NEWS RELEASE

                Public Communications Division

                            Department of Customer Services

                            City & County of Honolulu

                            523-4385

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 5, 2002

STATEMENT BY RAE LOUI

Department of Design and Construction Director Rae Loui today responded to comments made by architect John Tatum:

“The consultant selection process within City government is based on technical competency, performance and qualifications. What Mr. Tatum is asking for—selection based on merit—is exactly what we do at the City.

“At no time have I been asked by any member of the Harris Administration to select a specific consultant. In fact, when Mayor Harris hired me he said I would never be asked to do any fundraising for his campaign. He also told me never to do anything that my mother would be ashamed to read in the paper the next day.”

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