Chin to step down as attorney general for Congressional run

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Seeking a seat in U.S. Congress, Hawaii's Attorney General Doug Chin announced Sunday he will step down.

In a statement, Chin said:

"I am stepping down as Attorney General so that I can run for Congress with the same intensity and energy that I bring to working for Hawaii each day.

"In three years as Attorney General, I prosecuted public corruption, got justice for victims of consumer fraud and sexual violence, fought for the civil rights of the LGBT community, and defended women's access to reproductive healthcare. And I challenged the Trump administration on every illegal, unconstitutional action that harmed Hawaii and threatened our nation's values.

"I am grateful to Governor Ige for the incredible opportunity to serve our state alongside some of the finest attorneys and public servants in Hawaii."

March 15 will be Chin's last day on the job. He will work alongside a committee of career deputy attorneys general during the transition period to resolve existing cases, and ensure new litigation is handled in a timely manner.

First announcing his candidacy in early December, Chin said he hoped to continue fighting for Hawaii on Capitol Hill.

"... I've really learned in the past year - I can't keep silent. I've got to stand up for what I believe in and protect the values that I think are so important, not just to me, but to people all throughout our community," Chin told Hawaii News Now in December.

Chin faces a crowded race for the First district seat being vacated by Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa.

Names already in the race include State Rep. Kaniela Ing, state lawmaker Donna Mercado Kim and City Councilman Ernie Martin.

This story will be updated.

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