Select an option below to continue reading this premium story.
Already a Honolulu Star-Advertiser subscriber? Log in now to continue reading.
The Hawaii State Teachers Association announced Monday it is backing Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa in her challenge against U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz while supporting state Rep. K. Mark Takai’s bid to replace Hanabusa.
The HSTA executive board voted unanimously to recommend Hanabusa’s candidacy to its 13,500 members, said HSTA President Wil Okabe. He cited her track record on education and teacher issues through her political career.
Hanabusa is seeking to fill the remaining two years of the term left by the death of U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye in 2012. Gov. Neil Abercrombie chose Schatz, his lieutenant governor, to replace Inouye.
Hanabusa and Schatz are both Democrats.
In supporting Takai, Okabe said he has been a strong advocate for education and teachers during his 19 years in the House.
Takai is one a half-dozen high-profile candidates for the 1st Congressional District seat being left without an incumbent by Hanabusa’s Senate bid.
Others vying for the seat are Honolulu City Council members Ikaika Anderson and Stanley Chang, state Sen. Will Espero, state Senate President Donna Mercado Kim and activist Kathryn Xian. All are Democrats.