The Hawaii Fire Fighters Association has endorsed Kirk Caldwell in the special election for Honolulu mayor.

"Kirk has been a strong supporter of our firefighters and as a legislator worked tirelessly protecting the rights and benefits of both current and retired firefighters," Terry Cano, the union’s secretary-treasurer, said yesterday.

Caldwell, who has been serving as acting mayor since July 20 when Mufi Hannemann resigned to run for governor, previously picked up the endorsement of the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers.

Caldwell is among five candidates in the special election for mayor. Others are former City Prosecutor Peter Carlisle, City Councilman Donovan Dela Cruz, University of Hawaii engineering professor Panos Prevedouros and City Councilman Rod Tam.

Carlisle has been endorsed by the Hawaii Carpenters Union.

The special election is being held with the Sept. 18 primary election.