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Lingle puts in for
‘Keoki’ in NYC
Gov. Linda Lingle wielded the Republican National Convention gavel yesterday, closing the morning session of the convention in Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Lingle, who is temporary convention chairwoman, will also give a short speech tomorrow.
Yesterday morning, the convention approved the national GOP platform, which included two references to native Hawaiians, Lingle said.
"Our two delegates on the platform committee were able to include a plank about native Hawaiians -- it makes mention of Hawaiians in reference to federal programs along with native Alaskans and American Indians," Lingle said. "Also there was a plank in support of native Hawaiian culture and language."
There was no mention of the attempts by Lingle and Hawaii's congressional delegation to pass a native Hawaiian sovereignty bill.
Lingle said the GOP platform would help candidates campaigning in Hawaii, despite the plank opposing abortion.
"I think it will generally help. There is clear language about health care and education and a good piece on the support for local school boards," Lingle said of the GOP platform.
She dismissed the protests regarding the abortion plank, saying that she doubted it was a big issue today.
"The national focus is on our physical safety, the economy and education, but for some people it is their only issue," Lingle, who is pro-choice, said.
During the nomination roll call, the governor cast Hawaii's 20 votes for President Bush.
Lingle called the island state the "bridge to the Asian-Pacific region" and praised Bush as a "man who has kept our people safe since Sept. 11."
The Hawaii delegation attracted some attention, according to Lenny Klompus, Lingle's senior communications advisor.
"The delegation was wearing shirts saying, 'Re-elect Keoki W. Bush,' and of course, no one knew that Keoki is Hawaiian for George, so there was a lot of demand for the shirts," said Klompus, who is attending as a GOP delegate.
