William Aila Jr., the harbor master at the Wai'anae Boat Harbor and a Hawaiian activist, announced yesterday that he will enter the Democratic primary for governor.

At a news conference at the state Capitol, Aila said his campaign would focus on affordable housing, protecting the environment and supporting the host culture.

"We need a new governor, a different kind of governor, a governor who can work with the Legislature, a governor who can work amongst and across party lines," Aila said.

Aila is the second prominent Democrat to enter the September primary for governor. Randall Iwase, a former Mililani state senator, announced his campaign in January.

State Rep. Maile Shimabukuro, D-45th (Wai'anae, Makaha), introduced Aila yesterday as a beloved friend and advocate for the Leeward coast.

Aila described himself as "a country boy from Wai'anae" who sees an increasing polarization in Hawai'i between the wealthy and people scraping to find well-paying jobs and housing.

Asked how he would distinguish himself from Iwase, Aila referred to his country roots. "I believe that I have a deeper connection with the average voter on the street," he said.

Aila, 48, received a bachelor's degree in tropical agriculture from the University of Hawai'i-Manoa and went to Wai'anae High School, Wai'anae Intermediate School and Ma'ili Elementary School.

Aila is a board member for the Hawai'i Community Development Authority. He is also a member of Hui Malama I Na Kupuna 'O Hawai'i Nei, which has fought for the proper treatment of ancestral remains.

Reach Derrick DePledge at ddepledge@honoluluadvertiser.com.