Hee Quits Race -- Gubernatorial Campaign was Just a Fundraising Gimmick — Wants SD 23 Seat Back

HNN: …(After raising funds and getting free media under false pretenses) Hee said he will instead run in the state senator race for district 23 -- covering parts of Windward Oahu, Central Oahu and the North Shore -- which he represented from 2003 to 2014.

“I believe I can still make a difference for all my supporters who have been with me since my days in the legislature,” he said. “This senate race wouldn’t be an election based on campaign money but on legislative experience and effectiveness.”

Hee is expected to make the official announcement at 11 a.m.

This comes just a few days after dozens of bright yellow signs and banners were posted in several spots along Kalanianaole Highway, accusing Hee of domestic violence.

A newly-formed political action committee called Women Against Domestic Violence in Hawaii was behind the campaign against Hee.

The allegations stem from 1989 divorce documents where Hee's ex wife, Lyla Berg, accused him of verbal and physical abuse. 

Hee denied the allegations and said it's unfortunate something as personal as divorce documents would be used against him. 

read … Gil Riviere for SD23

PDF: Handy Negative Mailer for SD23 Race

KHON: Hee will run for in the senate race for District 23 instead. 

CB: District 23 is held by Sen. Gil Riviere, a Democrat who has filed for re-election. The seat represents Kaneohe, Kaaawa, Hauula, Laie, Kahuku, Waialua, Haleiwa, Wahiawa, Schofield Barracks and Kunia.