Bipartisanship promised by new GOP Senate leader
By Walter Wright
Advertiser Staff Writer
Republican State Sen. Fred Hemmings said yesterday Senate Republicans are looking forward to a year of healthy bipartisanship as the Democrat-dominated Legislature goes to work with the new Republican administration.
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"There is a new dynamic in state government," said Hemmings, 25th (Kailua-Waimanalo), who was elected minority leader. "In the past we were relegated to being the loyal opposition. We are looking to work constructively with the majority party as proponents rather than opponents."
"There is a new dynamic in state government," said State Sen. Fred Hemmings.
Hemmings succeeds Sen. Sam Slom, 8th (Wai'alae Iki, Hawai'i Kai), who will not have a leadership position in the reorganization. Slom will focus on Ways and Means Committee budget items "as well as tax incentives to stimulate the economy," Hemmings said.
Hemmings, who was minority floor leader last session, enjoys a good working relationship with Senate Majority Leader Robert Bunda, who was re-elected by the Democrat caucus this week.
Sen. Bob Hogue, 24th (Kane'ohe, Kailua), replaces Hemmings as floor leader, while newly elected Sen. Paul Whalen, 3rd District (Kohala, Kona, Kau) will succeed Hogue as minority policy leader.
Republicans gained two seats in the senate with the election of Whalen and Gordon Trimble, 12th (Waikiki, Downtown), and now hold five seats to the Democrats' 20.
Hemmings said he had asked the Democratic leadership to allow Republicans to serve on committees "that emphasize our individual talents."
Reach Walter Wright at wwright@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8054.
