The choice is not easy. Hannemann's chief opponent, former councilman and legislator Duke Bainum, is focused, knowledgeable and obviously committed to serve.

Honolulu would do well with either man in the mayor's chair.

Indeed, on most of the basic issues, Hannemann and Bainum agree. They cite the need to get back to basics and tackle the huge scale of work ahead on road repair, sewer maintenance, park improvement and public safety.

Hannemann strengths

Where Hannemann moves ahead is on the breadth of his experience, his appeal to a broad cross-section of the community and his interest in bringing factions together for the common good.

In that vein, Hannemann has spoken frequently of the need to involve the city in solving the state's problems and the state in solving the city's.

That's a progressive and sensible approach, but it cannot be used as an excuse for inaction if the state — as likely will be the case — declines to pitch in.

It is also clear that Hannemann, with experience in business, in state government, in city government and in Washington, will be an able and effective representative of Honolulu on the larger stage.

Endorsements

It is striking that Hannemann has received endorsements from a broad and varied range of groups, including most of the major labor unions, but also a number of key business groups as well.

One would hope that such endorsements going forward will translate into Hannemann's ability to bring groups such as labor and business together to work for the common good.

Business-labor cooperation is particularly crucial as Honolulu works to rev up its economic engine.

A word for Hannemann's approach might be networking. If there is anything Hannemann has worked hard at during his years of public service and private business, it is networking.

For instance, he originated and has led an organization called Pacific Century Fellows, which annually brings together a group of bright and up-and-coming leaders for a year of seminars, discussions and community service.

Sharper focus

When he last ran for mayor, Hannemann spent a fair amount of time talking about broad issues that could easily be identified as state, rather than city, matters. This included education and economic development.

Those issues remain important to him this time, but we believe he has focused more sharply on the things that matter most to the taxpayers and citizens of Honolulu, including traffic, parks and public safety.

A side to Hannemann that is not often seen during the serious business of campaigning is his sense of humor. He is able to make fun of himself, and his impressions of other Island politicians, friend or foe, are wickedly funny.

Hannemann should also be credited (as should Bainum) for being frank about the fact that the improvements he seeks will not come cheap.

Once the city's fiscal house is in order and the public understands that no money is being wasted, Hannemann says, he may have to turn to new sources of revenue, whether it is higher sewer fees, higher road taxes or a new system of revenue-sharing with the state.

He says these things not as a threat but as a matter of pragmatic reality. His opponent, Bainum, says the same.

This suggests a style of leadership that will rely on straight talk rather than glossy smoke and mirrors.

Wide experience

Iolani School and Harvard graduate, gubernatorial aide (under a Democrat), White House Fellow (under a Republican), former director of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, corporate officer with C. Brewer and Co., city councilman and City Council chairman, Hannemann brings a depth of experience to the task of mayor that is unmatched.