The press release from IBEW Local 1260:

All Three Local Unions of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers’ Announce Their Support of Governor Abercrombie’s Re-Election Bid

Honolulu, Hawaii (June 7, 2013) – All three Local Unions of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) in Hawai‘i today endorsed Governor Neil Abercrombie’s bid for re-election

The governor accepted the endorsements of IBEW Local 1260, Local 1186 and Local 1357 at the Norman E. Ahakuelo Union Hall on South Beretania Street. The unions represent more than 8,000 utility workers, electricians, technicians, contractors, service contractors and defense contractors across the State of Hawaii, the Territory of Guam and Saipan.

“Governor Abercrombie has had to make some tough calls, but the bottom line is he has resolved the fiscal crisis his administration inherited, and deserves another four years to build an even stronger economy, ” said Brian Ahakuelo, Business Manager / Financial Secretary of Local 1260.

“In every decision he makes, Governor Abercrombie considers the needs of working men and women,” said Damien Kim, Business Manager / Financial Secretary of Local 1186. “That’s what leadership is all about, achieving a strong economy, restoring consumer confidence and tackling issues that our members care about, such as improving our public schools.”

The governor thanked the IBEW for the endorsement. “Your sense of optimism energizes me,” Abercrombie told the members.

He also spoke of the tough choices that were made when he became governor in 2010 and found the state in “fiscal chaos.”

“We now have a solid economic foundation that will allow us to champion a host of issues, such as meeting mandates for renewable energy, addressing unfunded liabilities, improving our schools, upgrading our technology and providing a lot more workforce housing units for working men and women and their families,” Abercrombie said.

Aloha,

Today, Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui officially announced his reelection campaign. Shan represents the next generation of leaders that will shape Hawai‘i for decades to come.

I have had the opportunity to work closely with Shan since his appointment in December. I am continually impressed with his core values and skills as a leader. A proven team player, he has provided valuable counsel and guidance to me and my Administration, particularly on legislative priorities, where he served as Senate President.

I have full confidence in Shan and in his desire to continue serving the people of Hawai‘i as Lt. Governor for the years to come. Please join me in supporting Shan.

Aloha,

Neil Abercrombie

P.S. Shan has a new website at electshan.com!

Governor Neil Abercrombie today welcomed the support of organized labor in his 2014 reelection for governor.

The governor personally accepted the endorsement of the Laborers’ International Union of North America Local 368 Hawai‘i, during a Sunday picnic for union members and families. An estimated 4,000 union members and their families attended the picnic at Wet’n'Wild in Kapolei.

Peter Ganaban, Business Manager/Secretary Treasurer of Local 368, said Abercrombie has made some tough decisions that resulted in resolving the state’s financial crisis.

“The state of Hawai‘i is a much better place for all of us. Our union stands by him solidly,” Ganaban said.

“I am pleased at the confidence you have placed in my administration and I can assure you we will work very hard to keep continue accelerating our economic recovery and grow consumer confidence,” Abercrombie said.

The governor pointed to the nearly billion dollars in projects to address state infrastructure improvements in 2012. “We’re on pace to do that and even more this year. That translates into a stronger economy which will provide us the means to focus on other priorities, starting with education.”