House in squabble over Republican's double duty
By Lynda Arakawa
Advertiser Capitol Bureau
Partisan bickering has begun in the House just days into the legislative session, with Republicans and Democrats arguing over the role of one representative.
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The House Republican minority is upset with the Democrats, who apparently have a problem with Rep. Charles Djou being both House minority floor leader and a member of the powerful Finance Committee.
Rep. Charles Djou is floor leader and a member of the Finance Committee.
House Republicans on Tuesday chose Djou, R-47th (Kahalu'u, Kane'ohe), to replace former floor leader David Pendleton R-50th (Mauna-wili, Ench. Lake), who relinquished the post to spend more time with his family.
House Democratic leaders say they made an informal agreement last year with minority leader Galen Fox R-21st (Waikiki, Ala Wai) that House officers will not serve on committees except for the low-profile Legislative Management Committee. Democrats say that's meant to distribute power and workload. Djou's Democratic counterpart, majority floor leader Marilyn Lee, D-38th (Waipi'o, Mililani), sits only on the Legislative Management Committee.
"I don't mind Charles being the floor leader," said House Speaker Calvin Say, D-18th (Palolo, St. Louis, Kaimuki). "But it's not fair for him to sit on a committee when Marilyn doesn't sit on a committee. It's not in the rules, mind you. It's just by mutual, honest, trustworthy agreement."
But in a news conference Friday, House Republicans said no such agreement was made and that before last year leaders sat on powerful committees. They called the situation an attempt to "muzzle" Djou.
"Representative Charles Djou is an incredibly articulate and bright representative," said Rep. Cynthia Thielen, R-49th (Kailua, Kane'ohe Bay Dr.). "He has been pushing for the Finance Committee to be more open. ... The Democrats want to control him and control us."
Say said both parties agreed before the Republicans' news conference to settle the matter early next week when Fox and House majority leader Marcus Oshiro return from a Mainland trip. Djou, in the meantime, has been recognized as acting minority floor leader.
Both Democrats and Republicans said they have better things to do than to argue about internal politics.
You can reach Lynda Arakawa at larakawa@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8070.
