Hanabusa to appeal veto case

Advertiser Staff

Senate Vice President Colleen Hanabusa said she would appeal a Circuit Court judge's decision to uphold Gov. Ben Cayetano's vetoes of 13 bills.

Hanabusa, a Democrat who represents O'ahu's Leeward Coast, has argued that Cayetano missed the veto deadline by one day when he vetoed 13 bills on June 24, including one for a $75 million tax break for an aquarium at the Ko Olina resort. Hanabusa on Wednesday said she would appeal to the state Supreme Court.

Circuit Judge Virginia Crandall ruled Monday that Cayetano's vetoes are valid.

"With all due respect to the judge, I disagree with her analysis in that she felt that the governor had the right to return the bills anytime before the 45th day and the constitution is clearly unambiguous on that point," Hanabusa said. "This is an issue of first impression for the state and I believe it is much too critical to let it lie at this level. The Hawai'i Supreme Court should make the final decision on it."

Cayetano, through his press secretary Cedric Yamanaka, said: "We never thought this lawsuit had any merit. We hope this issue ends here."