Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mufi Hannemann has won the support of the Hawaii Hotel and Lodging Association.

The organization that represents 170 hotels, condos and other lodging businesses announced the endorsement today.

Association president Murray Towill cited Hannemann’s executive experience as mayor of Honolulu since 2004 and before that, as head of a state business and economic development agency.

Towill says neither former U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie, Hannemann’s rival for the Democratic nomination, nor Republican Lt. Gov. James “Duke” Aiona, were interviewed.

Hannemann calls the endorsement significant because it comes from a statewide business group. He says it will complement his backing from labor groups.