Categorized | Elections, Featured, News

Hannemann opens Kona campaign headquarters

Karin Stanton | Hawaii 24/7 Contributing Editor

Mufi Hannemann's speech included a little about his childhood, education, mayoral experience and his vision as governor of Hawaii. (Hawaii 24/7 photo by Karin Stanton)

Mufi Hannemann's speech included a little about his childhood, education, mayoral experience and his vision as governor of Hawaii. (Hawaii 24/7 photo by Karin Stanton)

Mufi Hannemann opened his Kona campaign headquarters Saturday with family-friendly celebration that included food, entertainment, a short speech by the Democratic gubernatorial candidate and a question-and-answer session.

The two-hour lunchtime event drew approximately 100 supporters from across the island, who had one of their first chances to meet the former Honolulu mayor and pepper him with their concerns and questions.

In his speech, Hannemann spoke of his family, childhood, education and experience as Honolulu’s mayor. He also highlighted his history of collaborating with neighbor island leaders.

“I will lead with the neighbor islands at the forefront,” he said. “The governor and mayors will govern together.”

Much of his speech focused on education, from his own public school upbringing to his commitment to the state’s teachers, parents and students.

“Education will not be a secondary issue. Education is a big problem and we need to put our arms around it,” he said. “Hawaii needs a governor to stand shoulder-to-shoulder and bring the key stakeholders into play.”

Mufi Hannemann kicked off his West Hawaii campaign Saturday with food and entertainment at his Kona headquarters. (Hawaii 24/7 photo by Karin Stanton)

Mufi Hannemann kicked off his West Hawaii campaign Saturday with food and entertainment at his Kona headquarters. (Hawaii 24/7 photo by Karin Stanton)

Among other top priorities for Hannemann are creating jobs, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and protecting the environment. He also said he sees a bright future for Hawaii in the space, science and technology areas.

Hannemann also thanked his supporters.

“The overwhelming support I have received from the Big Island and each of the neighbor islands is deeply moving and enormously encouraging,” he said. “I am honored to have the support of so many who believe that I have the right kind of executive experience, temperament, and understanding of county level issues to improve the quality of life for people across the state.”

“Hawaii needs a leader with a proven track record of working together with neighbor island leaders as the mayor of Honolulu,” said Ken Ono, Hannemann campaign coordinator for West Hawaii. “Mufi not only understands the unique problems faced by each island, but he also brings real solutions to the table. Since his Big Island roots run deep, we’re always very happy to have him here in Kona.”

In the late 1980s, Hannemann was an executive for C. Brewer and general manager of Punaluu Bake Shop in Naalehu.

Having lived and worked on the neighbor islands, Hannemann said he is maintaining a strong presence across the state, with campaign headquarters in Lihue, Honolulu, Kahului, Hilo, and now Kona.

As governor, he said, his administration will have the same approach of including every island in the decision making process.

Hannemann’s next Kona visit is scheduled for Aug. 10.

Saturday’s entertainment was provided by L.T. Smooth.

The Hannemann campaign headquarters in Kailua-Kona is at 75-5690 Kopiko Street, next to The Club on Palani Road. The Kona headquarters will be open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and can be reached at (808) 327-6834.

— Find out more:
www.mufihannemann.com

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