Liquor chief’s settlement
upsets Hannemann

Mayor Mufi Hannemann said he disagrees with some of the terms under which Liquor Commission Administrator Wallace Weatherwax was allowed to resign, including that Weatherwax continues to collect a salary.

"I really believe if he's going to be put on administrative leave to October that he should take vacation and sick leave and not be paid," Hannemann told reporters.

But Weatherwax's attorney said a settlement has already been reached, and the commission approved it Thursday.

"It's too late for (the mayor) to be saying that," Eric Seitz said.

Seitz also said the settlement is the best for all because had the commission moved to dismiss Weatherwax, as some had expected, it would have meant trouble for the city.

"Frankly, if they had tried, they would've had a major battle on their hands," Seitz said. "We're leaning over backwards not to make this a larger controversy."

Hannemann said he is aware of the potential liability for the city.

"I certainly don't want to be reckless with city dollars," he said, "(but) if this were the private sector, I can tell you it probably would have taken a much more definitive step in removing Mr. Weatherwax from his job."

Several scandals have occurred during Weatherwax's watch, including the conviction of eight former liquor inspectors for bribery, a scathing audit criticizing the management of the agency, and a continuing FBI investigation.

As part of the settlement, Weatherwax is going to retire from his civil service position on Oct. 31 and waive his right to sue or grieve.

Hannemann said that while he was not pressing for Weatherwax to leave, his departure from the commission is an important step for change at the beleaguered agency.

"I think the public needed to be assured that we are looking to change and improve the Liquor Commission," the mayor said. "I think as long as he was there in his current status, there would always be that doubt that things would be the same."

Hannemann said that he also does not want to see Weatherwax doing any Liquor Commission work during the next three months unless it has to do with transition.

Seitz said that is exactly what is going to happen. "It's basically a transition period," he said. "Wally's looking forward to retiring."

Hannemann also said he wants the search for a new administrator to commence immediately.

As far as calls by Councilman Charles Djou for the commission to also get rid of chief investigator John Carroll, Hannemann said he will leave that up to the commission.

Commission Chairman Dennis Enomoto could not be reached for comment.