Labor groups support
Hannemann for mayor
A consortium of labor and business groups endorsed former city Councilman Mufi Hannemann yesterday in his bid to be the next mayor of Honolulu.
The Hawaii Building Trades Council, an organization of about a dozen labor unions with more than 25,000 members statewide, joined 15 firms, mostly in construction, to support Hannemann in the 2004 mayor's race.
The council had previously endorsed Mayor Jeremy Harris, who defeated Hannemann in the 2000 mayoral election. Hannemann garnered public union support at the time.
"I guess you would call it unusual because rarely in a political race do you see a group of labor unions and businesses united on one issue," said council Executive Director Buzzy Hong. "And that's quite a tribute to Mufi."
Supporter Larry Wilderman, of Pacific Aggregate, said Hannemann understands the needs of businesses. "Because of his business and economic experience in both the public and private sectors, Mufi is the ideal leader to help strengthen our economy and create jobs."
Hannemann said that bringing groups together is a theme in his campaign.
"Business and labor know that they're going to be treated objectively and fairly," Hannemann said. "We are not always going to agree ... but there'll always be an open door and constant willingness on my part to find that middle ground and to come up with solutions."
Former Councilman Duke Bainum, who is opposing Hannemann in the mayor's race, said he has enjoyed the support of organized labor in his previous campaigns for elective office and believes rank-and-file members will make up their own minds.
"I think the Building Trades Council and the construction firms, all their votes are up for grabs, and we're going to continue to campaign for their votes," Bainum said.
