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Three Republican members ended Friday's Senate meeting by turning in their new $1,899.93 laptop computers to Senate Clerk Paul Kawaguchi, prompting a debate over whether the technology was a perk or a needed tool. Some legislators turn in
their new $1,900 laptopsSen. Gordon Trimble (R, Downtown), who has voted "no" against every bill to raise taxes or increase the cost and size of state government, said he was returning the laptop computer "not because it is not useful to me, but I think it is of symbolic importance."
Sen. Sam Slom (R, Hawaii Kai) agreed. "For the public, they see a symbol again of us gifting ourselves with expensive technology." Slom said he has seen no evidence that the latest in technology produces better legislation.
Sen. Norman Sakamoto (D, Salt Lake) said the laptops are a good example of government efficiency by allowing lawmakers to get and read greater volumes of e-mail from the public expressing their views on legislation.
Senate Minority Leader Fred Hemmings (R, Lanikai) departed from his GOP colleagues on the issue. "I'm keeping my computer," he said, adding that the cost of operating the Legislature has grown only modestly over the years and that he wasn't given a gift, but a tool.
Sen. J. Kalani English (D, East Maui) said he hadn't yet received his laptop and asked Senate President Robert Bunda (D, Wahiawa) if he could get one of those being turned in by Trimble, Slom and Sen. Bob Hogue (R, Kaneohe).
"You can have an extra one, if you want it," Bunda quipped.
Abercrombie backs Dean
U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie is throwing his hat behind Vermont Gov. Howard Dean for president of the United States.Abercrombie said he is endorsing Dean for the Democratic nomination because Dean puts America's working families first.
"He's focused on issues like health care, jobs and the economy," Abercrombie said in a statement released by Dean's campaign. "He'll make sure we have a strong military and a strong homeland security to protect our communities."
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