Posted on: Sunday, March 24, 2002

More unions announce their endorsements

By Karen Blakeman
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawai'i's Teamsters and the Carpenter's Union announced their endorsements for Honolulu mayor yesterday, each selecting a different candidate.

The Hawai'i Teamsters and Allied Workers Local 996 chose former Honolulu City Council member Mufi Hannemann.

"We honestly believe that he is the best qualified candidate," said Mel Kahele, president of the local. "He has experience at the city, state and federal levels of government."

The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Local 745, endorsed Lt. Gov. Mazie Hirono, also citing government experience as a qualification for the job.

"Mazie has been tested over many years in public office, and there's no doubt among our membership that she cares about Hawaii's working families," said Paul Chang, chairman of the Carpenters' statewide and O'ahu political action committees.

The University of Hawai'i Professional Assembly, the faculty union, announced yesterday that it is endorsing incumbent Democrats Patsy Mink and Neil Abercrombie for Congress.

"Patsy and Neil and our two senators fight for us tooth and nail," said UHPA President Alexander Malahoff.

He said UHPA's statewide membership was polled, and 80 percent favored Mink and Abercrombie.