The Hawaii Teamsters & Allied Workers Union, Local 996, representing more than 6,000 members in Hawaii and Guam, has endorsed gubernatorial candidate Mufi Hannemann.

The Teamsters, in a press release, said they support Hannemann “because of his experience, leadership and time working in Washington DC, as Chairman of the City Council, and as Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu.”

The release added, “His ability to collaborate with others to get the job done without jeopardizing the needs of the working people is a skill necessary as a Governor. Mufi has shown strong leadership in the past, and we believe will be a great Governor for our state.” 

Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann.

PF Bentley/Civil Beat

Hannemann said in the press release, “I am humbled and grateful to receive the Teamsters Union’s endorsement.

Hannemann’s late father, Gustav Hannemann, was a member of the organization when he was employed by Foremost Dairies. 

Teamsters’ membership includes bus drivers, hospital employees, cement workers, transportation industry mechanics, satellite tracking operators, parcel delivery drivers, cable television technicians, laundry workers, mattress makers, beverage producers and distributors, and bakery employees.

Hannemann is running against Democrat David Ige, Republican Duke Aiona and Libertarian Jeff Davis.