It’s official: Josh Green is running for governor

Lt. Gov. Josh Green made his candidacy for governor of Hawaii official today with an emailed announcement.

“We need to make housing more affordable, lower the cost of living, take on the homeless crisis, and pass paid family leave and a true living wage into law,” said Green, who still works weekends as an emergency room physician at Kohala Hospital.

The 51-year-old Green’s fundraising efforts have outdistanced his likely opponents in what could be a crowded field in this year’s Democratic gubernatorial primary.

Green’s campaign spending disclosure report shows that as of Dec. 31, his campaign had more than $1.125 million cash on hand. That includes more than $717,000 raised between June 1 and Dec. 31.

Former Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell, who also is running for governor, reported more than $717,600 in his campaign coffers.

Former Hawaii First Lady Vicky Cayetano reported more than $655,400 cash on hand, but had loaned her gubernatorial campaign $350,000.

U.S. Rep. Kai Kahele is also thought to be considering a run for governor. His campaign committee reported no funds raised in 2021 and slightly more than $48,000 cash on hand.

In addition, Republicans Lynn Mariano and Paul Morgan have filed papers with the Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission.