Running a huge newspaper ad suggesting that Daniel K. Inouye is backing your candidacy is one way to reclaim lost “mojo.”

That’s just what former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann did Sunday. He bought a two-page advertisement in the Sept. 12 edition of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that gives the strong impression that Hawaii Sens. Inouye and Daniel Akaka are supporting Hannemann for governor.

And it immediately started a controversy, with his opponent, former Congressman Neil Abercrombie crying foul. Abercrombie promptly released a statement Sunday about the ad.

“In today’s newspaper, Mufi Hannemann ran an ad that creates the false impression that Senator Inouye and Senator Akaka have endorsed him for Governor. Both senators have said they are remaining neutral in the Democratic primary. It’s yet another political game meant to confuse voters.”

Officially, Inouye — the longtime leader of his party — and Akaka are neutral in the primary race. And both senators gave permission to use the photos and quotes in the ad.

But the ad is clearly a political advertisement for Hannemann’s governor campaign, despite a disclaimer that reads, “Here’s what people have to say about Mufi Hannemann’s leadership as mayor.”

The ad, after all, is paid for by the Hannemann Committee 2010 and includes the red-white-black “Mufi Hannemann governor — for all of us” logo.

With five days to go before the primary, and trailing in the polls and fundraising, Hannemann is trying to regain momentum.

The Star-Advertiser ad features photos and quotes from notable people who have publicly shown support for Hannemann, including Big Island Mayor Billy Kenoi, Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho, restaurateur Eddie Flores and hotel executive David Carey.

And the ad shows supporter Walter Dods, the retired banker who happens to be involved with Inouye’s Senate re-election campaign, saying, “When it comes to being Governor, real leadership ability — which too many people belittle — is very, very important. Who can actually make things happen? Mufi makes things happen.”

Hannemann: Ad Is About Leadership

Abercrombie, who served in Congress with both senators, said: “In six days, the people of Hawaii will have an opportunity to reject politics-as-usual when they cast their ballots. I am confident that the people will move Hawaii in a new direction.”

At a press conference Monday, Hannemann was asked by reporters if the ad was intended to give the impression he had the senators’ support.

“The only source or folks complaining about the ad is my opponent,” he said. “We have heard nothing but wonderful comments. Some have said this is a referendum on leadership, so these comments from very credible people in the community, on the record, about my leadership — that’s what the ad says.”

Hannemann continued: “It’s about leadership. The statements are clear.”

Hannemann added that he has received endorsements from the Honolulu Star-Advertiser and West Hawaii Today.

Inouye the Kingmaker

The new ad underscored the fact that Inouye has appeared to favor Hannemann’s gubernatorial bid over Abercrombie.

Inouye was not happy that Abercrombie chose to resign from Congress and move back home, which led to the election of Republican Charles Djou in the 1st Congressional District.

Inouye has since thrown his weight and money behind Colleen Hanabusa to reclaim the seat for Democrats. And he appeared at the campaign headquarter openings for both Hanabusa and Hannemann.

Former Congressman Ed Case, who angered Inouye by running against Akaka four years ago, is supporting Abercrombie for governor. He has called Hannemann the “most dangerous” man in Hawaii politics.

Hannemann is trailing Abercrombie in recent public opinion polls and fundraising reports.

With Sunday’s newspaper ad and a press release and news conference Monday, Hannemann attempted to regain momentum.

While he has held many press availabilities as mayor, as a candidate for governor Hannemann has relied more on public-relations staff to field questions about uncomfortable topics.

On Monday the former Honolulu mayor raised questions about the financial feasibility of Abercrombie’s 43-page “New Day” plan for Hawaii, suggested the media do a better job of scrutinizing the plan, dismissed Civil Beat’s recent poll showing him trailing Abercrombie badly and defended his environmental record in response to criticism from the Sierra Club and a North Shore advocacy group that opposes development.

He also said it was fair game to bring up a candidate’s background and experience — including values and religion — and to appeal to conservative voters to vote Democrat rather than Republican in the primary.

“All of my races appeal to both parties,” he said. “We go after all voters.”

Hannemann said he would continue to ask Abercrombie about his “New Day” plan at a candidates forum Tuesday night in Wailuku, Maui, the last joint appearance of the candidates before the election Saturday.