HONOLULU – The Hawaii Building & Construction Trades Council (HBCTC) today endorsed Ernie Martin in his re-election bid for a second term on the Honolulu City Council.
“The Hawaii Building & Construction Trades Council is pleased and proud to support Ernie Martin for his re-election to the City Council,” said HBCTC President Reginald Castanares. “Ernie is committed to keeping our economy moving forward and creating jobs for Hawaii’s people. He is determined to do what’s best for Hawaii’s working families, and this is extremely important to the union members of the Council.”
The announcement was made today following an HBCTC executive meeting in Honolulu. This is the first endorsement announced by the Martin campaign.
“I am grateful to have the support of the many hard-working men and women of the Building Trades who are the backbone of our economy,” said Martin, the incumbent in District 2, running for a second four-year term. “I am honored that the union has put its faith and confidence in me, and I will continue to work to improve the quality of life for them and for our entire Island community. The Building Trades motto that aims to ‘Build a Better Tomorrow’ is one that can be appreciated across all walks of life in Hawaii.”
The Council, which was established in 1958, has approximately 15,000 members statewide and represents 12 construction and trade unions: Plumbers, Local 675; IBEW, Local 1186; Teamsters, Local 996; Iron Workers, Local 625; Roofers, Local 221; Elevator Constructors, Local 126; Drywall, Tapers and Finishers, Local 1944; Glaziers, Local 1889; Boilermakers, Local 627; Painters and Allied Trades, Local 1791; Heat and Frost Insulators, Local 132; and Floor Layers, Local 1926.
“HBCTC’s endorsement reflects the high degree of respect we have for Ernie,” said HBCTC Trustee Douglas Fulp. “We like what he has done since he was first elected to the City Council and look forward to seeing him accomplish even more in his second term of office.”
Elected in 2010, Martin assumed the Chairmanship of the Council six months into his current term. He represents nearly 100,000 residents in the Council District 2 communities of Mililani Mauka, Wahiawa, Mokuleia, Waialua, Haleiwa, Pupukea, Sunset Beach, Kahuku, Laie, Hauula, Punaluu, Kahana, Kaaawa, Kualoa, Waiahole and Kahaluu.