Statement on the Council’s override vote on OER

“The Charter is clear. The Council holds budget authority. The mayor holds the line-item veto, and nothing more. The administration does not have the authority to rewrite the budget after the Council process concluded. That is executive overreach. This override vote discussion is an essential check and balance in a government under the City Charter. “
– Council Chair Tommy Waters.

“The Council’s decision was not about eliminating an office or ending the important work that supports economic revitalization. It was about ensuring that city government is accountable, efficient, and aligned with the purpose of OER in the Charter. Rightsizing OER provided the office and the commission an opportunity to recenter its mission, develop a strategic plan, and focus on all eight economic support areas designated in the Charter.”
– Budget Chair Val Aquino Okimoto

This official statement was published in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

Reporter: Ian Bauer | ARTICLE