New House Leadership Organizes Committee Chairs

News Release from House Democratic Caucus January 4, 2013

With the support of a majority of the House of Representatives, Speaker-elect Joe Souki (District 8 – Wailuku, Waihee, Waiehu, Puuohala, Waikapu), has established leading committees so the House of Representatives can get to work.

Speaker-elect Souki will be naming Representative Sylvia Luke (District 25 – Makiki, Punchbowl, Nuuanu, Dowsett Highlands, Pacific Heights, Pauoa) as Chair of the House Committee on Finance, Representative Angus McKelvey (District 10 – West Maui, Maalaea, North Kihei) as Chair of the House Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce, and Representative Karl Rhoads (District 29 – Kalihi, Palama, Iwilei, Chinatown), as Chair of the House Committee on Judiciary.

“I am pleased to have Representatives with such talent and solid background to chair these key committees.” said Speaker-elect Souki.

“Representative Luke has been a responsible leader and knows how important it is that we maintain a prudent and balanced budget. She has previously served as Vice-Speaker of the House and as Chair of the House Committee on Judiciary.”

“Representative McKelvey has worked hard to promote local business and help protect consumers from predatory lenders and identity thieves. He has previously served as Chair of the House Committee on Economic Revitalization and Business.”

“Representative Rhoads has been an outspoken advocate for his community, for families in need, and for a justice system that works. He has previously served as Chair of the House Committee on Labor and Vice-Chair of the House Committee on Judiciary.”

The 2013 Legislature convenes January 16th.

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Souki: Say Not Cooperating With Transition, May Have to Extend Legislative Session

PR: In an exchange of memos over the past several days, Souki and Say wrestled over whether lawmakers who would have new roles in a Souki-led House can move into different offices at the state Capitol.

Say reminded Souki in a Dec. 27 memo that he remains the speaker until a replacement is approved by resolution.

“Please do not assume or attempt to exercise any duties rightfully belonging to the speaker of the House,” Say wrote.

Souki, in a Dec. 28 response, said he is “truly disappointed” that Say is delaying office moves and other organizational matters.

“By taking the position that you will not authorize any transition, I will have no alternative but to extend the legislative session by one to two weeks to prevent havoc created by this delay,” Souki wrote. “I request that you reconsider and work with me to allow for a smooth opening of the upcoming legislative session.”

Most Interesting Anonymous Comment: “Calvin’s buying time for Marcus to try one more Hail Mary, this one involving an offer to the (no longer) dissidents to line up behind Sylvia Luke as Speaker, provided that they dump the Republicans. Ever the father’s true-blue-Democrat son, Marcus supposedly has even offered to take no position at all in the new organization, so keen is he to keep the GOP out of leadership.”

read … Cooperation

PR: Luke Rejects Speakership, Ariyoshi Urges Democrats not to Coalesce with Republicans

Ex-Gov and Jewel Smuggler George Ariyoshi:

"This coalition is terrible because a group of Democrats got together with a group of Republicans, to the exclusion of many Democrats. With such an organization, how is the business of the House going to be conducted?

"The coalition Democrats do not have enough votes to pass any measures. Are they expecting Republican votes to be with them? What is the price to be paid for such Republican votes? Is it modification of any measure to suit their needs, to receive their support?"

Oshiro outlined his offer to Luke, which she had rejected, in a subsequent letter:

(1) I shall step down as a candidate for Speaker;

(2) All 18 members of the Oshiro Faction shall vote for you as Speaker;

(3) In exchange for the Oshiro Faction’s 18 votes for you as Speaker, the Luke Faction shall end the “coalition” with the Republicans and not support any Republican for a committee chair or vice-chair position;

(4) In exchange for the Oshiro Faction’s 18 votes for you as Speaker, the Luke Faction shall agree to the Oshiro Faction slotting one of its members as Chair of the House Committee on Finance

(5) The slotting of majority leadership, committee chair (other than Finance Committee Chair as specified above), and committee vice-chair positions shall be made mutually by you and me only from among Democrats, and we shall endeavor, in good faith, that all members of the Luke and Oshiro Factions shall vote for the Democrats slotted for majority leadership, committee chair, and committee vice-chair positions, even those who are not part of either the Luke or Oshiro Faction;

(6) Neither Calvin Say or I shall be slotted for or accept any majority leadership, committee chair, or vice chair position; and

(7) Finally, the Democrats shall hold a caucus before any public announcement of the House organization that will be proposed on opening day.