HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0358.023 2004-2006 ~r or N Lincoln S.T. Ashida
Corporation Counsel
Harry Kim ;
mayor Gerald Takase
• Assistant Corporation
Counsel
COUNTY OF HAWAII
OFFICE OF THE CORPORATION COUNSEL
101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325 Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4262 (808) 961-8251 Fax (808j 961-8622
August 31, 2005
Honorable Harry Kim
Mayor, County of Hawaii
25 Aupuni St.
Hilo, HI 96720
~/Fionorable Stacy Higa
Chair, Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni St.
Hilo, HI 96720
Dear Mayor Kim.@nd Chair Higa:
RE: Hawaii Metal Recycling
Recently, a matter has come to my attention which requires me to make a
complete and full disclosure.
I understand Hawaii Metal Recycling (HMR), a present contractor with the
County of Hawaii Department of Environmental Management, is presently
renting warehouse and office space in Hilo from A&A Hawaii andlor TaiAloha
Corporation.
A&A Hawaii and TaiAloha are closely held incorporated entities run by my
father, Harold Ashida. As represented in my Disclosure of Financial Interest filed
with the County of Hawaii for 2004, I own approximately 3.3% (75 shares) of
stock in A&A Hawaii. I also serve as Vice President and Director of A&A
Hawai' i.
I serve as a Director for TaiAloha. I do not draw a salary or other
compensation from either A&A Hawaii or TaiAloha. I do not participate in any of
the day-to-day operations of either corporation, do not negotiate or otherwise
review any of the rental contracts or other agreements entered into with lessees,
and do not act in an advisory or other material capacity with respect to the
management of properties under either entity.
Comm. No._ 3S'
Ref. To: Pre>'e~~? ' I
Rsf. Cote
Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider
Honorable Harry Kim
Honorable Stacy Higa
August 31, 2005
Page 2
I have reviewed the Hawaii County Code of Ethics, as well as the Hawaii
Rules of Professional Conduct. I do not believe I am conflicted in any way from
my continued representation of the County of Hawaii.
As I understand it, HMR and the County are presently discussing various
alleged irregularities in a green waste contract. My minimal interest and contact
in my father's business operations would not affect my ability to properly
represent the County. Further, I do not believe this relationship would raise an
appearance of impropriety such that my recusal would be warranted.
As such, I will continue in my capacity as the legal representative of the
County of Hawaii.
This letter is being copied to James Banigan of HMR, for information
purposes.
Very truly yours,
LINCOLN S. T. ASHIDA
Corporation Counsel
c: James C. Banigan, III, HMR
S: Departments/CC/LSA misc./Letter to Mayor re HMR 8-3i-OS/LSAmr