Governor accuses senator of 'deceit'

By Kevin Dayton
Advertiser Capitol Bureau Chief

Gov. Ben Cayetano accused state Sen. Rob Tam of "deception" for issuing a five-page press release Tuesday that implied the Cayetano administration backs Tam's proposal for a new "international center" next to the waterfront park in Kaka'ako.

Cayetano said Tam's press release was "poorly thought out, as are most of his proposals."

Tam replied that "I realize one thing, that the governor doesn't like me, and he doesn't like ideas unless they are his own."

In particular, Cayetano criticized Tam for issuing a press release under Tam's name and that of Seiji Naya, the director of the state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, without Naya's approval.

The release advocated the proposed international center as a way to diversify the state economy.

Naya said in a press statement yesterday he was never consulted about Tam's press release, and said the information there reflects only Tam's views and not the position of the administration.

At a press conference Tuesday, Tam said the international center could be built on 20 acres slated for redevelopment on the diamondhead side of the park and the Children's Discovery Center.

Tam acknowledged Naya didn't endorse the plan for a new international center next to the park, said Naya agreed on the need to diversify the state economy, and agreed to the concept of updating the master plan for the waterfront.

Tam, who is running for the Honolulu City Council, said the role of elected officials "is to embrace the terms of open discussion, people's ideas."

Reach Kevin Dayton at kdayton@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8070.