Hotel workers' union picks Hanabusa

Unite Here! Local 5, the union representing nearly 11,000 hotel and health care workers in Hawaii, has endorsed Colleen Hanabusa for Congress, citing her leadership ability and strong support of working families.

Eric Gill, treasurer-secretary of the union, said Hanabusa has shown the “;commitment and persistence”; needed in a leader who can work with others in Congress for a better Hawaii.

Joli Tokusato, an 18-year veteran of the Ilikai Hotel, said, “;There's only one candidate who shares our collective concern and frustration over use of the tough economy as an excuse to cut medical benefits and eliminate good middle-class jobs from our community.”;

Hanabusa is running against Democrat Ed Case and Republican Charles Djou, among others, to fill the vacancy created when Neil Abercrombie resigned to run for governor.