Ikaika Anderson Withdraws Bid For DHHL Director
CB: … Ikaika Anderson said Wednesday that he would step down after a key Senate committee voted to reject his appointment. Anderson will continue to serve as interim chairman of DHHL and the Hawaiian Homes Commission until Green chooses a successor.
“The votes just weren’t there. I respect that process. I thank the state Senate for allowing me to go through that process,” Anderson said at a joint press conference with Green….
Anderson is a former Honolulu City councilman who was embroiled in several controversial decisions including a proposal from former Mayor Kirk Caldwell to develop a ballpark in Waimanalo, a move that angered Waimanalo residents. There were also questions over Anderson’s brief employment with a local labor union shortly after resigning from his positions as a council member….
The governor said he's optimistic about his other Cabinet picks….
VIDEO: HEARING
SA: Ikaika Anderson withdraws DHHL nomination
HNN: Following stumble at committee, Ikaika Anderson withdraws nomination to lead DHHL -- Supporters included ex-Congressman Kai Kahele and former Governors John Waihee and Neil Abercrombie
read … Ikaika Anderson Withdraws Bid For DHHL Director
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SENATE LEADERS ISSUE STATEMENTS REGARDING THE WITHDRAWAL OF IKAIKA ANDERSON’S NOMINATION
News Release from Hawaii State Senate, Feb 15, 2023
Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (District 8 – Kauaʻi and Niʻihau) and Senate Committee on Hawaiian Affairs Chair Maile Shimabukuro (District 22 - Honokai Hale, Ko ‘Olina, Nānākuli, Mā‘ili, Wai‘anae, Mākaha, Mākua) both issued statements today regarding Governor Josh Green’s decision to withdraw the nomination of Ikaika Anderson as Chairperson of the Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL).
“I appreciate Ikaika’s willingness to serve and admire his fortitude throughout this process,” said Senate President Kouchi. “Best wishes and aloha to Ikaika in his future endeavors.”
“I appreciate the many testifiers who came forward to share their mana'o regarding Ikaika's confirmation. He is clearly loved by a wide array of organizations and people, and has accomplished much for the betterment of our state.”
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS REJECTS IKAIKA ANDERSON’S NOMINATION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOMELANDS
News Release from Hawaii State Senate, Feb 14, 2023
Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – The Senate Committee on Hawaiian Affairs today voted to recommend that the Senate not advise and consent to the nomination of Ikaika Anderson for the position of Chairperson for the Department of Hawaiian Homelands.
The hearing, which lasted five hours, included testimony from Governor Josh Green, former Governor Neil Abercrombie, several former lawmakers, and numerous community organizations and individuals.
The vote was 4-1, with Senators Maile Shimabukuro, Kurt Fevella, Jarrett Keohokālole, and Les Ihara voting in favor of the recommendation to not advise and consent. Senator Tim Richards was the lone vote in opposition to the recommendation.
“While Ikaika is a good person, his evasiveness and unpreparedness before the Senate Committee on Ways and Means were too much to overcome,” said Senator Jarrett Keohokalole, co-chair of the Legislature’s Native Hawaiian Caucus. “His misrepresentation of the commission’s viewpoints on the $600 million plan significantly influenced my decision.”
Despite the committee’s recommendation, Anderson’s nomination will move forward for a vote and final consideration by the full 25-member Senate.
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DHHL: Aila Debunks Anderson
KHON: … “I don’t know Ikaika Anderson. What I do know is that the chair of this particular department has to understand clearly what the fiduciary duties to the Hawaiian Home Lands Trust is. And clearly he’s not demonstrated that during the two WAM hearings and certainly not demonstrated that in the special commission meeting that was held recently,” said Aila.
Around three-fourths of the 200 pages of testimony that was submitted to the committee ahead of time were in support of Anderson’s nomination, but there were about 50 who expressed opposition.
The hearing went late into the afternoon. No decision yet on whether to move Anderson’s nomination to the full senate for consideration….
read … Anderson moves through hearings to manage DHHL
SA: Senate panel impairs DHHL leadership bid
BIVN: Senate Committee Votes Against DHHL Chair Appointee
Big Q: What do you think of the process involving Ikaika Anderson’s now-defunct bid to head the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands?
DHHL:
Anderson: