Carpenters,
electricians
support Apana
re-election

A construction boom helps
the Maui mayor win
endorsement from the 2 unions

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Associate Press

WAILUKU >> Maui Mayor James "Kimo" Apana has received early endorsements from two labor unions.

The Hawaii Carpenters Union Local 745 and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1186 have announced their support for Apana's bid for re-election next year.

Carpenters official Herman Nascimento said Maui has grown rapidly, with construction moving forward. He said the union members also like Apana's work with senior citizens and Maui's youth.

Electrical Workers business representative Thomas Lau Hee said there are a lot of political races next year, and the union wanted to get its endorsements out early.

Apana says the endorsements give him positive feedback that he is doing the right thing and give him the energy to push on. He said he was surprised the two unions came out early with their support.

The carpenters union also has made an early endorsement of Honolulu Mayor Jeremy Harris for governor.

Apana said he has been approached by different political parties to run for other elected offices, but said he loves his job and will run for re-election.

"The office of the mayor of Maui County is the best job in the world," he said.