There are a dozen people running for Hawaii Governor this year (including Democrat Neil Abercrombie, who despite low poll numbers apparently would like a second term), but Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa has apparently already chosen his favorite: former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann.
“I know in my heart of hearts that Mufi Hannemann is the best administrator,” Arakawa said in a June 13 press release from Hannemann’s campaign. “He is very trustworthy and can be depended upon to do what he says he is going to do… Mufi, as a former Mayor understands what it takes at the ground level. He has served several governors, and he has the executive experience to address these deficits. Mufi is very smart and a man of his word who truly cares about the people of Hawaii.”
According to the press release, Arakawa and Hannemann have known each other “for more than three decades.” For his part, Hannemann said in the press release that he’s “very humbled and pleased” to get the endorsement from Arakawa.
The endorsement isn’t that surprising, given that Arakawa endorsed Hannemann’s ultimately fruitless 2012 bid for Hawaii’s 2nd District Congressional seat (Democrat Tulsi Gabbard, a relative newcomer, creamed him in the Democratic primary). In fact, Hannemann, who lost each of the last two elections he entered by 20 points or so, is running this year as a member of the new Hawaii Independent Party.
The official announcement of the endorsement took place earlier today in–I kid you not–the Kalihi headquarters of the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers (SHOPO). Because, you know, having the cops back you is a guarantee of political success, right?
Photo of Mufi Hannemann, Alan Arakawa and Lt. Gov. candidate Les Chang courtesy the Hannemann Committee
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