The nine council members are elected by districts. Under the charter, the council has legislative and investigative power. The mayor is the chief executive officer assisted by the managing director who is the second ranking executive and is appointed by the mayor with council approval. The City and County of Honolulu under the city charter adopted in 1959 was cited by the United States Conference of Mayors as a model for modern American metropolitan area government. It does not have to adjust its programs to the complications of independent suburban municipalities, autonomous districts, commissions, school districts and inconveniently located boundaries of other, smaller governmental jurisdictions.
All elective positions have four-year terms elected on a nonpartisan basis.
In 1998, Mayor Harris made major changes in the organization of the government. Services were consolidated, operations and processes streamlined and emphasis was placed on customer service. The purposes of the City and County government as stated in the charter are to serve and advance the general welfare, health, happiness, safety and aspirations of its residents, present and future, and to encourage their full participation in the process of governance. To encourage citizen involvement in Honolulu's government policies and operations, the Neighborhood Commission and neighborhood boards were formed. The board members are elected by the residents of their area and serve as volunteers to advise the government on issues of concern.