(Here’s a hilarious news release from the Hannemann campaign.  Remember, none of this has anything to do with how much money is coming out of your pocket to line theirs.)

MUFI HANNEMANN RECEIVES APTA LOCAL DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

HONOLULU – Mufi Hannemann has been awarded the Local Distinguished Service Award from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) for significant contributions to public transportation through policy, legislative initiative, and leadership at the local level.

The award is bestowed upon those who exemplify distinguished service to the local  public transportation industry.  As mayor of the City & County of Honolulu, Hannemann demonstrated outstanding leadership in developing, enabling, and supporting the culture of public transportation for Honolulu and the entire island of Oahu.

“I am humbled and deeply honored by the recognition of the American Public Transportation Association,” said Hannemann.  “The Local Distinguished Service Award is truly an honor because it brings national attention to Honolulu’s public transit system—one of the civic jewels in America. Championing public transportation was the easiest decision I ever made as mayor of Honolulu because transit is essential to a vibrant city. It supports the economy by getting people to work, improves access to education, and protects our environment.”

Under Hannemann’s leadership as mayor of Honolulu, the city is poised to break ground on a 20-mile elevated rail system that will better connect the growing population on the west side of the island with the employment centers downtown. The mayor and his administration worked with Hawaii’s congressional delegation, other members of Congress, and the FTA to ensure that Honolulu received federal funding to complement the city’s resources.

At the local level, Mufi built a coalition of community groups, business, labor, and the media to support the rail project. The mayor also kicked off the largest public information program in city history to communicate the benefits of rail transit to the community.

Despite the financial challenges facing the local and state governments in Hawaii, Mufi’s administration increased its funding commitment to TheBus. About 100 new buses were purchased during his tenure (including articulated and hybrid buses) and a para transit facility was built near the entrance to downtown to make flexible modes of transportation accessible.  Mufi remains firmly committed to building intermodal transit centers around Oahu. New facilities have recently been completed in central Oahu and the city has broken ground for three additional transit centers across the island.

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About APTA

APTA is a nonprofit international association of more than 1,500 member organizations including public transportation systems; planning, design, construction and finance firms; product and service providers; academic institutions; and state associations and departments of transportation. APTA members serve the public interest by providing safe, efficient and economical public transportation services and products. APTA members serve more than 90 percent of persons using public transportation in the United States and Canada.