HONOLULU — An endorsement of Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann’s gubernatorial campaign by the Hawaii union representing longshoremen has caused its former president to quit two union-affiliated boards in protest.

Eusebio “Bobo” Lapenia Jr. was active in International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 142 for 30 years and was its president from 1992 through 2003.
Lapenia says Hannemann’s rival for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, former U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie, has always been supportive of the union.
The Big Island resident contends Hannemann is taking advantage of the mayor’s office while preparing his campaign.
To campaign for Abercrombie, Lapenia says he has quit boards that oversee the union’s real estate holdings and a health care program.