SHOPO Endorses Rick Blangiardi for Mayor of Honolulu

The campaign for Rick Blangiardi for Mayor has received the endorsement of the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers (SHOPO).

“We reviewed the qualifications of the leading candidates, and our decision was unanimous to support Rick Blangiardi to be the next mayor of Honolulu,” said Malcolm Lutu, SHOPO

president. “Our members put themselves on the line every day, often having to make difficult decisions in the moment to protect and serve our community. We believe these are qualities we need in the next mayor, especially given the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 crisis.

“Additionally, we believe we will need a leader who will bring the community together for the long recovery ahead. Rick has demonstrated he is capable of making tough decisions throughout his successful career in the private sector. He has also shown how building effective teams is the foundation for success – from his football days at the University of Hawaii to running large and complex organizations.”

In response, Rick Blangiardi said, “I am humbled and honored to receive this endorsement by SHOPO. I have the utmost respect for the dedication and commitment of the hardworking men and women in blue who risk their lives everyday for us. My motivation to be mayor is not driven by political ambition but by a passionate desire to serve the people of this island. This task will not be easy, but I am prepared to work harder than ever before. There will be tough decisions ahead, but knowing we are all in this together gives me great confidence.