U.S. Congressional Representative Abercrombie resigns

Congressman Neil Abercrombie has resigned his office to concentrate on his gubernatorial campaign.    Abercrombie has been a proponent of military construction projects in Hawai’i, especially new housing construction on Mokapu, site of the Kane’ohe Marine base.   At the same time, he’s been critical of the Army’s continued use of Makua valley.    Abercrombie has also advocated for military construction jobs on Guam to give preference to U.S. workers and hold to Hawai’i prevailing wages, something the Pentagon and Guam businesses have opposed.

Meanwhile, there are three contenders for his congressional seat who said they will run in the winner-take-all special election: Colleen Hanabusa (D), Ed Case (D), and Charles Djou (R).  Some have speculated that Abercrombie’s early exit may entice Mayor Mufi Hanneman to switch from the Governor’s race to the Congressional race.  We’ll see.