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Council’s anti- A local coalition calling itself ADBwatch-Hawaii is warning city officials not to overreact to demonstrations and protests that are anticipated to accompany the Asian Development Bank meeting in May.
protest measures
questioned
Security gear is funded for the
Asian Development Bank's May
meeting, sure to draw protesters
Tourism Authority to help fund security
By Gordon Y.K. Pang
Star-BulletinThe organization appeared at a City Council meeting yesterday, raising questions about a $750,000 appropriation to the Police Department for anti-riot and other security gear.
ADBwatch-Hawaii also raised objections to several pieces of legislation designed to help law enforcement in riot situations now making their way through the Council.
"We're very afraid the ADB meeting is being used as an excuse to redefine the aloha spirit," said Stephanie Fried, senior scientist for the group Environmental Defense, before yesterday's meeting.
Despite the objections, the equipment appropriation was approved unanimously, while the four riot-related measures moved through the second of three required votes. The only dissenting vote came from Councilman Andy Mirikitani on a bill related to the homeless and sleeping in public parks.
Officials from both the Police Department and Hawaii Tourism Authority say they do not want to discourage protest, only ensure that it is peaceful.
Assistant Police Chief Boisse Correa said, "If we could, we'd give everybody a lei." Nonetheless, he said, "we have to plan for the worst-case scenario."
Correa said he wants to talk with those opposed to the Asian Development Bank to "have some meeting of minds."
The purpose of the bank is to eliminate poverty in Asia. Environmentalists and human rights groups oppose the globalization policies of the 60-nation organization.
Police have estimated some $6 million to $7 million will be needed to meet safety and traffic concerns at the conference, which is expected to draw President Bush and finance ministers from around the world.
Most of that money, Council members were told yesterday, will be paid back to the city.
But ADBwatch-Hawaii members warned that spending an enormous amount of money and enacting laws designed to prevent violent demonstrations and protests only serve to heighten tensions between authorities and those seeking to express their views.
Carolyn Hatfield said what is happening locally is similar to what has occurred in mainland cities where authorities have created "an intimidating atmosphere" and divided the community.
"I don't think our intention at the City Council or the Honolulu Police Department is to stifle speech," Councilman Jon Yoshimura said. "We want to protect against civil disruption and public disturbances. We have no intention of impinging upon people's free-speech rights."
The four "mass demonstration" bills that now go to public hearing would:
Cha Smith said the proposed ordinances are "a militarization of activities." She added, "This is a total outrage and violation of our civil rights."
Hatfield called herself "one of the people who definitely are going to be out there protesting." She described the Asian Development Bank's policies as "immoral and inhumane."
The Hawaii Tourism Authority, which believes the ADB meeting and others like it will benefit island tourism and boost the state's economy, also plans to contribute to the security funding. Tourism Authority
to help fund securityThe HTA board will vote tomorrow on a measure to provide $518,600 to help the Honolulu Police Department purchase equipment and supplies for security around the ADB meeting.
The motion, which is expected to pass, says the tourism promotion agency wants to support safety for all residents and visitors within the City and County of Honolulu, "specifically in response to illegal mass demonstrations or protests on public sidewalks, streets or other public areas."
Robert Fishman, HTA chief executive, said that while the initial purpose is to help security for the ADB visitors, security equipment will be useful for similar events in the future.
City Briefs
Council OKs more funds for capital improvements
The city's capital improvements budget is beefed up by $86.4 million following action by the City Council.Mayor Jeremy Harris received sharp criticism from some members of the Council for fattening this year's original $299 million capital improvements budget by nearly a third when he is expected to submit a new budget for the 2002 fiscal year in about a week.
But the administration was able to win over a majority of Council members during a final vote on the supplemental budget request yesterday. The vote was 7-2 with members Andy Mirikitani and Gary Okino opposed.
Okino said the measure "doesn't meet the spirit and intent of the budget process" and he questioned why many projects which appeared non-critical were being pushed through.
Among the 21 projects cleared for funding: general road resurfacing ($25.7 million); Sand Island Wastewater Pump Station alternative ($19.5 million); equipment purchases ($12.9 million); Central Oahu Regional Park phase II ($10 million); and purchase of Waimea Valley Park ($5.2 million).
Council confirms mayor's Cabinet picks
Mayor Jeremy Harris' Cabinet appointments have won approval from the City Council.Only two appointees received critical comments before their final confirmations yesterday.
New Design and Construction Director Rae Loui was criticized by a former employee who felt she had been unfairly terminated. Loui responded that she was following the orders of immigration officials and that the courts have ruled in her favor on the matter.
Chief Engineer Ross Sasamura was criticized by residents of the Kulana Nani and Kekaulike Courtyards apartment complexes who said he had not done enough to address their concerns.
Among those taking new jobs with the Cabinet: Budget and Fiscal Services Director Caroll Takahashi; Human Resources Director Cheryl Okuma-Sepe; Community Services Director Michael Amii; Enterprise Services Director Barry Fukunaga; Information Technology Director Courtney Harrington; and Medical Examiner Kanthi von Guenthner.
Those winning reconfirmation were: Managing Director Ben Lee; Corporation Counsel David Arakawa; Planning and Permitting Director Randall Fujiki; Parks Director William Balfour Jr.; Transportation Services Director Cheryl Soon; Customer Services Director Carol Costa; Emergency Services Director Salvatore Lanzilotti; Neighborhood Commission Executive Secretary Benjamin Kama Jr.; and Royal Hawaiian Band Director Aaron Mahi.
Compromise reached on Haleiwa drive-throughs
Two businesses would be permitted to have drive-through windows -- one each on the two sides of the Haleiwa Special District -- but no more than that.That's the compromise resolution approved by the City Council yesterday.
The focal point of the discussion was the drive-through window at the Haleiwa McDonald's outlet. The city allowed a variance for the window in 1997, but the decision was overturned last year after a lawsuit was filed by area residents and the environmental group Life of the Land.
The window has continued in operation pending an appeal filed by the owner of the restaurant.
A number of residents yesterday testified that they support the drive-through window as a necessary convenience. Opponents argued that it goes contrary to the concept of a special design district and warned that it would set a precedent. The compromise also prohibits left turns out of establishments onto Kamehameha Highway and requires drive-throughs to stop serving by 10 p.m.
City & County of Honolulu
