Governor Submits Potential Veto List
Governor Lingle is encouraging Hawai`i residents, businesses, industry and professional associations, nonprofit groups, and community organizations statewide to submit comments on 52 bills that she is considering for potential vetoes.
As required by statute, the Governor notified the Legislature of the bills she is considering vetoing. Any bill on the potential veto list can still be signed by the Governor or allowed to become law without her signature.
The 52 bills are being considered for potential veto due to various factors including significant negative impacts on the public, budgetary implications, legal or constitutional concerns, potential unintended consequences, micromanagement of department operations and usurping the executive branch’s authority.
Governor Lingle pointed out that a number of bills on the list contain good programs; however, due to the State’s fiscal outlook and the fiscal impacts the programs would have on the State’s budget, she does not believe it would be prudent to implement them at this time.
The deadline to veto bills is July 8. Any bills not vetoed or signed by this date will automatically become law.
Placing the bills on the potential veto list allows the Governor additional time to deliberate, and provides additional opportunities for the public to voice their support or concern relating to the bills.
"The Legislature and many individuals in the community worked hard to pass these measures; however, it is my responsibility as Governor to ensure that the bills are legal, constitutional, fiscally sound, and in the best long-term interest of the public," said Governor Lingle.
Public comments on the 52 bills being considered for vetoes may be sent to the Governor's office as follows:
Email: governor.lingle@hawaii.gov or gov.policy@hawaii.gov
Fax: (808) 586-0006
Phone: (808) 586-0221
Mail: Office of the Governor
Hawai`i State Capitol, Executive Chambers
Honolulu, Hawai`i 96813
