Posted on: Friday, August 10, 2001

'Ewa housing whistleblower honored by planning group

Advertiser Staff

Michael Shiroma, the city worker who blew the whistle on the 'Ewa housing scandal, has received an award from the American Planning Association Hawai'i Chapter.

Shiroma, who first discovered and reported the irregularities that led to the prosecution of Honolulu housing officer Michael Kahapea, was honored last month for his integrity, public service, commitment to ethical conduct and respect for the institutions of government and the planning profession, according to the group.

Mayor Jeremy Harris also received an award, but it had nothing to do with 'Ewa.

Harris was honored for his leadership and dedication to keeping good planning at the heart of local government. His Community Vision program was cited during the award ceremony at the Waikiki Aquarium in July.

Other winners included:

• The Waikiki Improvement Association for facilitating public and private partnerships in planning.

• Diamond Head State Monument Master Plan by PBR Hawai'i, for its commitment to preservation, the environment and for addressing multiple uses and the varied history of the area.

• Pearl Harbor Historic Trail Master Plan by Belt Collins Hawai'i, a broad-based community plan that ties together projects from 'Aiea to Nanakuli.

• Honolulu Advertiser reporter Mike Leidemann, for "bringing life and stories to the planning profession and planning process."

• Hawaii Trails Analysis, a project of students in a University of Hawai'i-Manoa graduate planning class.

• Leo Asuncion, the outgoing APA-Hawai'i president, who received a service award.