Posted on: Monday, January 28, 2002

Harris to give State of the City address

By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser City Hall Writer

Mayor Jeremy Harris delivers his eighth and probably last State of the City speech at 11 a.m. today at Honolulu Hale, as he prepares to resign this summer to run for governor.

Harris is expected to talk of the accomplishments since he took office in 1994 and reflect on priorities he has emphasized, especially partnerships between the city and community groups.

In recent years, Harris has used the speech to set the general tone for the upcoming year and highlighted some smaller programs, while preferring to leave the meatier programs — which cost more money — until he sends his March budget request to the City Council.

Harris has helped spearhead improvements to Waikiki and downtown communities, development of new parks and playgrounds and efforts to streamline government offices with new technology.

The speech will be be in the courtyard of Honolulu Hale. The address also will be shown live on 'Olelo, Channel 54 and repeated at 10 a.m. Feb. 3 and at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 7.

Before the speech, the Royal Hawaiian Band will play for a half-hour, and the group DisGuyz will perform the national anthem.