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Harry Kim’s last minute entrance into the 2012 Hawaii County Mayor race was very disappointing. I wasn’t impressed by his eight year tenure as mayor from 2000 until 2008.
He dramatically increased the size of county government during this time. The county budget doubled over eight years. In addition, 442 additional employees were added.
Kim’s administration also tried execute poorly vetted proposals and directives.
The Department of Public Works’s public information officer attempted to enforce a directive, which would’ve blackballed me and two other people from directly communicating with public works employees.
I regularly e-mailed the Department of Public Works, so I could keep tabs on roadway projects. However, these individuals likely found my inquiries intrusive and irritating. They concocted this directive in response.
This directive was the tip of the iceberg. His administration also
advocated the construction of an ill-advised waste to energy plant in Hilo near DHHL homesteads during the latter half of his term.
The lack of managerial supervision also plagued certain departments, such as DPW during Kim’s administration. The HMP Inc. tack coat procurement scandal likely would’ve never happened if there was stronger oversight in place.
These frequent blunders marred his eight year term, so I strongly doubt Harry Kim is up to the task of leading Hawaii County for another four years.
Aaron Stene
Kailua-Kona