Big Island Mayor Harry Kim said yesterday he is still considering a possible campaign for governor this year as a Democrat but has not set any deadline for a decision.

Union leaders and top Democrats have talked with Kim for months about challenging Republican Gov. Linda Lingle and have warned him they need time to help organize and raise money for a campaign. Kim has consistently told the party not to wait for him while he deliberates.

"I don't know what will be the factor or factors," said Kim, who was at the state Capitol yesterday to talk with lawmakers about county financial needs.

Kim said he will rely on his instinct and is aware that some in politics already believe he has waited too long. Kim did not announce his 2000 campaign for mayor as a Republican until right before the filing deadline. He officially has until July 25 to file nomination papers with the state for the governor's race.

Randall Iwase, a former state senator and Honolulu City Council member who is chairman of the state Labor and Industrial Relations Appeals Board, has said he will announce his intentions in the next few weeks. Kim said the public reaction to Iwase, if he enters the race, might influence his thinking.

Kim said he understands, but does not agree with, the emphasis on fundraising in a statewide campaign. Lingle has said she could collect and spend a record $6 million for her re-election campaign. Kim said he would likely not approach a run for governor much differently than his previous campaigns for mayor, which were low-key and limited individual contributions to no more than $10.

"I don't believe the average voter needs or responds to all this campaign money," Kim said.

Reach Derrick DePledge at ddepledge@honoluluadvertiser.com.