Senate Leaders Call On Community To Address Potential Vetoes
The leadership of the Hawai‘i State Senate today called on the community to support pending legislation that Governor Linda Lingle has listed as potential veto targets. “The constitutional process
includes this period between the governor’s announcement of potential vetoes and the day on which she formally returns bills to the legislature, so anyone who is concerned can make his or her position clear to the governor,” said Senate President Colleen Hanabusa. “This final period of consideration is a valuable part of the lawmaking process, and the public should not pass up this opportunity.”
Senate Majority Leader Gary Hooser emphasized that public voices can still influence the governor’s final decision. “We listened to the concerns of our community in considering and passing these bills. I know that every one of these measures has passionate, committed supporters out there. All of those concerned individuals who testified in support of these measures, who called or emailed us, or who participated in rallies, need to continue advocating for their concerns. The voice of the people is a powerful force.”
Senator Norman Sakamoto, chair of the Senate Education Committee, said that the public is the last line of defense in these final days. “My message to the public is that ’You can still make a difference.’ We did our jobs. We heard the community and 76 legislators worked hard to answer the public’s call to action. We still stand ready to support the people in carrying their message to the governor. But they need to make their voices heard.”
Hooser added that the time to comment is now. “The governor has until July 10 to make her final decision, but I would suggest that members of the public speak within the next week.”
The public can contact the governor via her official email address, governor.lingle@hawaii.gov. Her senior staff includes Chief of Staff Bob Awana (bob.awana@hawaii.gov; 586-0012); Senior Policy Advisor Linda Smith (linda.smith@hawaii.gov; 586-5330); and Senior Communications Advisor Lenny Klompus (lenny.klompus@hawaii.gov; 586-7705).
“I have every confidence that the governor will respond to the will of the people, and consider the needs of those who will be affected.” said Senate President Hanabusa.
Governor Lingle yesterday released a list of 33 bills that she may return to the legislature without further action. She has until July 10 to decide which of those bills she will not sign into law.