The state police officers' union yesterday announced that it is endorsing Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann for governor.

The State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers represents 2,800 police officers.

In a statement, union president Tenari Maafala said Hannemann has put a strong emphasis on public safety and has pushed programs that have helped deter criminal activity.

Maafala noted a recent FBI report that rated Honolulu as one of America's safest big cities.

Hannemann, who has yet to officially declare his candidacy, has also received endorsements from ILWU Local 142 and Iron Workers Local 625.

AUTOPSIES DISCLOSE INJURIES IN CRASH

Hawai'i County police yesterday said that autopsies determined that the pilot and passenger of an ultralight aircraft that crashed into Kealakekua Bay on Wednesday died of multiple traumatic injuries.

Tedd Robert Hecklin, 38, was the pilot and owner of Tedd's Flying Adventures in Kailua, Kona. His passenger was Kathryn Moran of Kailua, Kona, who was celebrating her 37th birthday with the flight as a gift.

Witnesses said the Airborne Outback XT-912 SST Tundra was banking left when they heard a loud popping sound. The craft's wing then folded up, and the vehicle plunged about 300 feet into the bay.

BODY WAS THAT OF MISSING HIKER

Kaua'i County officials have confirmed that the body found Wednesday in Wailua Valley is that of Ryan Soper, a visitor who had been missing for nearly a week.

Soper, 26, of Orem, Utah, was on a guided kayaking and hiking tour with his wife and in-laws April 15 when he fell from a tree and became separated from the group.

Soper's body was found Wednesday at the base of a waterfall upstream from the more frequently visited Secret Falls.

Soper died of a massive head injury, a Kaua'i County spokeswoman said.