City takes Sunset programs over budget limit

By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser City Hall Writer

The city administration will sponsor those Sunset on the Beach outdoor movies every weekend this month despite a City Council budget restriction calling for only monthly programs.

The city says the council's language was vague in trying to limit the number of the popular beachfront festivities. But the council's biggest supporter of the events, Waikiki Councilman Duke Bainum, said he thought the council's intent was clear.

"Once a month is once a month," Bainum said.

In the city budget passed in May, the council restored $594,000 cut earlier from the budget for various economic development programs "to include Sunset and Brunch on the Beach programs on a monthly basis, provided additional private-sector funding is sought."

City spokeswoman Carol Costa said the council could have been more specific in its language, as it was about other requirements.

She said the city continues to seek additional financial support from private businesses. But Costa declined to provide a specific budget for the costs of the events on a monthly or annual basis.

The city's Web site lists the Sunset schedule for each weekend this month. Costa also said the city plans a return Sunset visit to the Wai'anae coast Aug. 10 and 11.

Costa said the city is working to raise more money from private businesses and is soliciting additional commercial sponsors. She said the city raised the restaurant vendor fee paid by as many as 10 restaurants from $500 a weekend to $700. And the city is adding a craft-fair element to the event and will be charging a yet-to-be-determined fee to those vendors.

Costa said the city considers it a priority to keep the popular program running during the summer when more people are free to enjoy it, and that the city will likely cut back later in the year.

Council budget chairwoman Ann Kobayashi believes the language is clear. She said Harris chose to reject other budget items. "He vetoed other items and he didn't veto this," she said.

Kobayashi said she was hoping the new fiscal year combined with Harris' decision to stay on as mayor would provide a fresh start after a bitter budget battle. "Here is is the first month and they're already drawing a line in the sand," she said.