This is interesting. Former Mayor Mufi Hannemann and former Acting Mayor Kirk Caldwell both accepted gifts and took their wives on trips, according to both Office of Economic Development Director Ann Chung and Honolulu Ethics Commission Executive Director Chuck Totto.

The only difference this time around? Peter Carlisle‘s staff checked with the Ethics Commission before sending Judith Carlisle on the free trip to Asia.

Totto said he felt bad about “slapping the hand” that came forward, but he’s had trouble finding a rationale for allowing someone who’s not a city official accept a gift on behalf of the city.

He said he opposes the current form of the City Council resolution that would give Carlisle after-the-fact approval to take his wife to China and Japan because it doesn’t establish that rationale and doesn’t set up a policy for the future.