governor who’s thoughtful and critical and independent, and willing to be vocal when needed.”

Earlier this month, Belatti concluded her 20th and final state legislative session, having represented urban Honolulu since 2006. Her term ends Nov. 3.

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“Just as I’ve done over the last 20 years in the state Legislature, I’ve navigated many, many different roles,” she said. “I will continue to be someone who works and aligns with executive leadership when it calls for it. But I will also continue to be a critical, thoughtful, independent leader when needed.”

Belatti joins a Democratic field that includes Kaua‘i Mayor Derek Kawakami and Honolulu attorney John Choi.

The deadline for candidates to file for election is Tuesday, June 2, at 4:30 p.m.

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