HONOLULU � Lt. Gov. James �Duke� Aiona says he doubts the contentious teacher furlough issue will be a factor in Hawaii�s gubernatorial campaign this coming fall.

At a press conference Tuesday, the Republican said voters will decide whether to assign him some responsibility for the ongoing dispute over the closure of Hawaii�s public schools for several days this school year and next.
Aiona and GOP Gov. Linda Lingle want to eliminate most remaining furlough days by using $50 million from a special state fund and converting non-instructional days into teaching days. The Hawaii State Teachers Association has previously dismissed that idea.
Aiona named an 18-member grass roots campaign team for Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island.