ILWU 2014 Arakwa endorsement. Photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

In an early show of support union leaders with the International Longshore and Wearhouse Union Local 142 on Maui endorsed Mayor Alan Arakawa, 2 years before he comes up for re-election.

The union boats a 7,000 plus membership on Maui and works in a variety of industries including tourism, agriculture, health care and manufacturing.

ILWU 2014 endorsement of Arakawa. Photo by Wendy Osher.

ILWU division director, Willie Kennison, said the union feels Arakawa understands what is needed to keep people employed and has shown leadership during a trying and difficult time for the county.

The ILWU sent a letter of endorsement out to the Friends of Alan Arakawa on April 16, 2012.

Even though the mayoral election is not until 2014, Kennison said, “the ILWU knows that the right man for the job is already on the job.”

Mayor Alan Arakawa responded to the news saying, “I am humbled and very grateful for their endorsement at this early stage.  Thank you to ILWU and their members for their trust, encouragement and assurance that we are Getting It Done.

***Check back for video of the announcement.