Rep. Tom Brower Loses Key HSTA Endorsement

News Release from Grace for Waikiki June 26, 2014

For the first time since he was elected in 2006, The Hawaii State Teachers Association, has declined to endorse State Rep Tom Brower (Ala Moana –Waikiki) and will remain neutral in the race between he and Republican Janet Grace.

Brower, who gained international notoriety last year when he used a sledgehammer to smash shopping carts used by the homeless, had received thousands of dollars from the HSTA in previous campaigns, including $1,400 in 2012.

The race for House District 22 (Ala Moana-Waikiki) is regarded by a number of political observers as one of the most competitive contests in the 2014 election.

Brower’s Republican challenger, Janet Grace, said, “The HSTA’s decision to stay neutral in this race is another indication that Brower has lost the confidence of the groups and individuals who once supported him. His inability to provide positive solutions to the homeless situation in Waikiki is a major reason why people in our community are looking for new leadership.”

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Janet Grace is a home health care professional, a member of the Waikiki Neighborhood Board and a founder of two non-profit organizations serving homeless and disadvantaged youth.