Weatherwax
shows up for work

The former liquor administrator
reports to an off-site building

Former Honolulu Liquor Commission Administrator Wally Weatherwax reported to work at the Corporation Counsel's Office yesterday, several days after his attorney advised him not to.

"We're trying to work it out," attorney Eric Seitz said yesterday.

Seitz settled with the city, putting Weatherwax on administrative leave with pay and allowing him to retire Nov. 1. A letter detailing the settlement said he "is to be available to assist the Honolulu Liquor Commission through transition, should the commission so desire."

On Friday, Liquor Commission Chairman Dennis Enomoto called on Weatherwax to return to work on liquor inspection cases.

Last week, Seitz had advised Weatherwax not to show up and described his assignment as "intended to be demeaning."

Seitz would not provide further comment on the change that led Weatherwax to report to work yesterday. Weatherwax could not be reached for comment.

Officials could have taken action to fire Weatherwax if he had not shown up to work yesterday or failed to properly notify the city of his absence.

The Liquor Commission accepted Weatherwax's resignation on July 21, a week after commissioners voted to strip him of his duties and conduct a review on his job performance.

Weatherwax, who was named administrator in 1998, has been criticized for several controversies, including the convictions of eight former liquor inspectors for accepting bribes.

City spokesman Mark Matsunaga said Weatherwax reported to the Department of Corporation Counsel at 8 to 8:30 a.m. yesterday.

"I think it's good. It shows good intent on Weatherwax's side," Enomoto said.

Enomoto said the type of work Weatherwax was assigned to is important, not demeaning.

Human Resources Director Ken Nakamatsu said, "I'm glad that he showed. It was in his best interest as well as the city's best interest."

"He is being given meaningful work that are in line with his experience as liquor administrator as well as an attorney," Nakamatsu said.

Weatherwax will be working on pending liquor cases at an office at the Standard Finance Building at 1715 S. King St. with Deputy Prosecutor Dennis Ihara of the Liquor Commission.

Both Matsunaga and Nakamatsu noted that Weatherwax will not be working out of the Liquor Commission office.