UPW backs Ige as its choice for governor

The United Public Workers has endorsed state Sen. David Ige for governor.

The union, which represents about 14,000 blue-collar workers, is among the most politically active in the state. The UPW, like the Hawaii Government Employees Association — the state’s largest public-sector labor union — did not endorse in the Demo­cratic primary between Ige and Gov. Neil Abercrombie.

The HGEA has since endorsed Ige, as has the Hawaii State Teachers Association.

"Democrat Sen. David Ige has a proven track record of fighting for workers and the everyday person trying to make an honest living to support themselves and their families," UPW State Director Dayton Nakane­lua said in a statement. "Growing up in a working-class family, raising a family of three plus his work in the private sector and the Legislature, make him the best candidate to improve education, expand job creation and grow Hawaii’s economy."

Ige is facing former Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona, a Republican, and former Hono­lulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann, an independent, in November.