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Pricey honorary memberships to various Oahu country clubs were among the privileges received by Mayor Jeremy Harris during the past year. Country clubs
among mayor’s
pricey perks
By Gordon Y. K. Pang
Star-BulletinComplimentary memberships came from: the Waialae Country Club ($312 a month), Mid-Pacific Country Club ($275), Oahu Country Club ($272), Honolulu Country Club ($240) and the Pacific Club ($195).
Harris also got free privileges at the Plaza Club ($125), Kaneohe Yacht Club ($86) and Waikiki Yacht Club ($60).
International dignitaries also gave some elaborate gifts to Harris. For instance, Princess Sayako of Japan gave him a silver Royal Family sake cup valued at $200 during her visit last year. Mayor Su Zequn of Yangzhou, China gave the mayor calligraphy artwork from Shen Weifeng valued at $600.
A ceramic raccoon, valued at $200, was received from the governor of the Shiga prefecture in Japan.
The World Health Organization invited Harris to speak at a global symposium on violence and health last year. WHO picked up the cost of Harris' air and lodging to the Kobe, Japan, conference, a package valued at $2,100.
Outgoing Councilman Mufi Hannemann, who is challenging Harris in next month's mayoral election, also got a free trip.
Hannemann reported that the Republic of China (Taiwan) paid for lodging and meals for him and his wife, Gail, when he met with government officials and business executives there last August. He valued the trip at $4,500.
Both men reported receiving annual passes to Consolidated Amusement's theaters and parking passes from APCOA Parking. Harris estimated the value of the theater passes at $175 and parking passes at $100.
City ordinances require officers and employees of the city to file gifts disclosure statements with the city clerk by July 31 each year. Items valued at $200 or more are to be reported.
Council members Jon Yoshimura and Rene Mansho and former Councilwoman Donna Mercado Kim filed reports while members Duke Bainum, John Henry Felix and Steve Holmes filed "no gift" forms.
Council members John DeSoto and Andy Mirikitani failed to file by yesterday's 4:30 p.m. deadline.