Posted on: Monday, January 3, 2005
Hannemann sworn in as Honolulu's 12th mayor
| • | Harris not lacking for career options |
By Peter Boylan
Advertiser Staff Writer
KAPOLEI — Mufi Hannemann yesterday took the oath of office as Honolulu's 12th mayor and he did so at Kapolei Hale, a fact not lost on residents of O'ahu's fast-growing 'Ewa plain.
Rebecca Breyer • The Honolulu Advertiser Hannemann, 50, became the first mayor sworn in at Kapolei Hale, the city government building in O'ahu's "second city." Hannemann said he intends to work out of Kapolei Hale at least once a week.
"There needs to be much more focus on this side of the island," he told reporters after the ceremony. "There are a lot of things (out here) that need the attention of the mayor."
Yesterday's event was the first of a two-part inaugural schedule for Hannemann. On Wednesday at 1 p.m. he will have his "public" inauguration ceremony at Honolulu Hale, where he will give an inaugural address.
But yesterday was the day he became mayor; by law he must be sworn in on the first Sunday in January.
Rebecca Breyer • The Honolulu Advertiser "It feels very good to be here today to express our appreciation," said Hannemann, draped with lei as he addressed a crowd of several hundred.
Outside, a flock of colored pigeons was released and hula dancers took the stage. Families and children were encouraged to attend yesterday's event, which was filled with children's activities.
Inflatable castles and dungeons lined a side street and sweet-smelling barbeque smoke produced by the grilling of hamburgers and hot dogs filled the air. Children roamed freely, with parents clustered around tables, keeping one eye on their kids and the other on plates of free food.
David Pagan, a 41-year-old Waipahu resident, said he enjoyed the food and entertainment and said it was a good move to have the ceremony in Kapolei.
"There are a lot of people in Kapolei that voted for Mufi," he said.
Mahealani Kekua, a Honolulu resident, said the location gave 15 of her nieces and nephews who live in Wai'anae a chance to participate in a big part of Honolulu's history.
Hannemann, Honolulu's first mayor of Samoan ancestry, said he will finalize his Cabinet by tomorrow, when a managing director and budget director are selected. For the most part he declined to talk specifically about his plans, saying he will outline them in his inaugural speech Wednesday.
He did reiterate that one of his first official acts will be to order an immediate halt to renovations at the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium. He has said he hopes to tear down the structure's pool and deck, but preserve its distinctive archway and public restrooms.
Also yesterday, five City Council members who gained election in November were sworn in at the council chamber in Honolulu Hale. They are Todd Apo (Wai'anae, 'Ewa), Romy Cachola (Aliamanu, Airport, Kalihi), Nestor Garcia (Waipahu, Mililani, Makakilo), Ann Kobayashi (Makiki, Manoa, Kapahulu, Palolo) and Barbara Marshall (Kane'ohe, Kailua, Waimanalo).
Reach Peter Boylan at 535-8110 or pboylan@honoluluadvertiser.com.
"Stuff like this doesn't happen out on this side," said Bronson Rosa, a 27-year-old musician from Kapolei who attended the event with his wife, Malia, and daughter Braiesha, 4, and son Braeson, 2. "It's a good thing to come out and give back to the west side."
Mufi Hannemann was sworn in at Kapolei Hale, with his wife, Gail, at his side. Judge R. Mark Browning presided over the ceremony.
With wife Gail by his side, Hannemann took the oath of office at noon on a stairway landing in the foyer of Kapolei Hale, before a small group of relatives and close friends. Immediately after the oath, Hannemann joined them in an antechamber off the entry hall, while people filed into the courtyard to receive him.
Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann spoke at Kapolei Hale to student government leaders from various schools, in the foreground, after being sworn in. Hannemann's wife, Gail, is at his side.
