Posted on: Saturday, November 6, 2004
Hannemann, Harris prepare for transition
By Johnny Brannon
Advertiser Staff Writer
Mayor-elect Mufi Hannemann and Mayor Jeremy Harris yesterday began planning the City Hall transition that will be complete when Hannemann is sworn into office on Jan. 2.
Hannemann said Harris was gracious and cooperative during the two-hour meeting in Harris' office, their first since Tuesday's election. Hannemann said he was very appreciative, and looked forward to a smooth transition.
"I was very pleased to learn that he's already instructed his departments to provide detailed briefings for us, and when the time is right and we make those Cabinet appointments, I expect our staff to be briefed as much as possible," Hannemann said.
He said members of Harris' Cabinet are welcome to seek similar jobs in his administration, but that there are no guarantees they will be selected.
Hannemann ran unsuccessfully against Harris in 2000, and the two have disagreed on several city issues, such as the future of the Bus Rapid Transit System Harris initiated, and Harris' plan to shore up the crumbling Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium.
They did not discuss those matters yesterday, Hannemann said.
"He's still the mayor, and I respect his prerogative to try to do what he wants to do, but I also have my concerns," Hannemann said.
Harris could not be reached for comment.
Reach Johnny Brannon at jbrannon@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8070.
Hannemann said he hopes to appoint his Cabinet by Dec. 31, and that Harris offered use of an office in the the historic Mission Memorial Auditorium building adjacent to City Hall until then.
Mufi Hannemann
Jeremy Harris
