State Sen. Norman Sakamoto launched his campaign in the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor yesterday, telling supporters outside Palolo Elementary School that improving public education is critical to the state's economic growth.

Sakamoto, a civil engineer and general contractor, was among the architects of an education reform bill that bases school financing on student need rather than enrollment and moved more decision-making down to the school level. He also has secured state money to reduce a repair and maintenance backlog at public schools.

Sakamoto, 62, the chairman of the Senate Education and Housing Committee, chose Palolo Elementary for the announcement because he attended the school and his late mother was a teacher there.

"We're in challenging times," Sakamoto, D-15th (Waimalu, Airport, Salt Lake), told supporters. "Challenging times for Hawai'i, for the economy, for our families, for our educational system.

"And these times require action, require partnering. We need to move forward. And I can no longer sit by and let opportunities to improve Hawai'i, to have a brighter Hawai'i, just drift on by."

Sakamoto was elected to the Senate in 1996. He is conservative on social issues such as civil unions, and more progressive on economic issues. For example, he has advocated raising the state's general excise tax to help adequately finance public education, with tax breaks to offset the impact on the poor and middle class.

Mitch D'Olier, president of Kane'ohe Ranch and the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, and Donn Ariyoshi, a financial adviser and son of former Gov. George Ariyoshi, are the co-chairmen of Sakamoto's campaign.

"My friend has unquestioned integrity, honesty, he knows right from wrong," D'Olier said. "If he's in a room alone, he will make the right decision."

Sakamoto is joining a crowded field.

State Senate Majority Leader Gary Hooser, D-7th (Kaua'i, Ni'ihau), state Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu, D-41st (Waipahu, Village Park, Waikele), and state Rep. Lyla Berg, D-18th (Kuli'ou'ou, Niu Valley, 'Aina Haina), have said they are running for lieutenant governor.

State Democratic Party chairman Brian Schatz and state Sen. Robert Bunda, D-22nd (North Shore, Wahiawa), are thinking about possible campaigns. Bunda is expected to announce his plans next week.

Honolulu City Councilman Rod Tam has said he may run for either lieutenant governor or mayor.