The legislative session is less than a week old, and already a dispute is threatening bipartisanship in the state House of Representatives. Djou’s dual House roles
spark bitter political debateBy Pat Omandam
pomandam@starbulletin.comA war of words erupted between the 19 Republicans and 32 Democrats in the House over whether Republican Charles Djou (Kaneohe) can serve as minority floor leader and be a member of the important House Finance Committee.
The House GOP complained yesterday that Democrats will not officially recognize Djou as floor leader until he gives up his Finance Committee seat to another Republican. Each session, a majority of the 51 House members must approve House officers and committee assignments.
Republicans accused Democrats of meddling in their internal decisions because they want Djou off the committee. Last year, the outspoken Djou was able to force the money committee to open budget worksheets to the public.
He also pushed for fiscal notes to be attached to each bill so everyone could see what effect each measure has on the budget.
"Why in the world should (House Speaker) Calvin Say be allowed to accept or reject any one Republican or another from serving on the Finance Committee or serving as minority floor leader?" Djou said.
State Rep. Colleen Meyer (R, Waiahole) said the Democrats' objection is outrageous. "Our caucus chooses our leadership," Meyer said. "Our caucus decides who sits on what committees."
But Democrats say there is a tradition that House officers do not serve on any committees, and pointed to Djou's predecessor, David Pendleton (R, Kailua). Pendleton, who resigned as floor leader last week to spend more time with his family, did not serve on any committees while second in command of the House minority.
Also, Democrats say there is gentlemen's agreement between Say and House Minority Leader Galen Fox (R, Waikiki) that their officers would not take on committee assignments.
For Republicans to say such an agreement does not exist now is not truthful, said House Majority Floor Leader Marilyn Lee (D, Mililani).
"It was an informal agreement," Lee said. "I don't sit on committees because there's a lot of responsibilities to being a floor leader."
Democrats, in turn, are upset at Republicans for raising the issue publicly when both sides agreed Thursday that Djou would serve as acting minority floor leader until Monday. That is when Fox returns from a mainland trip and all parties can sit down and work things out.
"They're just trying to drive wedges wherever they can," Majority Whip Brian Schatz (D, Makiki) said of the House GOP's actions. "If you want to be in the leadership, great. We'll accommodate you. But you can't have your cake and eat it, too."
Say said the minority should have informed him early on they wanted Djou to serve both as floor leader and Finance Committee member so he could bring it up with the entire Democratic caucus before the session began.
"This is ridiculous," Say said. "Such a small issue based on mutual agreement has expanded to something like this. I don't need this kind of stress."
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