Hannemann not turning back
By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser City Hall Writer
Former City Councilman Mufi Hannemann, who said he remains committed to running for mayor next year, has traded racquetball games for mall walking as he recovers from June heart surgery.
Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser
Hannemann, 47, has diabetes and a family history of heart disease. He said he has kept a close watch on his health for the past two years.
Mufi Hannemann, recovering from heart surgery, is charging ahead with plans to run for mayor.
He said a physical examination in May revealed that his arteries were blocked, and his doctors recommended a quadruple bypass.
"I feel again blessed that I didn't have to do it under the circumstances of a heart attack, a stroke, emergency," Hannemann said.
But the surgery has spurred talk in political circles that he will pull out of the race.
"I think that's one of the aspects of being in public life — your life's in a fishbowl," he said. "Rumors have always been part of what I deal with."
Last week's campaign spending report showed Hannemann has more money than any other potential mayoral candidate: $210,755 at the end of June, including $186,836 raised in the first six months of the year.
Hannemann credited the help of his wife, family, friends and supporters in his recovery and said he gains strength every week. "I feel great and there's no turning back on the plans that we've made for 2002, which is to run for mayor," said Hannemann.
Mayor Jeremy Harris is expected to step down next summer to run for governor, leaving two years in a four-year term that would be filled by the person who earns the most votes in a special election in the fall. Other possible contenders in the race are City Councilman Duke Bainum, former Mayor Frank Fasi, former city prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro and state Sen. Bob Hogue.
Hannemann, who lost a close race in the primary to Harris last fall, said that he would not risk his health to seek office.
"I can't put my family and friends through that," he said. "My health comes first, there's no question."
Hannemann said doctors considered him a good prospect for the surgery because he doesn't smoke, he's athletic and he doesn't have high blood pressure.
"Everything is in moderation," Hannemann said. "To me that's my buzzword now: moderation, moderation, moderation."
Hannemann said his shopping mall walks give him a light workout and a chance to mingle with possible voters.
While he has kept a low profile since his defeat in last year's mayor's race, Hannemann will be back on the air with a radio call-in show from 7 to 8 a.m. on Saturdays beginning Aug. 18.
Even though it has been a year since he ran for mayor, Hannemann said he believes he remains in the mind of voters. "We think the timing is there, the name recognition is there," he said.
Reach Robbie Dingeman at rdingeman@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8070.
