Police union
pledges support
to Cayetano
SHOPO credits Cayetano
By Jaymes K. Song
with improving pay and trying
to keep officers in Hawaii
Star-BulletinHawaii's police union announced today it is endorsing Gov. Ben Cayetano and Lt. Gov. Mazie Hirono in their bid for re-election.
Bennie Atkinson, president of the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers, said the decision was based on input from the union's 2,632 members, candidate interviews and the incumbents' hard work to improve the pay of the officers.
"We believe Cayetano understands what it means to be paid fairly and equally," Atkinson said.
Cayetano, a Democrat, said he and Hirono "would not have won the endorsement of SHOPO without their trust and confidence in our record and our plans for the future. We are very proud of that."
"It's always a great honor to have the support of Hawaii's police officers," he said this morning. "These are men and women who risk their lives to protect our citizens."
Republican gubernatorial candidate Linda Lingle and her campaign manager were not immediately available for comment.
Atkinson said Cayetano understands the tough situation police officers are in and has been working hard to keep officers in Hawaii, rather than moving to the mainland. Several recruiters from police departments in Washington state and Oregon police have come to Oahu trying to lure officers with salaries that are 20 to 30 percent higher, combined with cheaper living costs and a strong public school system.
SHOPO acknowledges that the times are tough, but said it believes the economy is improving.
"(Cayetano) had to make tough decisions," Atkinson said.
"He's worked hard with the mayors and we have to negotiate with them. And we respect people who tell us the truth. We believe he's working hard to help police officers achieve pay parity."
