UHPA Endorses Rick Blangiardi for Mayor

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The University of Hawai‘i Professional Assembly (UHPA) has announced their endorsement for Rick Blangiardi for Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu. The decision was based on the faculty-driven political endorsement committee and confirmed by the full UHPA board.

“The UHPA feels strongly that Rick can best meet the needs not only for Honolulu but for the faculty of the University of Hawai‘i as well,” says Christian Fern, UHPA’s executive director.

“This endorsement is truly significant to me and one that I humbly accept,” says Rick Blangiardi, candidate for Mayor. “My relationship with the University of Hawai‘i goes back decades from attending as a student-athlete, to coaching football for five seasons, to serving as executive director of ‘Ahahui Koa Anuenue, and director and past president of the Na Koa Football Club. I could not be more proud to forever be a part of the University of Hawai‘i ohana and am honored to have their endorsement in this year’s pivotal mayoral race. The University of Hawai‘i is an extraordinary statewide higher education system and I believe, has a vital role in helping to create economic diversity as we work towards recovering from the devastating impacts of COVID-19.”

Rick Blangiardi is also a past recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award, and is a member of the prestigious University of Hawaii Sports Circle of Honor.

The UHPA has been the exclusive bargaining agent for all faculty members of the University System since November 1, 1974. UHPA regularly endorses candidates in the gubernatorial and state legislative races and does not typically endorse mayoral candidates.