Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann today endorsed U.S. Sen. Barack Obama for president.

"With the Democratic Party's state convention a little more than a week away, I wanted to let the delegates know where I stand on the presidential contest," Hannemann said in a statement.

"While I had said earlier that Hawai'i and the nation would be well-served by either (Sen.) Obama or Sen. Hillary Clinton, the substance and style of (Sen.) Obama have had very strong appeal to me. Sen. Clinton has great aloha for the people of Hawai'i, and would make a fine president. But I feel that Barack Obama offers the best hope for our nation during these troubling times."

In a statement released by his campaign, Obama thanked Hannemann for the endorsement.

"I have known Mufi since my basketball playing days in high school, and I appreciate all of his efforts to make Honolulu a better place to live," Obama said in the statement.

Hannemann said he also feels "a kinship for this man who grew up in Hawai'i and whose heart is still in the Islands. Barry, as he was called then, played basketball for Punahou while I was coaching the same sport for Iolani. I have met personally with him and come away impressed with his intellect, strength and character."

The Obama campaign also released a statement by Maya Soetoro-Ng, Obama's sister and a Honolulu resident, on the endorsement.

"We are very grateful for Mayor Hannemann's endorsement of my brother's campaign," the statement said. "I admire Mayor Hannemann's industry and commitment to the people of Hawai'i. He has worked hard to preserve the serenity of our home and to enhance the great potential of these Islands as we stride into the future."