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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Thursday, July 21, 2005

Liquor panel needs overhaul at the top


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Is it over yet? Has the long-awaited management sweep happened at the Honolulu Liquor Commission?

Apparently not — although the omens for change are good. The commission, scarred by charges of corruption against inspectors, has stripped all authority from administrator Wallace Weatherwax, who has been hinting of his plans for retirement.

Perhaps it was too much to hope for a cleaner solution: that the top brass of the agency would be fired. As it is, the boss remains on the payroll, and the taxpayers can only hope it won't be for much longer.

The Liquor Commission stands front and center among government agencies crying out for reform. Eight former investigators were found guilty of accepting bribes from owners and workers of hostess bars and strip clubs. So far, the best that the Weatherwax administration can suggest by way of improvement is to hand out guns to their replacements, a ludicrous notion.

The panel at least seems to be squirming under the public glare, as it should. Commissioners are set to meet today, and the agenda includes "a review of the performance of the liquor control administrator in contemplation of personnel action."

They should take action promptly, either finally dismissing Weatherwax or insisting on a retirement date.

We've all waited too long for fresh leadership here.