Lawmaker challenges more Lingle nominees

By Gordon Y.K. Pang
Advertiser Capitol Bureau

A state senator is holding up the nominations of two of Gov. Linda Lingle's appointees who have expressed an interest in running for office this year.

"I would recommend to my committee that we have the governor refer others who would be able to fill their terms," Sen. Lorraine Inouye said.

If so, Inouye said, she will recommend that her Senate Committee on Water, Land and Agriculture deny confirmation of Keoki Leong to the Kane'ohe Bay Regional Council and Cynthia Rezentes to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides.

Leong has acknowledged he might run for a House seat this fall, while Rezentes is considering running for a seat on the Honolulu City Council, Inouye said.

"I would recommend to my committee that we have the governor refer others who would be able to fill their terms," Inouye said.

Leong is the office manager for Rep. Kika Bukoski, R-12th (Upcountry Maui), and a member of the Kane'ohe Neighborhood Board. Rezentes is temporary staff aide to Sen. Colleen Hanabusa, D-21st (Nanakuli, Makaha), and a member of the Wai'anae Neighborhood Board. Leong could not be reached for comment yesterday and Rezentes declined comment.

Inouye's committee did recommend confirmation for three other Lingle appointees.

Inouye was a central figure in last week's rejection of Ted Hong to a Hilo Circuit Court judgeship. Citing allegations that he did not have the proper "judicial temperament" to serve on the bench,

Inouye led the opposition on the Senate floor against Hong's nomination, which was rejected by a 13-12 vote.

Russell Pang, the governor's spokesman, said Lingle would reserve comment until the attorney general's office issues its opinion.

Reach Gordon Y.K. Pang at gpang@honoluluadvertiser.com or at 525-8070.