OHA appeals to hold rally
at Legislature’s openingThe Office of Hawaiian Affairs is appealing the state's rejection of a permit request to stage a rally at the state Capitol on Jan. 15, the opening day of the Legislature.
The request filed in September with the Department of Accounting & General Services was turned down before Linda Lingle became governor in early December, OHA officials said.
"The reason was that it would interfere with the opening of the Legislature," OHA Deputy Administrator Nani Lee said.
"We're not trying to disrespect the Legislature," Lee said. "We're moving forward in a very respectful, orderly and legal manner and exercising our constitutional rights."
If OHA does not win its appeal, it plans to hold the rally next door at Iolani Palace.
The purpose of the rally is to pressure state lawmakers and the governor to pay OHA $10.3 million in undisputed ceded-land revenues.
"This is to draw awareness to the state's fiduciary responsibility to the people of Hawaii as a whole," Lee said.
During her campaign for governor, Lingle said she would pay the money to OHA upon taking office. But after meeting with legislative leaders last month, Lingle said she would let the Legislature decide the release of the money.
Lingle taps Maui roots
WAILEA, Maui >> Gov. Linda Lingle has appointed two of her former Maui County colleagues to her administration.Lingle appointed George Kaya as the Maui liaison and Lloyd Yonenaka to oversee county liaison officers.
Kaya served as Maui's public works director and an executive assistant when Lingle was the county's mayor. Since leaving the county, Kaya has worked as an engineer at a private firm.
Yonenaka, who served as Lingle's Office of Information and Complaint head on Maui, will also oversee citizen boards and keep the governor's office apprised of the issues.
Lingle was on Maui on Friday to speak at a luncheon. She told residents to apply for "lots of boards and commissions."
"I want Maui to be well represented," she said.
She also noted how many people from outside Oahu she has already appointed to her administration.
"When I left Maui, I didn't leave Maui behind," she said.
Lingle began her political career on Maui County, representing Molokai. After serving 10 years on the County Council, she served as the Valley Isle's mayor from 1990 to 1998.
Legislature Directory
Legislature Bills & Hawaii Revised Statutes