HONOLULU — Democratic gubernatorial candidate Neil Abercrombie has unveiled a plan he says would decentralize Hawaii public schools and lead to educational improvements.

He announced the proposal at a press conference Thursday.

Abercrombie would give more authority to principals and teachers at individual schools and lessen that of officials at state Department of Education headquarters.

If elected governor, he says he'd like the authority to appoint the state schools superintendent or school board. But he says that may not be politically feasible.

He says he'd invite the superintendent into his Cabinet meetings.

Abercrombie also says he'll use personal and political alliances with labor unions, principals and legislators to accomplish his goals.