Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa has endorsed former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann in his independent bid to become Hawaii’s next governor.

The endorsement was announced Friday at the headquarters of the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers, which is also backing Hannemann.

"I know in my heart of hearts that Mufi Hannemann is the best administrator. He is very trustworthy and can be depended upon to do what he says he is going to do," said Arakawa.

Hannemann is running as the gubernatorial candidate of the newly formed Hawaii Independent Party, trying to replace Gov. Neil Abercrombie, who beat him in the Democratic primary in 2010.

Abercrombie is facing state Sen. David Ige in this year’s primary. Former Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona, who lost to Abercrombie in the 2010 general election, is running again as a Republican gubernatorial candidate.