HILO, Hawai'i — Former state Chief Labor Negotiator Ted Hong formally declared he will run for the state Senate, setting up a contest for an open Big Island seat with veteran Democratic state Rep. Dwight Takamine, a longtime favorite of the state's labor movement. Hong's campaign announcement did not mention he is running as a Republican, but Hong said he is not trying to downplay his GOP party affiliation. "I think it's an important distinction because one of the main concerns I have is we have to be fiscal conservatives," he said. "We're taxed way too high in this state, and we spend way too much in terms of state government, and we really need to focus on making sure that the taxpayers get the biggest bang for their buck. Spend it wisely. We're not doing that."