Hannemann camp blamed for parody

Former U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie’s campaign for governor has accused Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann’s campaign of negative tactics after the Hannemann campaign confirmed one of its volunteers was behind a parody website against Abercrombie.

The Hannemann campaign has acknowledged that Keith Rollman, a volunteer and city adviser, was responsible for the "Atomic Monkey" website but said it was done on his own time and without campaign approval. The Abercrombie campaign said the website, which has since been taken down, was promoted by other Hannemann allies.

"This is typical of a Mufi Hannemann campaign," said Laurie Au, an Abercrombie campaign spokeswoman. "The mayor’s campaign is launching into distortions, attacks and denials. When he’s caught, it’s never his fault, he even blames his supporters. Voters can expect more of this from the Hannemann campaign in the months ahead."

The Hannemann campaign declined to comment further on the matter.

Teamsters endorse mayor’s campaign

The Hawaii Teamsters & Allied Workers Union has endorsed Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann for governor.

The union, which represents more than 6,000 hospital, warehouse, laundry, aircraft and trucking workers, pointed to Hannemann’s executive experience as among the factors in the endorsement.

"We believe Mufi Hannemann has the most relevant experience and right temperament to improve the functionality of our state government and the lives of Hawaii’s residents," Ron Kozuma, the union’s president, said in a statement. "Hannemann is uniquely qualified to do the job as governor and has always supported working men and women by treating us with respect and appreciation for what we do. And knowing that the buck stops at his desk, he’s not afraid to make the tough decisions."

Hannemann is facing former U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie in the Democratic primary in September. Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona is up against attorney and former state lawmaker John Carroll in the Republican primary.