Press Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 29, 2008
Hawaii Teamsters Endorse Mufi Hannemann’s Re-Election Bid
HONOLULU – Hawaii Teamsters and Allied Workers Union Local 996, which represents about 6,000 employees from nearly 60 different companies across the islands, endorsed Mayor Hannemann today, noting his long history of support for Hawaii’s labor and business community and record of accomplishments in his past four years at Honolulu Hale. Mayor Hannemann welcomed the union’s endorsement, saying, “With the help of Hawaii’s Teamsters, we’ve been able to produce real results for the people of Oahu. From the OTS workers who keep our city moving to the hospital workers who keep Hawaii healthy, I value their hard work. I am very pleased to have their support once again.”
At a press conference at Hannemann’s Dole Cannery headquarters, Hawaii Teamsters President Ron Kozuma said, “In 2004, we endorsed Mufi Hannemann because we believed he was the best qualified and most experienced candidate for the job. In 2008, we still believe this more than ever.” Kozuma added, “In the past four years, he’s proven himself to be a man of action who has delivered on his promises, and we look forward to working with him in the years ahead.”
Kozuma also referenced the Mayor’s support for OTS’ new five-year contract, which was approved earlier this month. Kozuma said, “It was so refreshing to be able to conduct our negotiations without acrimony or controversy. Mayor Hannemann and his administration were very proactive in their efforts to ensure that monies were available in the budget.”
Oahu Transit Services President Roger Morton added in a written statement, “Mayor Hannemann has always been a strong supporter of TheBus, TheBoat, and our Handi-van services. Under his leadership, Oahu residents will benefit immensely. We know he will work with OTS to ensure that Oahu residents have quality, reliable, and efficient mass transit options available to them.”
During Mayor Hannemann’s first term, transit centers in Mililani and Waianae were completed, as well as the paratransit headquarters and maintenance facility on Middle Street. Construction on transit centers in Wahiawa and at Alapai Street will begin in 2009. Mayor Hannemann has put over 40 new hybrid buses and 20 Handi-Vans into service, with several more hybrid buses on order under the 2009 budget. Mayor Hannemann also launched TheBoat, a commuter ferry service connecting Kalaeloa and Downtown Honolulu.
Ron Kozuma was elected as the President of the Hawaii Teamsters and Allied Workers Union Local 996 in 2006. He had served as the secretary-treasurer of the organization since 1996. The Union represents about 6,000 employees from nearly 60 companies throughout Hawaii and Guam.
Roger Morton has served as President and General Manager of Oahu Transit Services, Inc. since 2005. Morton began his transit career with the City and County of Honolulu in 1974, and has held several senior positions at OTS since joining the organization in 1979. Oahu Transit Services employs nearly 1,200 unionized workers affiliated with the Hawaii Teamsters & Allied Workers Union Local 996.
CONTACT
A.J. Halagao
Campaign Coordinator/Spokesperson
(808) 695-2220
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 23, 2008
Mufi Hannemann Celebrates Birthday Pa'ina at Blaisdell Center
HONOLULU – Mayor Mufi Hannemann celebrated his 54th birthday surrounded by more than 4,500 friends and supporters from across Oahu on Wednesday evening with a "Birthday Pa'ina" at the Blaisdell Center. The $20-a-person fundraising event was coordinated by the Hannemann Committee and planned by Campaign Chair Dean Okimoto and Lisa Kim. Honorary co-chairs for the event were Bennette Evangelista, Walter Dodds, Ruth Ono, and Danny Kaleikini.
Addressing his supporters, Mayor Hannemann touted his record of working diligently with his Cabinet, the City Council, the State Legislature and the Federal Government to achieve results for the people of the City and County of Honolulu. Mayor Hannemann pledged, "I promise you one thing again: I will make you proud, I will work hard each and every day, because my overall goal is to make Honolulu a better place to live, work, and raise our families."
Attending the Birthday Pa'ina were several prominent island political leaders, including City Councilmembers Todd Apo, Nestor Garcia, Gary Okino, and Rod Tam; State Senator Donna Mercado Kim; and State Representatives Corinne Ching, Marilyn Lee, David Ige, and Joey Manahan. Others in attendance were former Honolulu first lady Joyce Fasi, former Democratic Party Chair Brickwood Galuteria, Board of Education Chair Karen Knudsen, Senator Inouye's Chief of Staff Jennifer Sabas, and several neighborhood board chairs.
The stew-and-rice dinner featured booths from some of Honolulu's favorite restaurants, including Roy's Restaurant, Sam Choy's Breakfast, Lunch, and Crab, Side Street Inn, Kakaako Kitchen, Zaffron, Murphy's Bar and Grill, and Zippy's. Mayor Hannemann kicked off the evening's entertainment with a rousing rendition of The Temptation's Get Ready, with Fiji taking the stage later to headline the event.
CONTACT
A.J. Halagao
Campaign Coordinator/Spokesperson
(808) 695-2220
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 16, 2008
SHOPO, Hawaii Fire Fighters Association Endorse Mufi Hannemann
HONOLULU - The unions representing Hawaii's police officers and fire
fighters endorsed Mufi Hannemann for Mayor of Honolulu today, noting
his impressive record of improving the Honolulu Police Department and
Fire Department and expressing renewed confidence in his ability to
lead the City forward in the coming years. Mayor Hannemann welcomed
the endorsement, saying, "I have always maintained that the most
important responsibility of the Mayor is to ensure the public health
and safety of its residents and visitors. I am proud of the fact that
Honolulu is considered one of the safest big cities in the nation, and
I am glad to have the endorsement of these two important groups."
In offering SHOPO's endorsement, SHOPO President Tenari Ma'afala said,
"Mufi Hannemann has always been an unwavering supporter of Honolulu's
police officers. In the past four years, he has worked diligently to
ensure that our police officers have all the resources that a modern,
professional police force like ours requires."
Since 2006, 214 police cars have been budgeted or put into service,
and funds for 58 more police cars and a new police helicopter have
been budgeted for 2009. Under Mayor Hannemann's leadership, a new
police burglary/theft office was opened at Fort Ruger to serve the
residents of East 'Oahu, a new indoor firing range has been
constructed, and the policy crime laboratory received a $10 million
expansion. Planning is also underway for the replacement of the
Waianae police station.
In offering the endorsement of the Hawaii Fire Fighters Association,
HFFA President Robert "Bobby" Lee said, "Throughout his time as a City
Councilman and as Mayor, Mufi Hannemann has shown a deep commitment to
Honolulu's fire fighters." He added, "Mufi Hannemann is someone who
understands the needs of Honolulu's fire fighters, and has
demonstrated time and time again his ability to deliver for HFFA
members."
Lee noted that under the Mayor's leadership, the new Honolulu Fire
Department headquarters on South Street was opened, 5.1 acres were
obtained from the Navy as a fire department training center, 21 other
fire stations were repaired or renovated, and five new fire engines
and two rescue trucks were put into service. Within the next few
years, 24 more projects are slated to begin at fire stations
throughout the island, and several more fire-fighting vehicles are
expected to be delivered.
Robert "Bobby" Lee is a 33-year veteran of the Honolulu Fire
Department and has served as the president of the Hawaii Fire Fighters
Association for the past 10 years. The Hawaii Fire Fighters
Association (HFFA), Local 1463, IAFF, AFL-CIO, is the exclusive
bargaining representative for Hawaii's 1,800 active-duty and 1,000
retired County and State fire fighters.
Sergeant Tenari R. Ma'afala began his career with the Honolulu Police
Department in 1989 and is a graduate of the 104th Recruit Class. In
January 2002, he assumed the office of President of the State Board,
State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers, an independent Police
Union and exclusive representative of almost 2,900 police officers
within the State of Hawaii. He is now serving his third term of four
years.
Today's endorsements come just days after the Hawaii Carpenters Union,
Local 745, endorsed Mufi Hannemann this past Saturday at their
convention at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel.
CONTACT
A.J. Halagao
Campaign Coordinator/Spokesperson
(808) 695-2220
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 15, 2008
Mufi Hannemann Files For Re-Election
HONOLULU – Surrounded by a group of supporters, Mufi Hannemann filed
nomination papers Tuesday with the Office of the City Clerk for
re-election as Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu. Dozens of
supporters gathered outside the Mission Memorial Auditorium on the
grounds of the Frank F. Fasi Civic Center to cheer on the Mayor's
re-election campaign. Mayor Hannemann announced to supporters, "Four
years ago, in 2004, we ran on a resume and a list of promises. This
time around, in 2008, we are running on a record of accomplishments,
and we are looking forward to taking that record to the voters of
Honolulu."
Following six years representing Aiea and Pearl City on the Honolulu
City Council from 1994 to 2000, including a stint as Council Chair,
the Harvard-educated Hannemann was elected to his first term as Mayor
in 2004. As the 12th Mayor of Honolulu, he took the oath of office at
Kapolei Hale on January 2, 2005, becoming Honolulu's first native-born
mayor in almost 40 years.
CONTACT
A.J. Halagao
Campaign Coordinator/Spokesperson
(808) 695-2220
###
