To represent Waikiki, Ala Moana and Kakaako, Galuteria will first have to win the Democratic primary where he may face opposition from Duke Bainum, the former lawmaker who barely lost the Honolulu Mayor's race in 2004.

Surrounded by friends and family Brickwood Galuteria announced his candidacy for the State Senate in a small Kakaako park.

"If you're looking for the second coming, I'm not your man, but if you're looking for someone who loves Hawaii unapologetically, and passionately, I'm your guy," said Galuteria.  

The former Democratic party chief said he's talked to Duke Bainum and is aware that he could face the former lawmaker in the primary.

"I will say this that if you pick a race from out of town or out of state, that's an issue and I'll leave it at that and we'll cross that bridge if and when we have to," Galuteria said.

Bainum said he's been spending much of his time on the mainland but his home is still here and in fact he'll be back in town Saturday.

"This area really is in need of a senator that not only knows the district but knows how to get things done. My experience in the state house and the city council qualifies me to do exactly that. That's why I'm looking very seriously at launching a race for the 12th senatorial district," Bainum said.

Bainum said he'll decide fairly soon whether to officially enter the race.

Meanwhile, the Republican incumbent in the 12 Senate district, Gordon Trimble, said that both Bainum and Galuteria may be looking beyond a position in the senate.

"It's a stepping stone to something else and both of them have sought higher office. Duke Bainum was the senator for Waikiki. Why would he wanna come back and take something that he voluntarily already left? And the other candidate has talked openly about a desire to either be in Washington Place or in Washington D.C.," said Trimble.

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