Complaint targets Lingle supporter
By Gordon Y.K. Pang
Advertiser Capitol Bureau
A complaint filed with the state Ethics Commission charges that a member of the state Elections Appointment and Review Panel violated a statute prohibiting her from taking part in a political campaign.
But panel member Kitty Lagareta yesterday said she was told by a representative of the attorney general's office there was no problem with her political participation and that the charge against her is "politically motivated."
Honolulu resident Richard Port filed the complaint charging that Lagareta is in violation of a statute that states: "No panel member shall take an active part in political management or in political campaigns."
The five-member Elections Appointment and Review Panel selects and appoints the chief election officer, reviews election operations and evaluates the performance of the chief election officer.
Port said a letter sent by an organization calling itself "House District 51" informs voters in the 51st state House district that "our primary goal is to elect a Republican in 2004 to represent District 51 in the state House."
The letterhead lists Lagareta as first vice chairperson of the group and carries a Hawai'i Republican Party logo at the top. Former state Rep. Joe Gomes, who lost the seat to rookie Democrat Tommy Waters for the district covering Waimanalo, Keolu Hills and Lanikai, is listed as chairman.
Port, who denied any political motivation, noting that he has publicly denounced Democrats for alleged wrongdoing, is a former chairman of the Hawai'i Democratic Party and a current member of the party's O'ahu County Committee.
Lagareta, chief executive officer of public relations firm Communications Pacific and a longtime volunteer supporter of Republican Gov. Linda Lingle, was appointed to the panel in January for a term that finishes in July 2004.
She pointed to another section of the statute that states panel members retain the right to "be a member of a political party or other political organization and participate in its activities to the extent consistent with the law."
The letter sent by the organization does not deal with any actual campaign, she said, adding that she would step down from the organization if it is found to be in violation of the panel's rules.
David Mollway, executive director for the Ethics Commission, said he cannot comment on specifics of any case. However, he noted, the circumstances cited to him by The Advertiser are not part of the Ethics Code and have not previously been before the commission. He would therefore need to first determine if it comes under its jurisdiction.
Reach Gordon Y.K. Pang at gpang@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8070.
