Honolulu City Council - Functions and Duties

Functions and Duties

The Honolulu City Council has identified eleven major functions and duties that are of utmost priority while in session. They are:

• To set city-wide policies by enacting ordinances and adopting resolutions relating to municipal government programs and services such as police and fire protection, parks and recreation, affordable and special needs housing, sanitation and waste disposal, public transportation and other city government operations.
• To initiate new municipal programs which the City may pursue or improve, update and refine existing programs and services.
• To adopt an annual operating and capital programs budget to fund the operations and delivery of city services.
• To adopt measures that will yield sufficient money to balance the budget including the setting of the annual real property tax rate.
• To adopt a general plan and create land use laws establishing and amending the city's development plans and zoning regulations and processes.
• To determine the necessity of taking property for public purposes and authorize condemnation proceedings.
• To confirm city department heads, board and commission members nominated and appointed by the Mayor of Honolulu.
• To fix fees and charges for all city services and the use of city property.
• To authorize settlement of claims filed against the city and against its officers and employees acting within the course of their duties.
• To establish fines and penalties for violations of city ordinances and laws.
• To accept gifts and donations to and on behalf of the city of money, securities or other personal property, or real estate or interests in real estate.