Hannemann Unveils Action Plan for Veterans
September 1, 2010
Media Contact:
Brooke Wilson
brooke@mufihannemann.com
HONOLULU – Mufi Hannemann today unveiled his action plan to address the needs of U.S. military veterans and their families at a talk-story luncheon at the DAV Weinberg Hall near Keehi Lagoon. The event, attended by nearly 200 supporters including current and former members of the U.S. military and esteemed local leaders, included substantive discussion about the issues facing those who have honorably served our country.
Hannemann’s plan for veterans and military families was well received by those in attendance. It aims to address the most pressing issues facing military personnel by expanding state VA services, creating a state veterans court, supporting children of military parents, combating homelessness, supporting our National Guard and reserves, and creating a military families advisory board.
“Mufi’s plan demonstrates that he really understands the challenges our veterans face and truly cares about the well being of each and every one of us,” said U.S. Army retired Brigadier General Ed Hirata. “As mayor, Mufi fought hard for military veterans and their families and we are confident that he will continue to do so as governor.”
“Mufi has a concrete, actionable plan for veterans that will make it easier for retired servicemen in need to get the help they require,” said retired Chief Petty Officer Dennis Egge of the U.S. Navy. “He appreciates the sacrifices veterans and our families have made and has a clear plan to take care of us.”
During the talk story session, the Democratic candidate for governor listened intently as retired military personnel explained the challenges they currently face in getting help for everything from treatment and counseling for addiction to aid for education. A handful of homeless veterans in attendance told Hannemann about the problems they have had in finding affordable housing and soliciting other services from the VA.
“I am incredibly honored to have the opportunity to speak with these brave men and women who have served our state and country so valiantly,” said Mufi Hannemann. “They are the reason we can enjoy our freedom to live in a democratic society. Hawaii needs a governor who will ensure our veterans have the critical support they deserve.”
The needs of our military veterans are a high priority for Hannemann, who has experience in dealing with the issues discussed during the talk story. In 2005, as mayor of Honolulu, Mufi Hannemann worked together in a bipartisan fashion with Governor Lingle and members of the Congressional delegation to avert the closure of Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, keeping countless military and civilian jobs in the state and securing Hawaii’s place as the naval hub of the Pacific. He also made significant progress in finding solutions for the homeless, negotiated agreements to provide benefits to city workers and worked to make Honolulu one of the safest big cities in the nation.
Hannemann's Veterans action plan
Hannemann's military accomplishments
About Mufi Hannemann
Muliufi Francis "Mufi" Hannemann was born in Honolulu in 1954 and served as the city’s 12th mayor. He attended public elementary schools in Kalihi before attending ‘Iolani School, where he was an honor student and all-star athlete. He received a full scholarship to attend Harvard University, where he was freshman class president and lettered in basketball. Following his graduation in 1976, he studied abroad as a Fulbright Scholar at Victoria University in New Zealand.
Following his return home, Hannemann was a teacher and coach at 'Iolani School before being tapped by Governor George Ariyoshi to serve in his administration. Hannemann was later appointed director of the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism and Office of International Relations under Governor John Waihee. He was also a business executive with C. Brewer & Co. from 1984 to 1991; his duties with the diversified agriculture firm took him frequently to Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island. At one point, he lived and worked on the Big Island. Active in numerous community organizations and volunteer efforts throughout the years, Hannemann was first elected to public office in 1995, serving on the Honolulu City Council and as its chairman. He was elected mayor in 2004 and reelected in 2008. He was twice selected by Honolulu Magazine readers as the “Best Public Official” in 2008 and 2009. He is married to Gail Mukaihata Hannemann, CEO of the Girl Scouts of Hawaii. They reside in Aiea, Hawaii.
