HONOLULU -- Three candidates have filed their papers to run for the Honolulu City Council seat vacated when Duke Bainum died suddenly last week.

A retired army officer, a former auto factory worker and a retired union official are the three candidates who filed to run for the seat representing Manoa, Makiki, Palolo and Kapahulu.

Two candidates filed their papers at the same time Monday morning. Greg Cuadra, 53, is a realtor and Moiliili resident who serves on the Moiliili-McCully Neighborhood Board.

"We're paying more taxes on our property, our cars, you name it. So, I want to see if there's some way we can find some relief for the taxpayers, if there's a way we can improve our facilities all at the same time," Cuadra said.

Cuadra retired as a chief warrant officer after a 21-year career in the Army.

Then there is George Waialeale, who at age 61, has lived in the district for 50 years. He called the City Council "dysfunctional."

"Very fractionalized -- 5-3, 4-4, and all of this. I believe I can get involved and bring the city council together and push it forward," Waialeale said.

Waialeale is the former business manager for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1357 and volunteers as head of the Hawaii Injured Workers Alliance.

Robert Whitaker, 29, described himself as a tele-researcher, who conducts surveys and other research by phone. He lives in the Punahou area and was a factory worker in Michigan until moving to the islands in 2003.

"I've always been interested in politics. I know there's a lot of things that need to be done, should be done. So I want to get in there, put my two cents in, improve the city," Whitaker said.

Ann Kobayashi, 71, who resigned from the council seat last year to unsuccessfully challenge Mufi Hannemann in the mayor's race also plans to run for her old seat. She is traveling with family in Italy and spoke to KITV by phone on Sunday.

"There's just so much to do in the district and I love my district and would like to continue for a few more years," Kobayashi said.

The mayor's managing director, Kirk Caldwell, is still deciding whether to run for the seat. If he remains at his current post and his boss, Hannemann, steps down to run for governor, Caldwell would become acting mayor, giving him a leg-up in the potential mayor's race.

Candidates have until next June 25 to file for the council special election.