HONOLULU — A comprehensive internal review of the Honolulu Liquor Commission’s enforcement system has yielded “disturbing and unacceptable” findings, according to Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi.
What You Need To Know
The review was initiated by city managing director Mike Formby and the commission and carried out by an investigative team led by Hui Chen, Formby’s strategic advisor and an expert in ethics and compliance
The team closely reviewed documents and data; interviewed 15 current and former liquor commission employees (including all active enforcement investigators); and took part in a ride-along
The data points to an investigative staff that is underpaid, under-trained and overburdened
Interviewees described a broader department culture in which sections work in silos and an atmosphere of “conflicts, hostility and distrust” exists, as evidenced by numerous internal complaints, union grievances and disciplinary actions
“One of my greatest responsibilities as mayor is to ensure the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and fairness in our city’s institutions,” Blangiardi said in a statement released on Tuesday. “The findings of this internal review have revealed the need for significant improvements within the agency’s operation. These findings are disturbing and unacceptable, and we must restore trust in the agency.
