The Hawaii Government Employees Association is endorsing J. Ikaika Anderson, a longtime aide to Barbara Marshall, to succeed her on the City Council.

Anderson is among the 11 candidates seeking to replace Marshall, who died Feb. 22 of colon cancer, to represent District 3, which includes parts of Kaneohe, Kailua and Waimanalo.

In a memo to members, HGEA Oahu Political Action Chairwoman Diane Nakashima said Anderson “;is the best person to continue Barbara Marshall's vision and goals.”;

“;His knowledge and fresh ideas will help the City and County of Honolulu through these difficult economic times,”; she added.

HGEA is the state's largest public worker union, with about 40,000 members.

Anderson has picked up endorsements from 21 union organizations, including the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 142, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1186 and the Hawaii State AFL-CIO, according to his Web site.

“;We are well aware of Ikaika's strong commitment to the people in his community as a fourth-generation Windward resident,”; ILWU Oahu Division Director Dave Mori said in a news release. “;Ikaika has shown great leadership—and we believe he's the best candidate for the job.”;

Anderson is the grandson of former state Sen. Whitney Anderson, the younger brother of former Sen. D.G. “;Andy”; Anderson.

Anderson also is supported by Cliff Ziems, Marshall's widower.

Earlier this week, candidate John Henry Felix picked up the endorsements of the United Public Workers Oahu Division Political Action Committee, the UPW Private Sector Division Political Action Committee and the UPW Retirees. He also has been endorsed by the Hawaii Carpenters Union.

Ballots for the mail-in special election are being sent out Wednesday. Mailed ballots must be received by the City Clerk no later than 6 p.m. April 23. Absentee walk-in voting at City Hall is set for April 6-21.