Posted on: Thursday, April 26, 2001

Bill limits use of city-paid ads

By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser City Hall Writer

The City Council gave preliminary approval yesterday to a measure introduced by Councilman Andy Mirikitani that would prohibit any city official from appearing in ads using public money once the official has announced an intention to run for another office.

The city recently aired television commercials made in the mid-1990s that feature Honolulu Mayor Jeremy Harris talking about environmental themes.

The ads have run off and on since they were first produced.

A city spokeswoman said the airing of the ads just days after Harris announced his intent to run for governor had nothing to do with his political plans, but were scheduled months ago to coincide with Earth Day celebrations in April.