"In just two weeks, I'm going to be retiring from politics after 30 years in public service, and I want to take this moment and thank all the people of this island for the incredible opportunity that you've given me to be able to lead this great city, to be given a chance to make a difference, to be part of Honolulu's incredible renaissance," Harris said.

He praised city officials and community leaders for their assistance, and said serving as mayor "has been a truly incredible experience."

Harris later said he would not rule out a future bid for public office, but that he has no immediate plans besides a series of speaking engagements next month.

"They say in this business that you never say never, but I'm looking forward to being out of politics right now," Harris said in an interview.

Nearly 300 people packed into the Mission Memorial Auditorium near City Hall for the half-hour address, which was televised live and included many of the slides, charts and other visual aids that frequently complemented his public appearances as mayor.

Unpopular, at times

The audience included many current and former members of Harris' Cabinet — but few of the City Council members he has often feuded with — and he received three standing ovations.

"As mayor, some of my decisions have been controversial and unpopular, there's no question about that," Harris said. "And for those that I've offended with my aggressive, somewhat determined style, please accept my apologies. I've always felt that my job as mayor was to do what I believed in my heart was right for this community, even if it was unpopular."

He highlighted the improvements made to public infrastructure in Waikiki during his tenure, and praised officials who run the city's park system.

"The parks have never looked better in the history of the city," Harris said.

He said he was especially proud of work to improve the Hanauma Bay nature preserve. Ten years ago, the beach and surrounding area had "old, termite-eaten buildings, too many people and too many cars," he said. Now, visitors and residents can learn about the bay in its new education center and enjoy themselves in a much more pleasant environment, he said.

The Hanauma Bay project and some other high-profile undertakings were controversial for changes in design and cost overruns. Harris angered some residents with other work, such as recent landscaping improvements to Ala Wai Boulevard that reduced the number of street parking spaces. He alluded to the Ala Wai dispute, but said he's confident the project will be appreciated more in the future.

"Yes, it was controversial, but it's going to improve the quality of life for everyone for years to come," he said.

Efforts praised

Councilman Charles Djou, who has often sparred with Harris over city spending, said the mayor gave a good, if somewhat hyperbolic, speech.

"No statement from the mayor doesn't come without some spin, and certainly tonight there was a healthy dose of spin," Djou said. "But the mayor has the right to be proud of a lot of things he's done over the past 10 years. I certainly disagree with many of his decisions. I think he's saddled us with a lot of debt that will be a big financial headache when he leaves office, but that doesn't mean he didn't at least do a few good things."

City Managing Director Ben Lee announced that the administration had published a 214-page book filled with photographs that showcase what is being called the city's renaissance. He said about $75,000 was spent to publish 5,000 copies, but that revenue from sales would be returned to the city's general fund to offset the cost. The book's retail price will be $19.95 per copy and the book will be available in bookstores soon, he said.