Donations for zoo ride questioned
By Johnny Brannon
Advertiser Staff Writer
City Councilman Charles Djou filed a complaint with the Honolulu Ethics Commission yesterday after learning that city officials solicited donations to help pay for a popular Honolulu Zoo ride.
Various companies chipped in nearly $30,000 to help pay operating costs for the Honolulu Zoo Express, a small train that carries visitors around the animal exhibits, city Enterprise Services director Barry Fukunaga said at a budget hearing.
He said the city managing director's office had been open about the solicitations, which help offset the cost of the privately operated ride.
But Djou questioned whether it was proper for officials to seek donations on behalf of a city contractor from companies that could have other dealings with the city. The donors include banks, hotels and other major companies.
Djou said council members had questioned Mayor Jeremy Harris' administration about the cost of the train last year and were assured it would be self-sufficient.
"The zoo train is a wonderful addition to the Honolulu Zoo, but its management by the Harris administration is way off track," Djou said.
Malcom Tom, city deputy managing director, said Djou's concerns are groundless and that the donations were needed so the "kiddie train" could be operated for $1 per ride for children.
Rides would cost twice as much otherwise, and the donations should be welcomed, he said. Donors are listed on zoo literature.
The council has raised questions about other zoo issues recently, such as the future of Rusti the orangutan, who is owned by a nonprofit group that wants to build a new enclosure for him.
Djou said he wants to make sure no standards are violated.
He has introduced a resolution calling on Harris to follow through on plans the mayor announced last year to privatize all the zoo's operations. Djou is also backing a City Charter amendment that would allow the Ethics Commission to issue fines.
Reach Johnny Brannon at 525-8070 or jbrannon@honoluluadvertiser.com.
