Ethics Commission: Honolulu Councilmember Rod Tam Overcharged City
 Rod Tam |
Rod Tam, who is running for mayor of Honolulu, is squarely the focus of an ethics scandal involving the payments the city makes to councilmembers for miscellaneous expenses encountered during the course of the carrying out of their duties.
The City and County of Honolulu Ethics Commission issued a report, signed February 26, stating that Tam charged the city over $22,000 for hundreds of meals for himself and others over a period of four years. However, after an investigation, the EC concluded that Tam in numerous cases claimed payment to which he was not entitled. The Commission stated that he charged the city for meals 1) for which he paid less than the amount he charged the city, 2) for which the reasons given were false, 3) that were not directly related to his council duties, 4) that were with his personal business associates and 5) that were with his family members.
Mr. Tam has responded that family members who live within his district are constituents too and they came to him with a problem. His Chinese constituents, he says, expect to hold discussions over a meal rather than in an office. Moreover, his problems include “mathematical errors” and he needs to be better at “record keeping.”
Honolulu Council chairman Todd Apo said that Tam has been relieved of all committee assignments. Tam has agreed to pay the city $13,700, which includes a $2,000 civil fine.
Links:
KITV covers story [video]
Ethics Commission report (pdf)
Rod Tam (candidate information)
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