Republicans call for override session

By Lynda Arakawa
Advertiser Capitol Bureau

House and Senate Republicans yesterday said the Legislature should override Gov. Ben Cayetano's vetoes of "pro-economy" bills, including a controversial $75 million tax break for an aquarium project at the Ko Olina resort.

They also want to set aside the governor's vetoes on a 4-percent tax credit for other commercial construction, a campaign finance reform measure and a rent relief extension for concessionaires at state airports.

House Minority Floor Leader Charles Djou, R-47th (Kahalu'u, Kane-'ohe), said at least a majority of the Republicans wants to override the measure in a one-day session, although five Republicans had voted against the bill to extend rent relief for airport concessionaires and six Republicans voted against the Ko Olina tax break.

It's unclear whether Democrats will agree to override the governor's vetoes, which requires a two-thirds vote of the 51-member House and 25-member Senate. Republicans make up 19 members of the House and three in the Senate. Several Democrats in the House and Senate also voted against the Ko Olina bill.

Senate President Robert Bunda, D-22nd (Wahiawa, Waialua, Sunset Beach), said he has not yet discussed an override with the Democratic majority and that some senators have concerns about calling a special session. He said he prefers not to have an override session and instead take care of the issues next year. House Speaker Calvin Say could not be reached for comment.

The Republicans said measures such as tax breaks for the Ko Olina aquarium project and commercial construction would create more jobs and stimulate the state economy.

House Minority Leader Galen Fox, R-21st (Wai-kiki, Ala Wai), also denounced Cayetano's veto of the campaign finance reform bill, which would have prohibited contributions from corporations and labor organizations and prevented politicians who award government contracts to receive donations from such businesses. Fox said creating a system in which government contracts are given to companies that do the best job, rather than to those that contribute to campaigns, is essential to an effective economy.

Cayetano reiterated his reason for vetoing the campaign finance reform bill, saying he was "shocked" to learn that lawmakers had exempted themselves from the ban on contractor contributions. Lawmakers have said that's because legislators do not award government contracts and therefore would not be in conflict.

Reach Lynda Arakawa at larakawa@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8070.