Lingle makes a less-compelling argument in the case of SB 837, the $9.2 million allotment to acquire agricultural lands in Central O'ahu. The governor believes the state needs the option to condemn this land so the price could be set at the fair-market value.

However, the power of eminent domain is one that should be used sparingly. Although the preservation of ag land is a public need, the state has the power to preserve that use through land-use designations and zoning. Government has faltered badly in its duty to protect important ag lands, but that's no reason to interfere needlessly in property rights.

House Speaker Calvin Say seems inclined to persist with overriding these three vetoes, leaving fixes for the next session. It makes more sense to get the job done now. Because the law requires 48-hours' notice before bills can be amended, the lawmakers would have to recess on Wednesday and reconvene on Thursday. The two-day session would cost $3,500 at most. That's not much to spend on good lawmaking.

Democrats have the majority, and majority rules in a democracy. But it would help restore voters' faith in government if they could see another facet of democracy at work: discussion and compromise.

It's the best idea that should prevail, whether it originates on one side of the partisan divide or the other.