Mansho ouster would be 'mistake,' mayor says
By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser City Hall Writer
Honolulu Mayor Jeremy Harris said he thinks "it's a mistake" for voters to try to oust Councilwoman Rene Mansho from office in response to her recent admissions of state campaign and city ethical violations.
Advertiser library photo • Jan. 25, 2001
Mansho, who represents Mililani, Wahiawa and the North Shore area, has been targeted by various community members for removal from office. Some residents of the district have called for her to resign in the aftermath of her agreeing to pay a total of $80,000 in fines and reimbursement for misuse of her city staff and resources.
Mayor Jeremy Harris says a midterm recall can be disruptive.
In an interview yesterday, Harris said he thinks that recalling Mansho from office now — with less than two years remaining in her term — would be disruptive for the City Council and for the community she represents.
"I think she has received her penalty and she was elected to serve that community," Harris said. "I don't think they ought to be kicking her when she's down."
Mansho paid $40,000 to the state Campaign Spending Commission last week, $30,000 from her campaign funds and $10,000 from personal funds. Tuesday, the Campaign Spending Commission dismissed its complaint against her in view of her payment of the fine and the settlement agreement.
To settle the city Ethics Commission's investigation into her use of staff time and resources for other business, Mansho has agreed to pay another $40,000 in reimbursement. She said she has asked the city corporation counsel's office to let her pay in installments.
Mansho, a schoolteacher by training, was first elected to the council in 1988.
