Hoping to dent early labor support for her Democratic primary opponent, Sen. Brian Schatz, Rep. Colleen Hanabusa received the endorsement of a half-dozen unions Wednesday (Sept. 4), including the United Public Workers AFSCME Local 646.

Other unions announcing their backing of Hanabusa were the Hawaii Laborers Union Local 368, Hawaii Masons Union Local #1 and Local #630, the Hawaii Sheet Metal Workers Union Local 293, and the Hawaii Longshore Division-Statewide. The announcement was held at the Hawaii Laborers Union hall in Kalihi.

“Uncle Dan, he always supported the industry, always made sure the harbors were taken care of, and I believe Coleen is the person to take that responsibility,” said Tyrone Tahara, business agent and chair of the Longshore Division PAC, referring to the late Sen. Dan Inouye.

“Our 13,000 members throughout the state stand fast to work hard in this next election cycle,” said Dayton Nakanelua, UPW’s state director.

Hanabusa, a labor attorney, reminded union members that they “carried the water” in making sure the state’s constitution protects the right to collective bargaining for both private and public sector unions. She also pointed to states like Wisconsin and Ohio, where labor rights are under fire, and said Hawaii can remain “a special state” only if it fights to protect the middle class.

Asked about Schatz’s success in racking up major union support, including the Hawaii Government Employees Association, Hanabusa told Civil Beat that Schatz started his Senate campaign before her. She also said she hoped many in “the rank and file” would vote for her despite the endorsement of union leadership.

Photo: Rep. Colleen Hanabusa and union supporters. (Civil Beat)

—Chad Blair