HONOLULU -- Honolulu Prosecutor Peter Carlisle on Wednesday announced he is running for Honolulu mayor.

Carlisle has been Honolulu's prosecutor since 1997. Twice he ran unopposed.

He made the announcement shortly after noon. Carlisle said he would not seek another office again other than mayor.

Carlisle said he is experienced because of his time in city management, running his department.

He said he has set up an exploratory committee.

Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann is expected to leave the office next year to run for governor, according to sources. If not, Carlisle said he would run in 2012, when Hannemann's term is over.

Some of the other potential candidates for mayor include Managing Director Kirk Caldwell, Council Chairman Tod Apo and Councilman Donovan Dela Cruz.

Caldwell said he is considering all options.

"Right now I am concentrating on being the best managing director I can, but the skills you learn as managing director are equal to the skills you need to be a good mayor," Caldwell said.