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Mirikitani blames
By Gordon Y.K. Pang
independence for his
being stripped of posts
Star-BulletinCity Councilman Andy Mirikitani says his independence is the reason he is being stripped of key leadership posts.
"Obviously, I've been too independent in my votes," Mirikitani said in a statement. "I will continue to be independent and put the needs of my constituents first."
Mirikitani said he was also told that the reorganization of Council is taking place because he sided with three minority members in voting against a property tax rate hike in June 1999.
But Council Chairman Jon Yoshimura says the changes are an attempt to make the council run smoother following the departures of Councilmembers Mufi Hannemann and Donna Kim.
Behind the scenes, it appears Mirikitani's relationship with Yoshimura and other colleagues has deteriorated in recent months. Council members and their aides have privately complained that Mirikitani has held legislation hostage in exchange for votes on issues he felt were important.
Yoshimura was joined by members Duke Bainum, John DeSoto, John Henry Felix, Steve Holmes and Rene Mansho, in introducing a resolution that would strip Mirikitani of his chairmanship of the Planning Committee.
He also is being removed as majority floor leader and being taken off the powerful Budget Committee.
Yesterday's proposed reorganization will leave Mirikitani a minority of one when Hannemann and Kim resign next week to run for other elected offices.
Mirikitani is being put in charge of a newly formed Customer Services and Cultural Affairs Committee.
Yoshimura insisted that Mirikitani's problems with his staffers had nothing to do with the leadership changes.
Mirikitani was accused by two former aides of sexual and racial harassment, but an investigation found that while he may have acted inappropriately, Mirikitani did not violate city laws.
He is also being investigated by a federal grand jury for allegedly taking kickbacks from salary raises he gave two employees, although he has not been indicted.
Under the new organization, Felix would become chairman of the Planning Committee, Yoshimura head of the Policy Committee (formerly chaired by Felix), and Holmes the floor leader.
Aina Haina resident Wallace Lam, who raised complaints last year with the Planning and Permitting Department that Felix was conducting an illegal wedding business in his home nearby, is bothered by the East Honolulu councilman's new post.
After the department announced it was fining Felix $100 a day, the councilman said the operation was a home occupation and challenged the issue before the Zoning Board of Appeals where it is pending a hearing before the Hawaii Supreme Court.
"I don't feel comfortable with the idea that the Planning and Permitting Department is going to have to work closely with a guy they are at odds with," Lam said.
Donald Clegg, Felix's consultant and a former planning and land use director for city, said he sees no conflict.
"John Henry is a professional enough legislator that he can work in the areas where there is no conflict and not let it interfere with his judgment," Clegg said.
Felix was on the mainland and unavailable for comment.
City & County of Honolulu
