By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser City Hall Writer
City Council Budget Chairwoman Rene Mansho resigned her chairwomanship of the Budget Committee late yesterday afternoon under pressure from other City Council members as she faces continuing investigations into accusations that she misused her office and campaign money.
Today, the state Campaign Spending Commission is scheduled to publicly approve a settlement that will have Mansho pay a fine estimated at tens of thousands of dollars. And on Thursday, the city Ethics Commission is holding a closed-door meeting about other allegations against her.
Longtime City Councilman Steve Holmes will take over the Budget Committee. "I was sort of a consensus candidate. I did not seek it out," Holmes said.
A majority of council members was preparing — perhaps as early as tomorrow — to oust Mansho from the money committee, where she oversees the shaping of the city’s billion-dollar operating budget.
Mansho wrote a letter to council Chairman Jon Yoshimura: "This is to inform you that I am relinquishing my position as chairperson of the Budget and Economic Development Committee."
Yoshimura had little to say about Mansho’s move. "I received the letter, and I’m discussing the matter with my colleagues."
For weeks, council members have watched various investigations unfold around Mansho and some had questioned the wisdom of her remaining as budget chairwoman. "Some of the issues that she’s facing in her personal life pushed it forward," Holmes said.
Holmes referred to the campaign spending and Ethics Commission probes, coupled with rumors about inquiries by the Internal Revenue Service and the FBI. He said the city’s budget process is "an all-consuming job for a couple of months."
Council Transportation Chairman Duke Bainum praised Mansho for stepping aside. "I think Rene did the right thing."
Mansho will swap committees with Holmes, so she will take over as chairwoman of the Public Works and Environment Committee.
Holmes said he has paid close attention to the budget over the years, even though he has never presided over the committee. "This is actually a fairly easy budget as budgets go. We’re not having to look at tax increases or major fee increases."
It’s not clear whether Mansho will be able to hold on to her post as "vice chair" of the council, a largely ceremonial title. The position’s most visible role is to preside over full council meetings when the chairman steps out for a break.
"This person has the capacity or the authority to lead the council in the absence of the chair," Bainum said. "I think it calls into question whether or not Ms. Mansho should continue in that post."
The state Campaign Spending Commission has been focusing on more than $30,000 in expenses paid through Mansho’s campaign fund for dozens of city-sponsored trips, $12,212 in American Express charges and $5,163 in cellular phone charges.
Mansho’s extensive travel began in June 1990 and continued as recently as last week. Mansho and her attorney have said that she did not intentionally violate campaign spending laws and that she will reimburse any amounts determined to have been misused.
The Ethics Commission is also looking at whether Mansho improperly used her city position to help promote "Aloha Boat Days." That program welcomes cruise ships to Honolulu Harbor with live music, flower lei greetings and streamers reminiscent of the heyday of boat arrivals of yesteryear.
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