Hannemann disses Lingle’s pay raise proposal
By Laurie Au
Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann today called Gov. Linda Lingle’s proposal to suspend pay raises for state leaders “symbolic,” saying it would have little impact in the state’s looming $1.1 billion budget shortfall.
“It’s probably more of a symbolic gesture than anything else,” Hannemann said in response to a reporter’s question in an unrelated press conference this morning. “If you look at the amount, it’s not that large.”
In a statement released Sunday afternoon, Lingle proposed introducing a bill that would freeze salary increases for roughly 200 state lawmakers, judges and top administrators for the next two years, which would save $4.1 million.
Hannemann said he would not rule out declining pay raises for city administrators and employees, but pointed out that the city’s Salary Commission makes those decisions. The commission approved pay increases of 5 percent to 9 percent for top city officials for this fiscal year.
Hannemann also criticized Lingle for not being more collaborative with county mayors before releasing her proposal.
Hannemann, who frequently clashes with Lingle, also added that, “It’s kind of easy to do it (suspend raises) on the last two years of your term.”
Updated, 3:56 p.m. | Lingle, in an afternoon news conference, responded to Hannemann’s criticism.
“I know that we did notify the Judiciary, the Legislature and I feel we’re being very collaborative with everyone,” Lingle said.
“Again, this is not a part of collective bargaining, this is talking about executive pay raises,” Lingle continued. “What went out yesterday had to do with politicians – elected politicians – judges and the members of my cabinet and the deputies, who are certainly, in my opinion, very deserving of a raise but recognize it’s a time of shared sacrifice for the state.”
Political Radar
December 22nd, 2008 at 8:29 pm
Mufi … so lame … its the effort that counts!!! That’s 4 million dollars that can be saved in these recession times. What are you doing do help out the city budget wise? Why don’t you donate some of your election surplus to help with the city’s budget deficit instead of saving it for your future attempt at running for governor! Lose money!
December 23rd, 2008 at 9:28 am
Mufi is a spoiled, self-centered child. My way or the “ottah” way. Didn’t you report last week he dissed the governor at a meeting of the economic committee, a private lunch that all other mayor’s attended, another meeting after the weekend, followed by a news conference (both of which he was with all other mayor’s, but couldn’t walk with them across the street? Now we read in your paper how much the state is doing to help the city with rail. How can he just say anything and get away with it? Enuff already from this guy. Oh, and now the set-up job for Kurt Caldwell? Auwee, haven’t we had just about enough of this guy. If it’s good, he did it; if it goes south, it is somebodies elses fault. (Last thought: in this austere times, why is he having an inauguration party at the Hawaii Theatre and who is paying for his “crowning.”)
December 23rd, 2008 at 9:56 am
Seems like Mufi may be forgetting his business roots. Even if Lingle’s move is primarily symbolic, it does send a message to the community that government understands the present state of the economy. Employees of private business’s across this state are being asked to accept similar actions to help business’s get through the downturn. Why should government employees be treated any differently?