Harbin plans '06 run for seat in state House

The appointee defies calls from both parties to resign from her post

STATE Rep. Bev Harbin, asked to step down by top Republicans and Democrats for failing to disclose back taxes and a criminal record, wants to run for election next year.

The newly appointed Democrat, calling herself the Democratic Party's "worst nightmare," held a news conference yesterday in her Capitol office to defend her decision to remain on the job.

Harbin said she wants to run for election next year because no one else has surfaced to do the job.

Harbin suggested that if a new Republican or Democratic politician wants to run, "you tell them to come see me, come work for me during this session and if you can do it, it is all yours."

But when asked if she would run to represent the 28th District (Downtown-Kakaako), Harbin said: "As it is right now, yes, I will."

Tom Brower, communications director for the state Democratic Party, said it would not be appropriate for Harbin to run.

"Constituents may interpret this as inappropriate at this time. Usually, the incumbent has worked the session before declaring for re-election," Brower said.

Gov. Linda Lingle named Harbin to fill the remaining year in the term of Democratic Rep. Ken Hiraki, who resigned in September. Harbin didn't tell Lingle that her defunct auto repair business shut down, owing the state $125,000 in back taxes, and that she had a criminal record for three counts of passing bad checks, a misdemeanor.

Lingle said Harbin was asked if there was anything in her background that could embarrass the administration and Harbin said "No."

After learning about her background, Lingle asked her to step down, but Harbin refused.

High-ranking Democrats also called on her to resign the post.

"It takes a lot to embarrass me, and I don't find these things embarrassing. ... Nothing really embarrasses me," Harbin said.

The former small-business lobbyist said the criminal misdemeanor check charges stemmed from a dispute with a landlord and were not an attempt to deceive anyone.

The business, HonHawaii, was shut down because of mounting bills and increasing taxes, Harbin said.

"I said I would do this for a year just to give the district a chance to get to know their new leaders," she said. "Everybody has been so busy destroying me, who in their right mind is going to run for this stinking office?"

"Now, I am mad that everyone turned their back on me, including the governor," Harbin said.

Harbin has run for office as a Republican but said she was not a member of either party when she heard that there was a House seat opening up. She asked to join the Democratic Party and then applied for the position.

Brower, who attended Harbin's news conference, said: "Harbin's willingness to talk about her past was important. I know she was speaking, but I kept seeing Gov. Lingle's face."

Lingle's office did not return calls asking for comment.