Praising what they called his efforts to provide resources and support for first responders, the firefighter and police officer unions yesterday endorsed Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann in his re-election bid.

The State of Hawai'i Organization of Police Officers and the Hawai'i Fire Fighters Association announced the endorsements at Hannemann's campaign headquarters in Dole Cannery.

Both groups endorsed Hannemann in 2004, when he defeated Duke Bainum.

"On behalf of the police officers across the state, I wish the mayor the best and we are pledged to your mission and your goal," said Tenari R. Ma'afala, SHOPO president. "In the past four years, he has worked diligently to ensure that our police officers have all the resources that a modern, professional police force like ours requires."

Since 2006, 214 police cars have been budgeted or put into service, and funds for 58 more police cars and a new police helicopter have been budgeted for the coming fiscal year. Hannemann has also worked to open a burglary/theft office at Fort Ruger to serve East O'ahu residents, and the policy crime laboratory received a $10 million expansion.

Plans are also under way to replace the Wai'anae police substation, according to Hannemann's campaign.

"Throughout his time as a city councilman and as mayor, Mufi Hannemann has shown a deep commitment to Honolulu's firefighters," said HFFA President Robert "Bobby" Lee. "Mufi Hannemann is someone who understands the needs of Honolulu's firefighters, and has demonstrated time and time again his ability to deliver for HFFA members."

Under Hannemann, a new fire department headquarters on South Street was opened, 5.1 acres were obtained from the Navy as a fire department training center, 21 fire stations were repaired or renovated, and five new fire engines and two rescue trucks were put into service, according to the campaign.

"We have the finest police officers in the nation and we have the finest firefighters in the nation," Hannemann said. "If an emergency should occur for any family, any business, any school, we can count on you. Time and time and time again, you folks are coming through."