Senators gather for veto override session

Eighteen State Senators gathered in caucus this morning in preparation for a special session to override Governor Lingle’s anticipated vetoes, with additional Senators expected to arrive before votes were cast. However, with the State House of Representatives’ decision not to convene, the Senators’ meeting was a sign of their commitment. In addition, as of 11:55 this morning, the Senate had received no veto messages today from Governor Lingle.

“We thought it was important that we demonstrate our willingness to consider overrides,” said Senate President Colleen Hanabusa. “While we cannot convene without the House, we were ready to convene if the opportunity arose.”

Even without the governor’s vetoes in hand, the constitution requires that the Senate and House to convene at or before 12:00 noon and recess while awaiting those messages.

A veto override would have required a vote by 17 Senators.