Harris dons bulletproof vest following threat

By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser City Hall Writer

Mayor Jeremy Harris said yesterday he has been wearing a bullet-proof vest for the past three months after receiving what he said police consider a credible death threat.

Honolulu police advised him since October to wear the protective gear after he received threats, the gist of which were, "If you run for governor, I'm going to kill you," Harris said.

Police spokeswoman Jean Motoyama said,"For security reasons, we will not discuss the matter."

Harris said he wears the vest while in public. He said the whole episode has caused his wife to be quite worried about their safety.

The mayor said the vest is very uncomfortable but he is following the security advice to be cautious. "It's miserable. It's like wearing a lead girdle," Harris said. He said he may use a lighter-weight vest if one becomes available.

Harris does not routinely travel with police or security personnel. Neither did his predecessor, Frank Fasi.

There has been increased police presence at City Hall since the Asian Development Bank conference in May and even more since Sept. 11. Police officers at Honolulu Hale often stay close to the mayor's executive offices but don't usually travel with him.

Gov. Ben Cayetano and his predecessors have routinely traveled with drivers and bodyguards or state security officers for years.