The Sierra Club Political Committee has launched a website critical of congressional candidate Mufi Hannemann’s environmental record after the former Honolulu mayor touted his environmental accomplishments in an email this week.
"We were amazed by some of his assertions, and wanted to set the record straight," Robert Harris, director of the Sierra Club’s Hawaii chapter, said in a news release Tuesday.
The Sierra Club has endorsed City Councilwoman Tulsi Gabbard, Hannemann’s main opponent in the Democratic primary for Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District.
The group’s objections are detailed at MufisRecord.org.
"We stand by our strong record on the environment," Tyler Dos Santos-Tam, Hannemann’s deputy campaign manager, said in response to the Sierra Club website.
Hannemann’s email, sent Monday and also posted on his website titled "Standing Tall for Our Aina," touted his efforts in establishing a program focused on energy conservation, use of alternative and renewable fuels, improved public transportation, recycling and sustaining agriculture.
"The 21st Century Ahupuaa plan was honored as the best sustainability program in the country by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and its projects, policies and implementation earned Honolulu ever-higher rankings among America’s most sustainable cities," Hannemann stated. "In Congress, I pledge to further develop the vision for a 21st Century Ahupuaa and make Hawaii the model for sustainability and environmentally responsible living."
The Sierra Club challenged Hannemann’s assertions, calling him an opponent of curbside recycling and clean energy projects while supporting development.
