Chair Marcus Oshiro sends requests to Governor, Thielen and Lau to appear at today's hearing

Late this morning, Chair of Finance Marcus Oshiro sent letters to Governor Lingle, DLNR Interim Director Laura Thielen and Acting Director of OEQC, Lawrence Lau, to appear before the joint Transportation/Finance committee hearing. Oshiro acknowledged the lateness of the request, but wondered why the three have not appeared before the hearings at the special session.

Excerpts from the letter to the Governor: The legislation requires you, the Governor, to establish conditions and protocols "to mitigate significant environmental effects". During a recent hearing on the House version of this legislation, several citizens of the state of Hawaii expressed concerns about your willingness and/or ability to create such conditions and protocols.....At this point in time, it does not appear that you have submitted testimony nor are planning to appear at the hearing. I respectfully request that you attend the hearing to help allay the fears of those expressing concern in the establishment of these protocols.

Excerpts from the letter to DLNR Interim Director: The legislation requires you, or your designee, to be one of the thirteen members of the temporary Hawaii inter-island ferry oversight task force. In addition, conservation and resources enforcement personnel of your department may be tasked with additional duties as a result of this legislation....At this point in time, it does not appear that you have submitted testimony nor are planning to appear at the hearing. I respectfully request that you attend the hearing as this proposed legislation has a direct effect on your department.

Excerpts from the letter to Acting OEQC Director: Your office, the Office of Environmental Quality Control, has a direct responsibility in the review and evaluation of an environmental impact statement law and the current Supreme Court decision. In addition, a previous hearing on the House version of this legislation brought up questions regarding the environmental review process and your office's advisory role to the Governor.....At this point in time, it does not appear that you have submitted testimony nor are planning to appear at the hearing. I respectfully request that you attend the hearing as this legislation has a direct effect on your office.