I’ve seen Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s latest ad on television a number of times, often appearing almost back-to-back in or around the evening newscasts. You know, the one where Neil appears as the driver of a Yellow Cab, at one time the campaign symbol associated with this once-rebel politician.

It’s a cute ad, which shows off the way Neil’ sparkle when interacting with people. He just comes across as a really likable guy.

But I’m worried that this ad may trigger a different response than intended.

Am I the only one who, after several viewings, wondered how this same routine would play if they were driving through Kakaako instead of Kapolei? Did his advertising team consider this scenario? It almost invites critics to dub in their own dialog.

The two passengers enter the cab and are taking in the sights.

“What’s that construction over there?”

“Oh, those are the new condominiums that start at only a few million dollars. Some will go for tens of millions. I hear lot’s of foreign buyers have been lining up.”

“And what’s that?”

“Oh, that’s Kewalo Basin, the state harbor that’s going to be managed by the same private developer building luxury condos for more out-of-state buyers just across the street.”

“Who’s responsible for all that?”

“Governor Neil Abercrombie!”

The overdevelopment of Kakaako is one of those political criticisms of the governor that I’ve heard a lot. I don’t necessarily agree with all of it, and I’m still likely to cast my vote for the governor, but it’s one of those areas where Abercrombie is vulnerable to criticism from left and right.

And this ad, even as is, sends a message: Abercrombie, the development governor.

But I think there are enough voters at least a little uneasy about the pace and direction of development, and the threat of overdevelopment, especially in Kakaako, to make a difference in the election.

At least one prominent environmentalist, attorney David Kimo Frankel, has endorsed David Ige in several emails sent to friends.

The Sierra Club, which endorsed Abercrombie in 2010, appears to have refrained from any endorsement in this year’s gubernatorial primary. That’s a worrisome message in itself for the Abercrombie campaign team.