/24-7PressRelease/ - LIHUE, HI, August 31, 2008 - The Friends of Mel Rapozo have announced that their mayoral candidate has been endorsed by the Hawaii Fire Fighters Association (HFFA).
"Mel Rapozo has long been a strong supporter of public safety and the issues surrounding the safety and security of Kaua'i's people. As a community leader, Mel has a longstanding record for making the right decisions for Kaua'i's communities, no matter how difficult or unpopular that may be. Mel's integrity for doing the right thing is unquestionable and we are proud to endorse and support him for the office of Mayor and ask all of our friends and family to join us in supporting Mel," said Bobby Lee, President of the Hawaii Fire Fighters Association.
Mel Rapozo is running on his record of experience. As mayor, he plans to tackle Kauai's most pressing issues including veterans' care, the waste and wastewater systems, traffic, public health and safety and the fight against drugs. "Now is the time for leadership that grows out of taking on the island's toughest challenges and making the difficult, yet necessary decisions," said Mel Rapozo.
With nearly six years of experience as a Council member, Mel Rapozo intends to use his relationships at the local, state and national level and his personal commitment to get results on many fronts. His efforts to help create an efficient and responsible government have been recognized both locally and statewide. In addition to gaining the respect and support of his fellow council members to lead them as the Vice-Chair of the County Council, Rapozo has earned the trust of sister counties, Oahu, Maui and Hawai'i to serve as the President of the Hawaii State Association of the Counties for two consecutive terms.
"Many of us in HFFA have worked closely with Mel Rapozo over the years and we believe that he has the experience and necessary willingness to address the issues facing Kaua'i," said Colin Wilson, Kaua'i Chairman of the Hawaii Fire Fighters Association. "HFFA believes that Mel Rapozo will make the tough decisions that are needed to ensure a better future for our community. We are proud to back his candidacy for mayor."
Commenting on the endorsement, Mel Rapozo said, " I am touched and honored by the support of the Hawaii Fire Fighters Association: These are people who understand commitment and courage in difficult situations. So their endorsement matters a great deal to me and my family. I hope that it will also mean a great deal to the voters on Kaua'i."
The Hawaii Fire Fighters Association (HFFA) is the exclusive bargaining representative for all professional fire fighters in the State of Hawaii. The HFFA represents approximately 2,000 fire fighters encompassing the jurisdictions of Kauai County, Maui County (Maui, Molokai and Lanai), Hawaii County (Big Island), the City & County of Honolulu (Oahu), and state airport fire rescue.
Mel Repozo has also been endorsed by United Public Workers. United Public Workers Hawaii Division, Maui Division (including Molokai and Lanai), Oahu Division, Kauai Division and Private Sector Division provide union representation to more than 13,000 members statewide in the Bargaining Units 1 & 10 as well as the Private Sector.
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