Souki rejects GOP move to cut Thielen from panel

State House Speaker Joseph Souki has rejected a request by House Republicans to remove Rep. Cynthia Thielen, the only Republican who supports same-sex marriage, from the House Judiciary Committee.

Republicans, who are part of Souki’s leadership coalition, wanted to replace Thielen with another Republican who opposes gay marriage.

Thielen (R, Kailua-Kaneohe) and Rep. Bob McDermott (R, Ewa Beach-Iroquois Point) are the two Republicans who serve on the House Judiciary Committee, which will likely hold a hearing on a gay marriage bill in special session this week and appears to have the votes to advance the legislation.

Rep. Gene Ward (R, Kalama Valley-Queen’s Gate-Hawaii Kai) confirmed Sunday that Republicans had made the request.

"I said, ‘No,’" said Souki (D, Waihee-Waiehu-Wailuku). "There’s no reason. She has not done anything wrong."

Other House leaders said their practice is to not make changes to the committee lineup in midstream unless the lawmaker involved agrees or should be removed for cause.

Thielen, who is liberal on social issues and known for her defense of the environment, is the only Republican at the Legislature who favors same-sex marriage.

The six other House Republicans, and the lone Republican in the state Senate, oppose gay marriage.
Thielen could not be reached for comment Sunday evening.