Dems’ head Lorraine Akiba, chairwoman of the Democratic Party of Hawaii, says City Councilman Andy Mirikitani should have resigned from public office after a federal jury earlier this month found him guilty of a kickback scheme.
‘disappointed’
with Mirikitani
Akiba says the convicted
Councilman should leave officeEx-Councilman initiates petition
to recall MirikitaniBy Pat Omandam
pomandam@starbulletin.comAnd such a decision is a no-brainer for at least one Republican lawmaker, who criticized Democrats yesterday for not publicly demanding Mirikitani's immediate resignation.
"Waiting several days, weeks, or months for the date of sentencing will do nothing to change the fact that Mr. Mirikitani, someone elected to preserve and protect the public trust, was convicted by a jury of his peers for intentionally violating that very trust," said state Rep. Joe Gomes (R, Waimanalo-Enchanted Lake).
Mirikitani, 45, was convicted on July 3 of receiving kickbacks from two employees in exchange for bonuses. The Manoa-Makiki-Ala Moana councilman, who has run as a Democrat in the past, faces a possible sentence of up to 65 years in prison and a fine of up to $1.5 million.
His sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 4.
Last week, Mirikitani said he doesn't intend to resign and will continue to serve his constituents as best he can. Mirikitani did agree to give up chairmanship of the Cultural Affairs committee and has surrendered his right to vote on the three remaining committees on which he now sits.
Mirikitani has said he expects to appeal portions of the verdict.
Akiba said yesterday her party strongly opposed Mirikitani's decision to remain on the City Council. By doing so, he is not representing constituents as much as he's representing himself, she said.
"As head of the party, I am very disappointed in Councilperson Mirikitani's decision to remain in office despite various individual requests to him to resign," Akiba said.
"He needs to take responsibility for his actions, given the outcome of the judiciary proceedings, and he's had due process in that regard. Particularly, as a lawmaker, he should have a respect for the rule of the law and the sanctity of the office," she said.
Akiba said there hasn't been any official action to expel Mirikitani from the party. There are qualified Democrats who are interested in running for his seat once he leaves office, she added.
Gomes said the state law that allows convicted elected officials to remain in office until they are sentenced should be repealed.
He is considering introducing a bill during the next legislation session to do just that.
A push to have City Councilman Andy Mirikitani recalled from office has begun. Ex-Councilman initiates
petition to recall MirikitaniStar-Bulletin staff
Moiliili resident Kekoa Kaapu said he hopes to collect about 4,700 signatures from voters in the 5th Council District (Manoa, Makiki, Ala Moana and McCully) by Aug. 13.
City Clerk Genny Wong said no less than 4,218 signatures from registered voters must be submitted within 60 days to make a recall petition valid.
Kaapu, a former councilman who has said he will run for Mirikitani's seat, wants to speed up the process to get the incumbent out.
Mirikitani is to be sentenced Dec. 4 following his conviction July 3 on federal charges that he received kickbacks from employees.
Petitions can be obtained and filed at Professional Image on South King Street, and Magoo's Pizza on University Avenue.
For other information, call Kaapu at 941-2210.