Mufi Hannemann Opens Hilo HQ

“Big Island for Mufi” hosted the grand opening of Mufi Hannemann’s Hilo campaign headquarters last night.  More than 250 people welcomed the recently announced candidate for governor in a show of support of Hannemann who resided on the Big Island from 1987 to 1991 as a C. Brewer executive.  Hannemann addressed the crowd with a rousing speech about his Big Island roots and history of collaborating with neighbor island leaders.  

“Our campaign is off to an energetic start and tonight’s show of support from the Big Island is deeply moving and extremely encouraging,” said Mayor Mufi Hannemann. “I am glad to have the support of so many who believe that I have the right temperament and understanding of county level issues to improve the quality of life for our people from Hilo to Hanape‘e.”


In 2006, Mayor Mufi Hannemann traveled to the Big Island to turn over the keys of several city buses to then-Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim.  Afterward, at a meeting in Kim’s office, they talked about collaborating on county issues, which they felt had been missing in intergovernmental relations.  This conversation with Mayor Kim was the start of what is now known as the Hawaii Council of Mayors.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann:
“While each mayor pursues specific interests, the Hawaii Council of Mayors with Mayor Billy Kenoi playing a very strong role, has given focus to our mutual interests.  Our ‘all for one, and one for all’ approach, whether it’s legislation, tourism marketing or collective bargaining, has enabled us to speak as one clear and strong voice.  Our collaboration is unprecedented in island politics, demonstrating that geography is not a barrier to communication, effective working relationships or the pursuit of goals that benefit all the people of Hawaii.”

“We are excited to kick off the official gubernatorial campaign for Mufi Hannemann here in Hilo,” said Leonard Tanaka, Big Island Campaign Director for the Hannemann Committee. “Mufi Hannemann has been a good friend to the community of Hilo over the years, as many in our community remember when he was once a resident here.  Since Mufi’s announcement to run for governor, support for him locally has surged significantly.”

Added Hannemann campaign volunteer JoAnn Balberde “many of us remember Mufi from his days on the Big Island. From starting Punulu’u Sweet Bread Bakeshop and Visitor Center, to the Pacific Century Fellows program, to his time as the State Director of DBEDT, to the numerous scholarships and scholar athletes he has helped, Mufi has always been there for the Big Island. That’s why there is so much aloha for his candidacy.”

Earlier in the year, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 142 and the Hawaii Longshore Division (ILWU);, State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers (SHOPO); Sheet Metal Workers Local 293; International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District 50; Drywall Tapers Finishers Local 1944;  Operating Engineers Local 3; and Iron Workers Local 625 all endorsed Hannemann.

Hannemann’s Hilo headquarters is located at 614 Kilauea Avenue.  Supporters of Mufi Hannemann will be hosting the grand opening of the Kona campaign headquarters later this month.