With the General Election a little less than three weeks away, and with many of you taking advantage of absentee voting, I want to share some of my thoughts with you on this election.

Most important of all, please exercise your right and responsibility as a citizen to vote.  Having been through many elections, I continue to be amazed at the number of people who express regret that they did not cast their ballots.  I trust you will not be one of them.

There are important decisions to be made that will determine the direction and course of our county, state, and nation well into the future.  One race that will have a tremendous impact on our future is for mayor of the City and County of Honolulu, where three-quarters of the state’s population resides.

As one who was elected twice to the position and who put together a team that led, shaped, and enhanced the county’s finances, public safety, wastewater, refuse, environment, tourism, intergovernmental, and transportation responsibilities, it’s important to note that Kirk Caldwell was a key member of that team.  He not only proved to be an effective leader but he brought people together to focus on solutions.

Kirk’s experience as managing director and acting mayor, coupled with his plans and goals to take Honolulu, the nation’s 13th largest municipality, to the next level are both credible and achievable.

During any campaign, be wary of candidates’ who spew pie-in-the-sky, feel-good rhetoric that has little hope for success.  They twist or disregard the facts to make their case believable.  For example, when it comes to our rail system, if expanding Honolulu’s highly successful bus system or implementing a bus rapid transit program would have been cheaper, more efficient, and accompanied by federal funding, I would have pushed that proposal instead of rail.

The fact of the matter is that all the studies and expert advice, including from those who operate Honolulu’s bus system, have all affirmed that buses cannot replace rail as an effective transportation solution.  Rather, rail is a complement to the bus, with both working in tandem to alleviate our mounting traffic congestion problems and reduce our dependence on our personal vehicles.

The bottom line is this is going to be a close election for Honolulu mayor and Kirk Caldwell needs our help.  As there are still undecided voters or some leaning toward Kirk’s opponent, those of you who live outside Oahu can help Kirk’s cause by encouraging your family and friends to support Kirk like you do.

Yes, the job of mayor is one of the most difficult in government.  It requires leading by example, having a clear vision for the future, a collaborative management style, and the courage and fortitude to make principled decisions that benefit those you serve today and ensure a better future for those who come tomorrow.

I am confident Kirk Caldwell is that leader and I urge your vote and support for him.

Mahalo,

Mufi

Mahalo.

All of our hard work over these months, all of the endless hours on the campaign trail, have led to this conclusion.  While we wish the results could have been different, each of you can look back with great pride and satisfaction in your contributions to this endeavor.

The support you showed throughout the last several months — signwaving, calling your friends and family members, knocking on your neighbors’ doors, contributing to our positive, grassroots, campaign, writing postcards to voters across the state — will never be forgotten.

While our campaign has come to an end, we must continue to stand up for what we believe in:

We believe in the urgency of revitalizing our economy to put people to work.

We believe in a quality education system.

We believe in protecting Social Security and Medicare.

We believe in the importance of a strong military.

We believe in equality and opportunity for all Americans.

We believe in nurturing strong families.

We believe in the importance of our cause.

And we believe in one another.

Please keep this spirit in your hearts and minds in the months and years to come. Gail and I are deeply grateful for your support and friendship, and we will never forget you…

Much Aloha,

Mufi and Gail

It’s all come down to this: today’s Primary Election.

We began our campaign for Congress from Hawaii’s 2^nd District just eleven months ago.

Since then, we’ve canvassed miles and miles through neighborhoods large and small … knocked on countless doors – maybe even yours … spent hours in the sun waving at passing motorists.

We’ve published newspaper advertisements … broadcast our messages on television and the radio … printed and mailed thousands of flyers … put up countless yard signs and handed out bumper stickers … mailed postcards to family and friends.

We’ve touched every corner of our beautiful state … organized rallies … spoken at countless coffee hours … been welcomed at homes and businesses … attended festivals of all kinds … even sung a few songs.

These many months of planning and organization, the endless hours of hard work and dedication, have all come down to a single act: voting.

You’ve brought us to this day with your aloha and support. But to reach our ultimate goal, to reach our destination together, we will need your vote. Please cast your ballot, and please reach out to your children, parents, aunties and uncles, grandparents, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and everyone you know to encourage them to vote today so that we may emerge victorious tonight.

We’re very grateful for everything you’ve done and we humbly ask for your vote and continued support.
Mahalo and Aloha Ke Akua,

Mufi and Gail Hannemann

“One of the main factors in our decision to support Mufi Hannemann was his unwavering support of the Jones Act, which is critical to preserving high-quality American jobs and ensuring our nation’s security,” said Alan Cote, National President of the Inlandboatmen’s Union of the Pacific.

“While all the candidates in this race have expressed support for the Jones Act, Mufi Hannemann stands out with a proven track record and the experience necessary to be an effective advocate for our members and their families in Washington, D.C. Without a doubt, he is the most qualified candidate.” added Cote.

“I’m grateful for the support of the Inlandboatmen’s Union of the Pacific and the many other maritime unions. As an island state, Hawaii’s economy is dependent on a strong maritime industry, and in an increasingly globalized world, the Jones Act is crucial to America’s national security. I am committed to working hard in Congress to create good quality American jobs, get the economy moving again, and support our middle-class families,” said Hannemann.

The Inlandboatmen’s Union is the marine division of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and represents licensed and unlicensed employees of the Maritime Industry working aboard tugboats, ferries, and related industries.

What a week it has been!

Just a few days ago, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced his endorsement of Mufi Hannemann for Congress, saying, “Mufi’s record of achievement, experience, and relationships in Washington, D.C., would make him an invaluable member of our team on Capitol Hill-and I’m very excited about welcoming him to Congress.”

Mufi Hannemann has a long history of collaborating with leaders in Washington, D.C. like Senate Majority Leader Reid, Senator Daniel Inouye, and Senator Daniel Akaka, among others on issues like tourism, agriculture, infrastructure funding, and strengthening Hawaii’s economy. If elected to Congress, Mufi Hannemann will be able to leverage these relationships to hit the ground running for the people of Hawaii.

Following Senator Reid’s endorsement, our campaign put out a beautiful “spadea” wraparound with the Wednesday Star-Advertiser:

The spadea wrap highlighted Mufi Hannemann’s extensive experience in Washington, D.C., his long list of accomplishments as Mayor, his plan to get the job done, the endorsements we’ve received from three of Hawaii’s largest newspapers, and testimonials from many community leaders who believe that Mufi belongs in Congress. Click here to view the spadea in more detail.

We’ve also secured the endorsement this week of yet another union – the Inlandboatmen’s Union of the Pacific. The IBU is the 27th major labor organization to announce its support of our campaign. The National President of the IBU stated, “One of the main factors in our decision to support Mufi Hannemann was his unwavering support of the Jones Act, which is critical to preserving high-quality American jobs and ensuring our nation’s security….While all the candidates in this race have expressed support for the Jones Act, Mufi Hannemann stands out with a proven track record and the experience necessary to be an effective advocate for our members and their families in Washington, D.C. Without a doubt, he is the most qualified candidate.” Click here to read more about the IBU endorsement.

But the best is yet to come.

On Saturday, our campaign will be hard at work reaching out to “Get Out the Vote” and turn out our supporters in record number. Mufi and Gail will be criss-crossing the state to help in this effort, all the way until 6 p.m. to lead the final push. To sign up as an Election Day volunteer to help us on any of the islands – Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and Hawaii Island – please visit our website and click on the “volunteer” link.

If you can’t give of your time on Election Day, you can still help us by visiting the “Contribute” page of our website to make a financial contribution.

On Election Day, we would like to invite you to our two Election Night celebrations – one on Maui at the ILWU Hall in Wailuku, and the other at our Oahu Headquarters in Kalihi. Mufi and Gail will be joining supporters at both events, and they hope to see you there. Both parties start at 6PM, and will feature dinner, music, fun, and fellowship. We look forward to celebrating with you from the first returns to the final tally!

Throughout this campaign, thanks to your steadfast support, we’ve been able to travel across Hawaii to meet with voters, listen to their issues, and share our vision for a brighter future for our state and nation.

With your continued kokua, we can ensure that Mufi Hannemann is elected as our next Congressman so he can hit the ground running and build upon his stellar record of accomplishment for the people of Hawaii.

Go Mufi!

Mahalo nui loa,
The Team at Hannemann for Congress

The group recently declared in filings with the FEC that its August 7, 2012 independent expenditure of $21,125.58 was specifically designed to oppose Mufi Hannemann. This latest expenditure is on top of the $580,498.69 of mainland-based independent expenditure money spent on behalf of Tulsi Gabbard in the race for Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District seat.

Air Force veteran Sharon Zalsos of Wailuku stated, “As a veteran, I am proud to have served, and think highly of those who step forward to run for office. While I respect organizations that support fellow veterans, I am offended and disappointed that this group is using its resources to campaign negatively to attack the record of an excellent candidate.”

Randy Swindell, a Navy veteran who served in the Vietnam era, added, “VoteVets does not speak for me or any of my veteran friends. Mufi Hannemann has indeed been a strong friend and supporter of veterans throughout his public service career.”

Fred Ruge, an Army veteran who saw combat in the Korean War, said, “These are false statements. I am outraged by the innuendos being put out in these mailers.  I am proud to be associated with Mufi. He has many supporters among the veterans not only on Maui but throughout the state.” Ruge added that he received the mailers yesterday at his home in Wailuku.

Les Chang, who served for 30-years in the Air Force and attained the rank of Colonel, stated, “I am appalled by the statements made against Mufi Hannemann, who has been exemplary leader for Hawaii’s veterans during his time as a City Councilmember, City Council Chair, and Mayor of Honolulu. I know first-hand that he is respected and held in high regard by current and former service members.”

Hal Barnes of Kailua, who served six years in the Army Reserve, lauded Hannemann for creating and chairing the Military Affairs Advisory Task Force that met on issues of mutual concern between the City & County and the island’s military bases. Barnes said, “Mufi Hannemann has done more in office to help Hawaii’s veterans than any other candidate in this race.”

During Hannemann’s term, City contracts were awarded properly and in accordance with stringent State procurement laws.  An internal review of over 300 contracts by the City and a 2010 audit of 86 professional services contracts by the State Procurement Office found total compliance and no violations of the law in the awards. The Hannemann administration consistently earned clean audits.

Aaron Fujioka, the Administrator of the State Procurement Office, stated in an August 4, 2010 letter, “The SPO review of documents provided to verify compliance with the Code for awards pursuant to HRS §103D-304 and HAR Chapter 30122, Subchapter 7 on the procurement of professional services, did not find any violations of the Code occurred in the awards.”

Furthermore, the Campaign Spending Commission can also verify the clean record of Hannemann’s campaign organizations through the years. Hannemann was the only major candidate for office that returned all of the money which donors gave improperly.

Mufi Hannemann stated, “I have tremendous respect for those who have served our country, and particularly for those who are serving today. The voters of the 2nd Congressional District should be wary of outlandish claims and outside attempts by special interest groups to influence our local elections. I invite the voters to visit the ‘Fact vs. Fiction’ section of my website, which addresses the allegations made by these outside groups and sets the record straight.”

# # #

Reid stated, “Congress needs leaders like Mufi Hannemann.  Mufi and I go back many years. I worked with Mufi and Senator Akaka to help save Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. I worked with Mufi and Senator Inouye on infrastructure funding and strengthening tourism across the country. We share goals for a better America.”

Reid concluded, “Mufi’s record of achievement, experience, and relationships in Washington, D.C., would make him an invaluable member of our team on Capitol Hill—and I’m very excited about welcoming him to Congress.”

Hannemann said, “I’m very grateful for the support of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. His endorsement is a validation of my message that Hawaii needs an experienced leader who can hit the ground running through his effective working relationships in Washington, D.C.”

Hannemann continued, “With only two members in the U.S. House, Hawaii needs a representative who can ‘carry the ball’ when important bills are sent over from the Senate. If elected, I will work closely with Senator Reid and other Congressional leaders to improve the economy, strengthen education, protect Social Security and Medicare, and get the job done for the people of Hawaii.”

Gerald Yamada, HICA Director, stated, “The Hawaii Island Contractors’ Association supports Mufi Hannemann for the U.S. House of Representatives, 2nd District, because we know that he understands the construction industry and the vital role it plays to the economy.  He has led efforts to create jobs and has the experience and capability to advocate and help launch economic development initiatives in Washington, D.C. that will help our county and State.”

In accepting the endorsement, Hannemann said, “I’m grateful to receive the backing of HICA. Their endorsement is a validation of our campaign’s message that proven experience and bipartisan leadership is needed to put Americans back to work. If elected to Congress, I will put my years of experience in both the public and private sector to create jobs and improve the economy.”

The HICA is now the third major business organization to endorse Hannemann’s candidacy for Congress. Earlier this year, the Realtors® and the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association also endorsed Hannemann. HICA represents over 150 contractors from across Hawaii Island. The association was founded in 1958 as the Hilo Contractors’ Association, and was established as the Hawaii Island Contractors’ Association in 1960.

More pictures on flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/votemufi/sets/72157630939142314/