AAA-Fund Endorses Mufi Hannemann and Tulsi Gabbard for United States House of Representatives

For immediate release

Contact:  Gautam Dutta (202.236.2048)

July 22, 2012

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Asian American Action Fund has endorsed Honolulu City Councilwoman Tulsi Gabbard and former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann for Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District. Both candidates are running to succeed Rep. Mazie Hirono, the AAA-Fund endorsee for the Hawaii Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Daniel Akaka.

“After several months of difficult deliberation, given the impressive AAPI candidates in this race, we have come to a consensus to express support for both Mufi and Tulsi in their quest to represent Hawaii’s second Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives,” said Gautam Dutta, Executive Director of the Asian American Action Fund.

Mayor Hannemann has a long record in serving the people of Hawaii and looking out for interests of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.  As the 12th Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu, the 13th largest municipality in the U.S., he led the development of Oahu’s first rail transit system and led Honolulu to being named by the FBI as one of America’s safest big cities, given his strong emphasis on public safety.  He appointed more women to his cabinet and senior staff than any other Mayor in Honolulu’s history.

Mufi led numerous government, tourism, and trade delegations to various countries in Asia and the Pacific. He also supported reparations for Americans of Japanese ancestry who were sent to internment camps, restoration of benefits to Filipino World War II Veterans, and federal recognition for Native Hawaiians.

“Mufi is a seasoned leader who can get things done in the U.S. House of Representatives,” said Dutta.  “He has shown that he understands the need to cultivate up-and-coming AAPIs and ensure a strong pipeline for a solid future.”

Councilwoman Gabbard became an early star in Hawaii politics when she became the youngest woman to be elected to the Hawaii State Legislature in 2002.  Her service has also included working with underserved youth, deploying two times to the Middle East as a member of the Hawaii National Guard, and serving as legislative aide to Senator Akaka in our Nation’s Capital.

As Honolulu City Councilwoman, she has steadfastly supported legislation related to civil rights and anti-discrimination law, including urging Rush Limbaugh to apologize for offensive and derogatory remarks about the Chinese language and Chinese President Hu Jintao and urging federal agencies to ease visa restrictions for visitors from the People’s Republic of China. She also voted in favor of resolutions supportive of Filipino World War II Veterans.

“Tulsi has dedicated herself to service and sacrifice for her country,” said Dutta.  “Given her prior experience on Capitol Hill, as a Member of Congress, she would be able to hit the ground running.”

“Mufi and Tulsi are both natural leaders with a clear vision for Hawaii and for our country,” added Dutta.

To support Mufi’s campaign for Congress, please visit: http://mufihannemann.com/

To support the Tulsi’s campaign for Congress, please visit: http://votetulsi.com/

The AAA-Fund is a Democratic political action committee whose goal is to increase the voice of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders on every level of local, state and federal government in America. To achieve this goal, we address the chronic under-representation of Asian Americans and Pacific Americans (AAPIs) as campaign volunteers, campaign contributors, and candidates for political office.