ED NOTE: Under Hawaii law a Special Election may be held no earlier than 60 days after a vacancy occurs.  That would be Thursday, April 29, 2010.  There is no outside limit on when the Special Election can be held.  Trailing in the polls, Senate President Colleen Hanabusa (D-Koolina) has suggested that Hawaii "cannot afford" a Special Election. 

Republican Honolulu councilman Charles Djou is leading in the fund race.  The other candidate is the widely hated Democrat Ed Case whose failed challenge against Dan Akaka in 2006 still rankles many Hawaii Democrats.  Case, who calls Hanabusa "clueless", has already indicated he would again seek a Senate seat if the opportunity arose.

Coverage:

AP: US Rep. Abercrombie of Hawaii to resign in Feb.

He says he's resigning so that he can devote more time to his campaign and allow state elections officials to plan for a special election to replace him....

Abercrombie says he will work on legislation that would grant Native Hawaiians rights similar to those given to American Indians during his remaining weeks in office.

Congressional Website: Abercrombie sets resignation date for February 28th

Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Representative Neil Abercrombie issued the following statement today regarding his resignation from the U.S. House:

“Three weeks ago, I announced my intention to resign from the U.S. House of Representatives in order to devote all my efforts to the 2010 campaign for governor of the State of Hawaii—a decision that followed a tremendous amount of thought and careful consideration. It was a decision inspired by the thousands of people who are frustrated by a collapse of leadership in our community but are encouraged by the opportunity in this New Year for a change in direction for our people and our state.

“Since announcing my intentions, I have consulted closely with the people I have worked with during my 19 years in Congress, including members of the Hawaii congressional delegation, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and the chairmen of two of my committees, the House Armed Services Committee and the Natural Resources Committee. These discussions have helped me to ensure that I will be able to fulfill the remaining duties requiring my presence in the House. This work, most notably, involves providing my continuing support for legislation on health care and the Akaka Bill. I’ve discussed with House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton the transition of my chairmanship of the Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces. I’ve also discussed the Akaka Bill with Natural Resources Committee Chairman Nick Rahall who will continue working for all of us to move the measure to the House floor where it has received approval before.

“As a result of these discussions, I can now set the effective date of my resignation for February 28, 2010, which will enable state elections officials to plan for a timely and cost-effective special election for the First Congressional District to select a successor who will carry on the work of the people.

“The past few weeks have reminded me that my 19 years in Washington, D.C. as a U.S. Representative from Hawaii have allowed me to build strong, lasting, and life-long relationships with many colleagues on both sides of the aisle on Capitol Hill and throughout the federal government. Most of all, I have been privileged to be a part of an effective Hawaii congressional delegation which has accomplished so much to improve the quality of life for the people of Hawaii and nation. I take all of these experiences and friendships with me into the future, as part of a proven partnership involving the state government, Congress, and now the White House, to change the direction and leadership of our state.”

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(After 19 years, Hawaii's nightmare is coming to an end.  Will it begin all over again in November?)

RELATED:

Hanabusa: "Ed Case not forgiven, should bow out"

DJOU: GOP Pick-up in Obama Country? (Human Events)

Ed Case announces candidacy -- for SENATE: Calls Hanabusa clueless

ADV: Inouye implies Abercrombie backers lying

Fear of Failure: Candidate Hanabusa says "we cannot afford special election"

Akaka Bill: More than 73% of Hawaiians not "Qualified" for membership in Akaka Tribe

Human Events: Only 34 Percent of Hawaii Supports Akaka Bill

Senate Indian Affairs Committee passes amended Akaka Bill--could exclude majority of Hawaiians from Tribe

Lt Gov Duke Aiona releases campaign video biography

Rejected: Akaka rewrite blows up in Abercrombie's face--but original version passes

Hearing stalls as Democrats attempt Markup of rewritten Akaka Bill

FULL TEXT: Abercrombie's secret rewritten Akaka Bill

Zogby: Majority of Hawaii voters against Akaka Bill

Did Inouye Lie? National Review confirms "Akaka Bill Sneak Attack" claim

SHOCK: Lingle, Bennett denounce new version Akaka Bill (full text)

SB: Lingle fights Akaka Bill changes

RELATED: Akaka Bill to be voted by House and Senate Committees, Sovereignty activists protest Akaka Bill "Sneak Attack" -- Bill could be inserted into "must pass" legislation

OHA driving Hawaiians out of Hawaii , Akaka Bill Reading List , It's September--Do you know where your Akaka Bill is?