The Hawaii Construction Alliance, a group of building and construction unions representing about 15,000 workers, today endorsed former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann in his bid for the 2nd Congressional District.

“Hannemann’s extraordinary record in support of organized labor and workers’ rights, economic development and job creation for Hawaii’s families make him the natural choice for us in this crucial congressional election,” Pane Meatoga, Jr., District Representative for the Operating Engineers, said in a news release.

The Alliance is comprised of the Operating Engineers, along with the Hawaii Laborers’ Union, Local 368, Hawaii Masons’ Union, Local 1 and Local 630, and Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters, formerly the Hawaii Carpenters Union. Their endorsement was announced at a rally in Kapolei.

Hannemann is running in the race against Honolulu City Councilwoman Tulsi Gabbard and former Office of Hawaiian Affairs Chief Advocate Esther Kiaaina.

They are running to succeed U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, who is vacating the seat to run for U.S. Senate.