by Andrew Walden

Will Rep Tom Brower ever learn?

Nearly a year after creating an international media firestorm by attacking homeless people’s shopping carts with a sledgehammer, the Waikiki Democrat just can’t seem to change the subject.  In a legislative mailer sent to constituents in August and September, Brower mentions “carts” 18 times.  This is the third taxpayer-funded mailer Brower has sent out on the shopping cart issue and it is drawing a complaint from House Republicans. 

In an October 1, 2014 letter to Speaker Joe Souki (D-Wailuku), Rep Bob McDermott (R-Ewa) points out the latest mailings are in violation of Section 3.2, House Manual.  McDermott writes:

"Sec. 3.2. Public funds for postage and mailing. Public funds for postage and mailing shall be used solely for the mailing of official material such as public notices and official correspondence. The use of public funds for the mailing of personal material not reasonably related to the legislator's official legislative work is prohibited."

Finally, the (mailer) appears to be in direct violation of (Speaker Joe Souki’s) Memorandum to all House Members, dated March 27, 2014, regarding Deadline for Use of Legislative Allowance and Printshop Services for the Production and Distribution of Constituent Communication Materials, wherein it is directed, "Members may use legislative allowance to communicate with their present constituents only if the material is postmarked no later than June 3, 2014."

Not only are taxpayers paying for Brower’s mailers, but Brower originally billed the State for the sledgehammer itself—calling it “office supplies.”

Brower’s sledgehammer attacks made it more difficult to do something about homelessness in Waikiki.  But House District 22 voters can do something about Brower on November 4.

---30---

PDF: McDermott Complaint

March, 2014: Letter: Waikiki Rep Brower Threatening to Smash More Shopping Carts? 

May, 2014: Rep Brower Billed State for Sledgehammer Used to Attack Homeless

May, 2014; Sledgehammer Tom Brower Taxpayer-Funded Survey: Should Homeless Shopping Carts be ‘Disposed’?