Two of the state’s largest public worker unions are supporting former city Managing Director Kirk Caldwell in the race for Honolulu mayor.

Leaders of the Hawaii Government Employees Association and the United Public Workers unions announced their endorsements today.

“Kirk Caldwell understands and appreciates the core services that our members in the city and county perform on a daily basis,” said Dayton Nakanelua, UPW state director.

Caldwell, who served as acting mayor for 45 days in 2010, is running against incumbent Mayor Peter Carlisle and former Gov. Ben Cayetano.

Caldwell also has been endorsed by the Hawaii Fire Fighters Association and the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers. The same four unions also endorsed Caldwell in his unsuccessful run at mayor in 2010.

Nakanelua and Randy Perreira, executive director of the HGEA, said the endorsements were a reaffirmation of the unions’ support for Caldwell in 2010 and said neither Carlisle nor Cayetano sought out the unions’ backing.