Hannemann to run for Congress

Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann will announce today that he will run in the Democratic primary for the 2nd Congressional District, describing himself as a proven and experienced leader who would focus on improving the nation’s fiscal policy.

Hannemann is the most prominent Democrat to enter the primary to replace U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, who is leaving the rural Oahu and neighbor island district for a U.S. Senate bid. Honolulu City Councilwoman Tulsi Gabbard and state Office of Hawaiian Affairs chief advocate Esther Kiaaina have announced campaigns.

"Now, more than ever, our nation and state need to put people back to work and revitalize our economy," said Hannemann, 57. "Public officials at the federal, state and local levels are beset by debt crises and partisan conflict over the direction of fiscal policy.

"We can agree that the best way to deal with our fiscal woes is economic growth, but there seems to be very little sustained effort directed at stimulating job growth."

The first hurdle for Hannemann is to get Democrats to think beyond the significant loss he suffered last year to Neil Abercrombie in the Democratic primary for governor. The Aiea resident who led the state’s largest city also must explain why he is best suited to represent rural Oahu and the neighbor islands.

"We can’t base solutions on a Honolulu-centric mentality," he said.

One of the main themes in his campaign for governor was his chief executive experience, so he will have to demonstrate he can also fit into a legislative role, which requires more patience and collaboration.

Hannemann, the president and chief executive officer of the Hawaii Hotel and Lodging Association, said he functioned well in an alliance with the state’s other mayors and within the larger U.S. Conference of Mayors. He also served on the Honolulu City Council.

"I think my CEO-type experience is going to play very well in this because, as I’m pointing out in my campaign, the No. 1 issue is going to be jobs, jobs, jobs," he said. "That’s what CEOs do. That’s what I did as mayor of Honolulu and today as president and CEO of HHLA.

"And so I think I can go to Congress and actually be able to develop a good game plan that utilizes my skills as a CEO."

Hannemann has greater fundraising ability and is better connected in the labor and business communities than Gabbard and Kiaaina. Gabbard is scheduled to announce some labor endorsements today. Kiaaina is well regarded among Native Hawaiians and Asians and Pacific Islanders and can trade on her experience as a veteran congressional aide.

Gary Hooser, the director of the state Office of Environmental Quality Control and a former state Senate majority leader, is thinking about a run in the 2nd District. Hooser would likely appeal to progressives and stress his Kauai background.

"I am seriously considering moving in that direction," he said.

Hannemann said he does not believe his primary loss to Abercrombie will be a handicap.

"I’ll address questions about that campaign but, to me, it’s ‘How are we faring today?’" he said.

Republicans have yet to field a candidate.