The Hawaii Supreme Court has ordered the city clerk's office to check the 1,400-plus signatures on a petition seeking to impeach Councilwoman Rene Mansho to verify if they are registered voters living in the North Shore-Waipahu district she represents. Court wants Mansho
signatures verifiedProcedural questions remain in
the petition for her impeachmentStar-Bulletin staff
The City Charter requires the signatures of 1,000 registered voters for an impeachment petition to be considered by the Supreme Court. Associate Justice Steven Levinson is asking that the determination be made by City Clerk Genny Wong within 90 days.
Yet to be determined by the Supreme Court justices, however, is whether they have jurisdiction over the case.
While the procedures for impeachment have been on the books since the Charter was adopted 28 years ago, no one has brought such a petition to the court.
Levinson's order also asks Mansho's attorney to respond to arguments made by William Saunders, the attorney of the group seeking the impeachment, regarding jurisdiction.
Assuming the court accepts the petition, the justices must then determine if it is mandatory or discretionary for them to hear the case. If the case is heard, the court could select a master to investigate the charges.
Saunders has charged Mansho with malfeasance, misfeasance and/or nonfeasance in office.
Mansho has paid $80,000 in fines and reimbursements after acknowledging that she violated rules of both the state Campaign Spending Commission and the city Ethics Commission when she misused her city aides and campaign funds.
City and federal investigators are also looking into charges.
"Her refusal to resign on her own accord defies common sense and shows arrogant disdain and disrespect for her constituents," Saunders wrote.
Mansho's term ends in January.
City & County of Honolulu
