The League of Conservation Voters is spending $380,000 on a TV ad campaign over the next two weeks to boost Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz in the Aug. 9 Democratic primary.  

Schatz, who was appointed to fill the seat of Daniel K. Inouye in December 2012, faces Rep. Colleen Hanabusa in the competitive nomination fight. They’re running to serve the remaining two years of Inouye’s term.  

LCV’s first ad, which begins running Saturday, focuses on the threat of climate change to Hawaii and states Schatz is “holding corporate polluters who cause it accountable.” It also highlights the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s recent endorsement of him. www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICJQMn6DzjY  

This is not LCV’s first foray on the Aloha State airwaves for the senator this cycle. Schatz, the top Hawaii spokesman for Barack Obama during the 2008 presidential primaries, was also endorsed by the president earlier this year.  

Still, the race is being fought over who can fill in the gaps of seniority and influence lost by the death of Inouye and retirement of Daniel K. Akaka.  

The winner will be heavily favored in November. The race is rated as Safe Democrat  by the Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call.