Mansho to be hit with more sanctions

By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser City Hall Writer

In the wake of Councilwoman Rene Mansho's admission of violations of state campaign spending and city ethics laws, the Honolulu City Council is recommending that she give up leadership of the Council's Public Works Committee and be stripped of other positions that required her to travel at city expense.

Most of the formal action on the latest discipline is expected to take place at the council's April 4 meeting. Mansho could not be reached to comment on the latest sanctions.

State and city officials had found that Mansho misused her campaign funds, city staff and other resources. The campaign violations focused on more than $30,000 improperly spent on city travel and on more than $12,000 worth of credit-card charges on meals, entertainment and gifts. The ethics violations targeted some 12 years of running Mansho's campaign from her city office, using city staff while on city time.

Mansho has agreed to pay a total of $80,000 in fines and reimbursement. She will be allowed to use $30,000 in remaining campaign funds and has told City Hall colleagues that she plans to take out a second mortgage on her Mililani home.

Council Policy Chairman Romy Cachola said he felt the discipline clearly shows that the council does not condone improper actions while it allows Mansho to continue to represent the approximately 100,000 residents of her Wahiawa-Mililani-North Shore district.

Councilman Gary Okino said, "I think we're sending a clear message that her actions are inappropriate."

Mansho was removed last week, as head of the powerful budget committee. Council members who spoke to Mayor Jeremy Harris about the sanctions said he urged them to show compassion in disciplining her.