A Kinder, Gentler Mufi Hannemann?

Mufi Hannemann for Governor

WASHINGTON — Over the years, former Honolulu Mayor and newly announced congressional candidate Mufi Hannemann has developed the reputation of being a bully.

His supporters say that people misread him. They point to his ambition and his direct style of leadership. They remind critics that it's not Hannemann's fault that he's 6-foot-7-inches tall and towers over just about everyone he meets.

But the reputation persists.

People called him a bully at City Hall, where city workers still swap stories about his short temper. They called him a bully during his fierce and ultimately unsuccessful campaign for governor last year, with some claiming that his negative campaign tactics ultimately cost him the election.