Changing Hawaii
WHENEVER I see the attorney general of the State of Hawaii, I greet her by using her formal title as a show of respect -- and to get her to smile. Mahalo and aloha
to the state
attorney general"Hello, General Bronster," I'll say, straight faced. On receiving that technically correct but way-too-stuffy salutation, Margery Bronster's usually tough facade will crack and she'll break into a grin.
It's been that way for the past four years, but no more. Last Wednesday, the state Senate officially nixed her reappointment in a 14-11 vote, despite public objection that has been both boisterous and blistering.
Since it doesn't look like the "nay" voters will change their minds, it's time to acknowledge Bronster for laboring on behalf of the people of Hawaii in such an able manner.
Among other accomplishments, she has:
Since the commencement of the litigation, gas prices have actually declined and are even lower than in some parts of the mainland.Taken on the rich and powerful, seemingly Teflon-coated Bishop Estate trustees and launched an investigation into whether they were performing their fiduciary duties. The possibility that they may lose their jobs this week, after an IRS edict, is largely due to the groundwork and ongoing legal proceedings engineered by the AG's Office.
LAST but not least, Bronster deserves major kudos for publicly exposing the shameless, vicious political nature of the Hawaii state Senate.
Granted, her job perished in the process, but the defeat revealed the arrogance, pettiness and self-serving mentality of senators who looked past the attorney general's major contributions to harp on laughable objections.
Whatever reasons they stooped so low -- to maintain leadership or gain power in the Legislature; to kiss up to the unions, Hawaiian groups or Bishop Estate -- aren't important any more. Their constituencies can see, very clearly, how they are full of shibai.
Bronster has done the hard part -- having the internal fortitude and stamina to begin the aforementioned controversial projects and more, and to keep them rolling -- so a successor can step in and lead them to fruition. Good luck to that person, blessed with some talented personnel in the department.
Some folks want Bronster to run for governor or some other elected office, although it's doubtful she will.
The appointee has seen and experienced enough pilau politics to last a lifetime. Besides, Margery -- the attorney, the wife, the mommy, the woman -- must want to move on.
She has already made many professional and personal sacrifices.
And so, General Bronster, with all seriousness and the utmost of respect, I salute you and wish you well. Mahalo for leading the charge toward a better Hawaii.
Diane Yukihiro Chang's column runs Monday and Friday.
She can be reached by phone at 525-8607, via e-mail at
DianeChang@aol.com, or by fax at 523-7863.