Archive for category: Archived Endorsements

UHPA felt it was important to weigh in on this year’s Congressional District 2 Race for the upcoming general election because of the many needs in our community resulting from the pandemic that require ongoing federal support in Hawai‘i. After interviewing Senator Kai Kahele, we believe that he possesses the background and understanding of our University, and more importantly, the needs of our members, the UH faculty. As a UH alumnus, Kai will best represent our interests in Washington, D.C. We are pleased to endorse Kai for Congress!

 

 

UHPA Endorses Rick Blangiardi for Honolulu Mayor

After carefully evaluating the needs of the University of Hawai‘i faculty and the vision of the two Honolulu mayoral candidates, the University of Hawai‘i Professional Assembly (UHPA) has decided to endorse Rick Blangiardi for mayor. The decision was based on the recommendation of UHPA’s political endorsement committee, which is composed of UH faculty.

UHPA regularly endorses candidates in gubernatorial and state legislative races, and typically has not endorsed mayoral candidates or those running in city or county races. The exceptions have been for Eileen Anderson and Jeremy Harris.

“We felt it was important to weigh in on this year’s mayoral race for the upcoming general election because there are great needs in the community as a result of the pandemic,” said Christian Fern, UHPA’s executive director. “The mayor has the ability to influence how effectively and efficiently O‘ahu recovers from the pandemic and becomes more resilient.”

Affordable housing was a major concern for faculty even before the pandemic, and now it is a top priority, especially since housing is key to recruiting and retaining faculty and ensuring the standards of quality instruction and research remain high at the UH.

Blangiardi has an affinity for the University of Hawai‘i. While he was a UH undergraduate in the mid-1960s, he served as linebacker with the Rainbow Warriors. He returned to Massachusetts with his mother and graduated from Springfield College. After serving in the U.S. Navy and being stationed at Pearl Harbor, he made Hawai‘i his home, and earned a master of arts degree in educational administration from the UH in 1973. He later served as a defensive coordinator and associate head coach for the Rainbow Warriors. He eventually changed careers to television, and was most recently general manager of Hawai‘i News Now.

After listening to both candidates, the political endorsement committee felt Blangiardi understood the needs of the faculty and the important role of unions. UHPA is proud to endorse Blangiardi for mayor.

UHPA is pleased to continue to endorse Rep. Kitagawa  She remains up-to-date on Labor issues that are before the Hawai‘i Labor Relations Board.  She understands the struggles of protecting Chapter 89 and demonstrates understanding of the issues pertaining to the University of Hawai‘i system confronting the UH faculty we represent.  Rep. Kitagawa’s background continues to serve her well as an advocate for UHPA and her community.  We are excited to endorse her.

Representative Luke is the Chair of the House Finance Committee.  UHPA has been fortunate to have a strong working relationship with Rep. Luke.  Her commitment to ensure the resources needed for faculty to further their work throughout all the campuses is of benefit to all.  Rep. Luke brings a vast array of knowledge and understanding of the issues on economic conditions pertaining to the University.  We look forward to a continuing strong working relationship with Rep. Luke.

UHPA is pleased to announce continued support for Senator Brian Taniguchi.  Sen. Taniguchi Chairs the Labor Committe (LCA) and has provided extensive support for UHPA initiatives over the past few years.  We appreciate his open door and open communication policy.  His understanding of the issues challenging UH and his commitment of support is appreciated.  We look forward to more time together.