Cayetano analysis called unethical
By Kevin Dayton
Advertiser Capitol Bureau Chief
Republicans accused Gov. Ben Cayetano of waging a political fight at the taxpayers' expense after he issued a press release yesterday criticizing Republican Linda Lingle's plans for tax cuts and other changes.
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Cayetano instructed state Tax Director Marie Okamura to analyze the Lingle plan, then announced that Lingle's proposal for a new food tax credit and other changes would cost the state $428 million in lost tax collections over four years.
Gov. Ben Cayetano said Linda Lingle's plan would cost the state $428 million over four years.
Republican Linda Lingle called Cayetano's analysis and press release "obviously an illegal use of government resources."
In his press release, Cayetano called the Lingle plan "a work in contradiction" because it would cut taxes and create more state government jobs, but does not explain how the state would cover the cost.
Lingle called Cayetano's analysis and press release "obviously an illegal use of government resources," because it amounted to engaging in political activity on state time. She said the press release was designed to help the Democrats stay in power.
"This is the kind of misuse of government resources that has gone on for a long time, and I think the public will make it known after the election how tired they are of this," she said.
Larry Meacham, spokesman for Common Cause Hawai'i, said researching political campaign material and issuing press releases about it on state time is wrong.
"The law is pretty clear. They're not supposed to do political stuff on public time with public resources," Meacham said.
Cayetano said he intends to analyze the plans of all the major candidates, and that voters should demand that every candidate put forth a comprehensive plan with specifics, as Lingle did.
"I'm not running for anything, but Miss Lingle has seen fit to question the financial integrity of the state, the budget process, and I think that it is important not only for me but for everyone else to understand what each candidate is going to propose in this very, very critical budget year," the governor said.
Cayetano said he is prepared to defend his actions before the state Ethics Commission if challenged.
Lingle said it would be a continuing violation of the law if Cayetano continues to analyze the plans of other candidates, and said she "would not be surprised" if some law enforcement agency launches an investigation.
She said she did not plan to file an ethics complaint herself, as she is busy campaigning.
Lingle called Cayetano's criticisms unfair and inaccurate, and said the governor sought to derail her plan before it catches on.
"It has been so well received, I think he was looking for a way to slow that down," she said.
Reach Kevin Dayton at kdayton@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8070.
