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Kaneshiro teams up
with Bainum
The former prosecutor will
collaborate with the mayoral
candidate
Former city Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro said he is endorsing mayoral candidate Duke Bainum because they agree that a holistic approach is needed to combat abuse of crystal methamphetamine, or "ice," and other drugs.
"The fact that Duke Bainum is a doctor, he has an added perspective to the treatment aspect," said Kaneshiro, who lost a comeback bid to current Prosecutor Peter Carlisle last month. "The fact that he brings it to the city -- it's a full comprehensive approach. It's not just a law enforcement approach."
Kaneshiro's endorsement could also lend a boost to Bainum's campaign among law enforcement officers.
"I bring to this campaign, the mayor's campaign, the police perspective. I'm very close to the police. I've worked with them, and as you indicated I got endorsed by SHOPO (State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers)," Kaneshiro said.
Bainum was not endorsed by the police union. His opponent, Mufi Hannemann, was.
Hannemann campaign spokeswoman Elisa Yadao said the campaign does not expect the support by police officers to be eroded as a result of Kaneshiro's endorsement.
"The police officers' support of Mufi is solid," Yadao said. "SHOPO (endorsement) came early and strongly for Mufi, and we're very proud of that endorsement."
Bainum called for the building of more drug treatment centers for young drug addicts, with federal block grants.
"I betcha there's not a family, hardly, on Oahu that's not been touched in some form or fashion by drugs, and that's why it has to be a priority," Bainum said.
Bainum said Kaneshiro will help him draft plans to combat drugs and crime that he plans to announce in a speech next week.
He said Kaneshiro's 25 years of experience in law enforcement programs "will be a likely source of knowledge and help not only leading up to the election, but after election. In what capacity, I don't know."
Yadao said Hannemann has a solid plan on fighting ice: "Mufi has been a longtime tireless fighter against ice."
Bainum said that even though Kaneshiro is supporting him, he has always had a cordial relationship with Carlisle. "I think all of us are working together to make Honolulu a safer place," he said.
