Gov. Linda Lingle is demanding that state Rep. John Mizuno issue a “;written apology”; for reportedly saying her administration is passing out state contracts to friends.

In a letter dated Wednesday, Lingle said she was told about a legislative briefing held by Mizuno and the three Kauai representatives at a March 19 community meeting on Kauai.

Lingle said according to people in the audience, Mizuno was asked about the state Human Services Department contracts with local social service agencies.

“;Reportedly you responded that the department does this to 'give contracts to their friends,'”; Lingle said in her letter.

“;If indeed you said this, then I must ask for the factual basis for such assertion or demand a written apology from you for such unfounded and patently false accusations.

“;Baseless allegations damage the reputation of state employees who manage our procurement process and ensure that we abide by standards of fairness and impartiality,”; Lingle said.

“;I expect to hear promptly from you regarding this unfortunate matter,”; she concluded.

In response, Mizuno (D, Kalihi) said he was not sure what he said.

“;I am talking to my staff to see if I actually said that, and I will have an appropriate response,”; Mizuno said in an interview.

“;I just want to make sure of the language that I said and go over it with the staff and some of the people were at the briefing.

“;If I did say that, those words, I will make sure I have an appropriate response to that. The key is you want to be respectful,”; Mizuno said.

A spokesman for Lingle's office said they had no further comment.

“;The letter speaks for itself,”; Russell Pang said.