Former Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona has made it official that he’s running for governor.

Republican Aiona announced his candidacy Monday after filing papers with the state office of elections.

The race has echoes of 2010, when Aiona ran against Democratic Gov. Neil Abercrombie. Back then, Abercrombie handily beat Aiona.

Abercrombie filed papers to make his 2014 run official last week, and faces a primary challenge from Sen. David Ige.

Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann, who also ran in 2010, is running for governor as an independent.

Aiona says it will be a tough campaign, but he plans to get an early start bringing his message to voters. He says he will focus on homelessness and affordable housing in his campaign.

Aiona served as lieutenant governor of Hawaii from 2002-2010.