State Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu filed papers yesterday to run in the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor.

Karamatsu, D-41st (Waipahu, Village Park, Waikele), has served in the state Legislature for eight years. He is chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.

He first announced his interest in the race last year.

"My campaign's strength is not only based on my hard work ethic, but my strong track record in passing legislation to encourage investments into Hawai'i's economy, protect our money from leaving the state, maintain project-based learning in our public schools, enhance public safety, address our physician shortfall, and promoting equality for all," Karamatsu said in a statement.

Several others have also said they will run in the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor: former state lawmaker and Democratic Party of Hawai'i chairman Brian Schatz; state Senate Majority Leader Gary Hooser, D-7th (Kaua'i, Ni'ihau); state Sen. Robert Bunda, D-22nd (North Shore, Wahiawā); state Sen. Norman Sakamoto, D-15th (Waimalu, Airport, Salt Lake); and state Rep. Lyla Berg, D-18th (Kuli'ou'ou, Niu Valley, 'Āina Haina).

State House Minority Leader Lynn Finnegan, R-32nd (Lower Pearlridge, 'Aiea, Hālawa), and attorney Adrienne King are running in the Republican primary for lieutenant governor.

July 20 is the deadline for candidates to submit nomination papers for the 2010 Hawai'i elections.