Lilhu'e, HI - The Friends of Mel Rapozo, a campaign organization, has announced that Rapozo has been endorsed by the Hawaii Fire Fighters Association (HFFA). in the mayor's race on Kauai.

"Mel Rapozo has long been a strong supporter of public safety and the issues surrounding the safety and security of Kauai's people," said Bobby Lee, President of the Hawaii Fire Fighters Association.

"As a community leader, Mel has a longstanding record for making the right decisions for Kaua'i's communities, no matter how difficult or unpopular that may be. Mel's integrity for doing the right thing is unquestionable and we are proud to endorse and support him for the office of mayor and ask all of our friends and family to join us in supporting Mel," Lee said in a news release issued by Rapozo's campaign organization.

The Hawaii Fire Fighters Association (HFFA) is the exclusive bargaining representative for all professional fire fighters in the State of Hawaii. The HFFA represents approximately 2,000 fire fighters encompassing the jurisdictions of Kauai County, Maui County (Maui, Molokai and Lanai), Hawaii County (Big Island), the City & County of Honolulu (Oahu), and state airport fire rescue.

Rapozo has also been endorsed by United Public Workers, his campaign organization said.