HONOLULU — Some members of the Royal Hawaiian Band unhappy with longtime bandmaster Aaron Mahi say about three-quarters of the band’s members have signed a petition to Mayor-elect Mufi Hannemann seeking his ouster. According to the petition: “Under the current
HONOLULU — Some members of the Royal Hawaiian Band unhappy with longtime bandmaster Aaron Mahi say about three-quarters of the band’s members have signed a petition to Mayor-elect Mufi Hannemann seeking his ouster.
According to the petition: “Under the current leadership, the Royal Hawaiian Band has experienced decades of inconsistent labor practices, arbitrary policies and lack of accountability.”
Mahi, appointed in 1980 by former Mayor Eileen Anderson, acknowledged issues raised by his detractors but said he believes steps have been taken in recent years to meet their concerns. He added that he believes many members were pressured to sign the petition or signed it under false pretenses.
A spokeswoman for Hannemann said the incoming mayor has met with both sides but has not made a decision on the job, which pays an annual salary of nearly $100,000.
The band was founded in 1836 by King Kamehameha III and is the only full-time municipal band in the country.
The petition supporting the ouster of Mahi and assistant band administrator Wayne Oshima was signed by 25 of the 34 full-time band members, said Eric Kop, a French-horn player and one of three union shop stewards.
