Posted on: Friday, July 13, 2001

Kusaka cancels controversial car lease

By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Kaua‘i Bureau

LIHU'E, Kaua'i — Mayor Maryanne Kusaka has given up her leased red Chrysler and is driving her personal tan Cadillac to work.

After a storm of criticism by members of the County Council, Kusaka said she canceled the lease so the council and administration can get on with the business of the county.

The mayor said she will pay out of her own pocket the $2,607 difference between the new value and residual value of the car.

The issue arose after Kusaka had the county sign a two-year lease for the car. To avoid a County Charter requirement that the council approve multiyear financial obligations, the county paid the entire lease amount up front: $15,813.

But after questioning by council members, it was determined there was still a potential multiyear obligation, since any excessive mileage or damage to the car could result in fees due at the end of the lease.

Deputy County Attorney Galen Nakamura conceded that in hindsight, his initial opinion on the legality of the lease was questionable. The administration had asked the council to pass a bill allowing the lease.

Last week, Kusaka ended the issue by turning in the car to King Auto Center.

"I will no longer debate the pros and cons of this decision. I am concerned that we have consumed an inordinate amount of taxpayer dollars in the form of time and energy," she told the council yesterday.

Councilman James Tokioka called the mayor's decision "honorable," but others were less charitable. Councilman Kaipo Asing argued that the car lease was inappropriate in bypassing the oversight of the council, and others argued it was outright illegal.

Kusaka rejected those suggestions.

"The manner in which we proceeded did follow a legal process, though it may not have been the legal process with which you agree. We acted in good faith," she said.