The Hawaii Medical Association and the Hawaii Ophthalmological Society have endorsed Lt. Gov. James “Duke” Aiona for governor.

“Duke Aiona understands the need to put the public’s interest above special interests, which includes enacting meaningful tort reform that protects our doctors and hospitals. In these difficult times, we need his continued support of our efforts to provide the people of Hawaii with the highest quality medical care possible,” Joseph Zobian, an ophthalmologist, said in a statement.

“It is a pleasure to reaffirm our commitment to Duke Aiona and all that he stands for,” Dr. Paul DeMare, the chairman of HMA’s political action committee, said in a statement.

Aiona is facing attorney and former state lawmaker John Carroll in the GOP primary for governor.