For his official portrait, former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann posed in front of his office desk of five years.

"I didn’t want to sit behind a desk. I wanted to come up front because that’s the way I tried to lead, not behind my desk but out in the public," said Hannemann.

Dozens packed the hallway at Honolulu Hale yesterday for the unveiling of Hannemann’s portrait, a 17-by-23 inch photograph taken by Dana Edmunds.

The portrait hangs with those of 11 other former mayors in the hallway gallery.

"I’m so honored to be in this gallery hall of mayors, all of whom have done their best to make this city a better place to live, work and raise their families," Hannemann said.

Edmunds took the photo about a month ago. A photographer in Honolulu since 1984, Edmunds does advertising and editorial work for resorts, corporations and magazines.

"People are what I really like to photograph," said Edmunds, who attended the ceremony. "It was a privilege and honor to be able to take a photo to embrace these historic walls."

Edmunds has worked with Hannemann in previous campaigns, saying the politician always kept the mood light, at times breaking into song during a photo session.

"He was always a fun guy to work with," he said.

After the ceremony, Hannemann said he doesn’t plan to return to government soon, but is not ruling it out in the future. He’s currently looking into several job offers, including some in the private sector.

When asked by reporters if he has interest in serving as president of the Hawaii Hotel & Lodging Association, he said, "I’m mulling several options that are before me. No decision has been made. It’s something that I would consider in due time.

"There’s a lot of folks that would like me to go there, but at this point in time, nothing has been finalized," he added.

Board members of the Hawaii Hotel & Lodging Association could not be reached for comment. Murray Towill recently resigned after 18 years as president of the trade association, and members are expected to select a replacement at a meeting tomorrow.

Hannemann, former state director of business, economic development and tourism, was sworn in as the 12th Honolulu mayor in January 2005. He resigned in July to run for governor, but was defeated in the primary election by current Gov. Neil Abercrombie.