ILWU for Mufi

March 9, 2010

 

ILWU ENDORSES MUFI HANNEMANN FOR GOVERNOR

PAC cites Hannemann’s Vision and Ability


The ILWU Local 142 has endorsed Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann in the 2010 gubernatorial election.   Although Hannemann is not yet an announced candidate, the union says it will urge its members and retirees to support Hannemann’s candidacy.   Should Hannemann enter the governor’s race, the entire union will work hard to elect Mufi Hannemann as the next governor of Hawaii.

In announcing the endorsement, Isaac Fiesta Jr., union president said “It was a very difficult decision as both Neil Abercrombie and Mufi Hannemann would make excellent governors. Both of them have solid records of service, commitment, and accomplishments that have improved life for the people of Hawaii. Both of them have a lot to offer in their experience and leadership.”

Fiesta added, “Our Political Action Committee, which is made up of ILWU members from the four counties and the longshore industry, met with Neil and Mufi on March 2, 2010. There was a lot of discussion and debate among the members of the Committee. In the end, the ILWU Political Action Committee decided to support Mufi Hannemann.”

Fiesta said the decision was made for a number of reasons. “Mufi has the vision and ability to put Hawaii back on the right track--to work cooperatively and in unison with the legislature and county mayors; to get the rail system on track and bring federal money into the state to create jobs for local people; and to fix the damage done to the education of our children.  Hawaii needs Mufi Hannemann as our next Governor.”

In accepting the endorsement, Hannemann said “I am extremely grateful for this support from one of Hawaii’s strongest and most well established labor organizations.  The ILWU has made tremendous contributions to our state, advocating for workers rights, public education and universal health care and I look forward to working with the union to continue creating the kind of state where we can live, work and raise our families. 

While I am still in the final stages of deciding to run for governor, the ILWU endorsement will be a significant factor in that decision and I am deeply appreciative of the   statewide support the ILWU endorsement brings.”

About the ILWU
The International Longshore and Warehouse Union, Local 142 is the state’s largest private sector union with a diverse membership of 20,000 members from many different communities, ethnic backgrounds, industries and jobs on every major island in the state of Hawaii.  For more information please visit http://www.ilwulocal142.org

                                      
Contact:
Isaac Fiesta, Jr.
ILWU Local 142 President
Tel 808-949-4161
president@ilwulocal142.org

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