Hannemann on Endorsements by Business Groups
UPDATE: Mayor Hannemann’s campaign removed this claim from its website after publication of this Fact Check. As of Aug. 5, it says: “Earlier this year, the Hawaii Hotel and Lodging Association (HHLA) announced their support for Hannemann, citing his solid understanding of the business, environmental and marketing dynamics of the tourism industry – the state鈥檚 economic engine.” Civil Beat appreciates the campaign working with us to keep the public accurately informed about business endorsements.
Mufi Hannemann‘s , in a section detailing the former mayor’s “Economic Action Plan,” claims that he is the only gubernatorial candidate to be endorsed by a Hawaii business group.
A screenshot of is posted below:
Is that true?
Maybe it was when it was written. But we reviewed it on Aug. 3, and it’s clearly not the case anymore. (We have some sympathy for anybody trying to keep a website up-to-date, but still…) The score right now is 1-1.
The Hawaii Venture Capital Association announced its support for Hannemann’s Democratic rival, Neil Abercrombie, on July 29. The group represents the $3.5 billion technology industry in Hawaii.
“We are a long-standing business organization since 1988,” said Bill Spencer, president of HVCA. Spencer pointed out that his group represents entrepreneurs, investors and service providers around the state.
“We are focused on growing the technology center of the economy,” Spencer said.
The three leading governor candidates spoke at a joint appearance before the venture capital association on July 21.
Most other endorsements Abercrombie has received came from national and local unions.
Travis Taylor, a spokesman for James “Duke” Aiona‘s campaign told Civil Beat that “we enjoy strong support from many businesses throughout the state, but we haven’t begun our public roll-out of endorsements at this point.”
