Honolulu Advertiser – Senate delays vote on Kubo
Ex-U.S. Attorney Edward Kubo was doing his job.
“since it is not extraordinary for a prosecutor to be criticized by a court ” – Honolulu Advertiser
Opposing Coucil’s letter to State Sen. Brian Taniguchi
Other Supporters
Supporter : Governor Linda Lingle
“I think Ed should get confirmed. I think he will be confirmed if people vote based on his lifetime of experience here in the state, his commitment to the community, the great work he did as the United States attorney.I don’t think there is any substantive reason to deny him, or to vote against him.”" – Gov. Linda Lingle
Supporter : State Senate Minority Leader Fred Hemmings
“One of the greatest principles of America’s jurisprudence is you’re allowed to face your accuser, and a lot of behind-the-scene maneuvering was going on where it was impossible for the nominee to defend himself because he didn’t know who was saying what, when, where and how,” Hemmings said. “Decision-making should never be made under those circumstances, and I think the majority party is going to hopefully rectify this Wednesday.” – State Senate Minority Leader Fred Hemmings
Supporter : State Sen. Sam Slom
“I’m left with a sour taste in my mouth that there are political machinations other than what was presented at hearings and that there are reasons other than what we saw in those rooms,” State Sen. Sam Slom
Behind the Scenes: our 26th Senator
State Senate Minority Leader Fred Hemmings, R-25th (Kailua, Waimānalo, Hawai’i Kai), who supports Kubo, faulted what he described as behind-the-scenes politics, innuendo and anonymous accusations – Honolulu Advertiser
State Sen. Sam Slom, R-8th (Kāhala, Hawai’i Kai), said Hanabusa’s husband, former state sheriff John Souza, called him with concerns about Kubo’s ability to be a judge. – Honolulu Advertiser
Slom said Souza, who used to work with Kubo, explained that while he personally liked Kubo, he did not believe he had the qualifications. – Honolulu Advertiser
Slom, who serves on the Senate Judiciary and Government Operations Committee, said he did not consider the call unusual or improper at the time, but now puts it into the context of the late criticism that has surfaced against Kubo and which is threatening his confirmation. – Honolulu Advertiser
Google of John Souza ; Married to State Sen. President Colleen Hanabusa
Honolulu Advertiser – Sheriff admits dealings with two felons look ‘bad’
What is State Sen. President Colleen Hanabusa going to decide about Ed Kubo?
Starbulletin – Kubo’s confirmation overridden by doubts
She (State Sen. President Colleen Hanabusa) and Taniguchi (D, Manoa) (State Sen. Brian Taniguchi) are planning the unusual tactic of holding a hearing or briefing even after the committee has taken a vote.
Will Follow Taniguchi : State Sen. Colleen Hanabusa
“To me, the whole process is one where I will support my chair,” she said. “And, in this case, I am supporting Senator Taniguchi’s position.” – State Sen. President Colleen Hanabusa
Vote No : State Sen. Brian Taniguchi
“Some of the members felt it was kind of rushed,” said state Sen. Brian Taniguchi, D-10th (Mānoa, McCully), the committee’s chairman, who has recommended that Kubo be rejected.
“They didn’t have an opportunity to review all of the record.”
Hearing finished Thursday 6pm and was to be voted on Friday 11:30am – does that seem fast to you too?
