OFFECE OF THE MAYOR
SAN FRANCISCO

LONDON N. BREED
MAYOR

 

March 10, 2020
Via US Mail and email

Angus McCarthy, President

San Francisco Building Inspection Commission
Department of Building Inspection

1660 Mission Street, 6th Floor

San Francisco, CA 94103-2414

Dear President McCarthy:

Under Charter Section4. 102(6), I write to recommend that the Building Inspection Commission
exercise its authority under Charter Section 4.121 to remove Tom Hui from his position as
Director of Building Inspection. Under the Charter, the Commission must act on this
recommendation Within 30 days. While this recommendation IS pending, I have placed Mr. Hui
on paid administrative leave from his position.

The City Attorney launched an investigation of Mr. Hui?s activities after determining that he is
OFFICIAL 1? referenced in the unsealed federal criminal complaint, Complaint No. 3-20? .
70028, ?led against former Director of Public Works Mohammed Nuru on January 15, 2020, in
the Northern District of California. Although the investigation remains underway, the City
Attorney has determined based on the evidence obtained to date that Mr. Hui has violated state
and local laws, the Department OfBuilding Inspection (DB1) Code of Professional Conduct, and
City policies. The enclosed investigative summary details these violations. In the report, the
City Attorney?s Of?ce finds that Mr. Hui provided intentional preferential treatment and access
to Walter Wong, a permit expediter who regularly conducts business with DB1, and to Zhang Li,
the developer of 555 Fulton, a project subject to DB1 review. Mr. Hui also accepted gifts of
meals from Mr. Wong, at dinners arranged to discuss the 555 Fulton project. Also, Mr. Hui
solicited and relied on Mr. Wong?s input in making DBI operational decisions. Finally, Mr. Hui
requested and-accepted favors from Mr. Wong in seeking City employment for members of

Mr. Hui?s family, Violating City law and policy by abusing his Official position.

There is no place in public service for self-dealing. Mr. Hui abused his position and authority,
and betrayed the public trust. Also, Mr. Hui?s actions cast a shadow over the good work of the
honest and hard-working employees in the DB1. I have no confidencein his judgement,
integrity, or ability to serve as Director of Building Inspection. For these reasons, I ask that you
place an item on your March 18, 2020 agenda, to remove Mr. Hui as the Director Of Building
Inspection.

1 DR. CARLTON B. GOODLETT PLACE, ROOM 200
SAN FRANCISCO, 94102-4681
TELEPHONE: (415) 554?6141

LONDON N. BREED

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
MAYOR

SAN FRANCISCO

 

I thank City Attorney Dennis Herrera and his investigative team for exposing-Mr. Hui?s
misconduct. I understand the investigation remains ongoing. Based on the investigation to date
and any further ?ndings, I will direct the next Director of Building Inspection to take steps to
remove Mr. Hui from his underlying permanent civil service appointment.

Sincerely,



Mayor London N. Breed

C: City Attorney Dennis J. Herrera
Director of Building Inspection Tom Hui
LeeAnn Pelham, Executive Director, Ethics Commission
Members of the Building Inspection Commission

1 DR. CARLTON B. PLACE, ROOM 200
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA 94102?4681
TELEPHONE: (415) 554-6141