Governor says he may veto 23 bills passed by Legislature

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie has so far signed 163 bills into law out of 252 passed by the state Legislature this year. Abercrombie signaled his intent to veto up to 23 bills this week, and he previously vetoed two other measures.

Legislative leaders say they’re unlikely to return to the state Capitol to override Abercrombie’s vetoes, but they’ll discuss the possibility among themselves.

One bill became law without the Democratic governor’s signature, leaving at least 63 measures left for him to sign by the July 12 deadline for him to make final decisions.

Legislation already passed into law includes the state budget for the next two years, various tax increases, an overhaul of foreclosure laws, changes in pension benefits for future hires and hikes in vehicle fees.