Political Payback? Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell Rewards Campaign Chair
Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell appears to be helping out those who have helped him.
Caldwell wants to appoint his campaign chairman Lex Smith to the Honolulu Zoning Board of Appeals.
to the Honolulu City Council asking to approve the appointment.
Smith, a local attorney, headed up the mayor鈥檚 controversial transition team that to help him settle in and pick his cabinet.
According to Smith鈥檚 application, his law firm, Kobayashi, Sugita & Goda, collects an estimated $500,000 in fees from the city.
Smith is a former chairman of the Honolulu Ethics Commission. He .
Caldwell has sought out positions for those who have aided him in the past.
In February, he came under scrutiny for considering Harry Mattson for his cabinet. Mattson had prior tax convictions and owed the state some money.
Caldwell said at the time that this disqualified Mattson for a position with his administration.
Mattson was a paid member of Caldwell鈥檚 transition team and helped vet his cabinet.
鈥擭ick Grube
