Governor defends requests to resign

Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Monday that his request that more than two dozen appointed members of state boards and commissions resign was not a reflection of their service or an issue of personalities.

The Democratic governor sent letters last week to 28 appointees of the state Public Utilities Commission, Land Use Commission, Public Housing Authority, Board of Land and Natural Resources and the Stadium Authority. The appointees were selected by former Gov. Linda Lingle, a Republican, and confirmed by the state Senate.

The governor said he took the step to gain more flexibility in implementing his "A New Day in Hawaii" plan.

The appointees do not have to resign and can choose to remain until their terms expire, he said. "Our administration needs to be able to work collaboratively with our boards and commissions to get work done in the public’s best interest," Abercrombie said in a statement.

"This includes a new approach to maintaining our public housing units so residents can live safely and with dignity; developing a statewide vision for our sporting events and venues; and changing our policies for managing and utilizing our limited resources and land.

"As with the Board of Education, it’s important that all boards and commissions have the opportunity to have a fresh start, so they can work in alignment with other state agencies and move quickly on important issues.

"My request for individuals to voluntarily resign is not a reflection of their service nor an issue of personalities. The people of Hawaii voted for a change in direction; a New Day. I need the opportunity to move forward with a team dedicated to that proposition."