Espero: Disappointed about governor’s veto of harbor security bill

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Sen. Will Espero was opposed to gay marriage but now supports it
Sen. Will Espero

HONOLULU – Senator Will Espero, chair of the Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs, said he was disappointed about Governor Neil Abercrombie’s veto of SB2589, relating to the transfer of harbor police from the Department of Transportation to the Department of Public Safety- a bill he introduced.

“I am disappointed the governor chose to veto SB2589, which transfers harbor police to the Department of Public Safety. It appears he listened to government bureaucrats more interested in protecting the status quo rather than making positive changes to the state’s law enforcement authority.

“The bill had support from both the Department of Transportation and the Department of Public Safety during the 2014 legislative session. There was no opposition. It appears that after Director Glenn Okimoto left the top post, underlings in DOT convinced the interim director to request a veto of the bill.

“The bill was part of a long-term plan to eventually consolidate all state law enforcement duties under one state agency. Currently, DLNR also has law enforcement officers as well.

“I believe the governor was given bad advice by his staff on this measure. I would like to see the issue revisited next session and once again passed out so that we can bring positive change to our law enforcement authority.”

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3 COMMENTS

  1. Apparently Mr. Espero does not understand the concept of home rule and the duplication of services. The consolidation measure would end up costing the taxpayers more. At a time when government should be more fiscally responsible

  2. […] Senator Will Espero, chair of the Committee on Public Security, Intergovernmental, and Army Affairs, stated he was disillusioned about Governor Neil Abercrombie’s veto of SB2589, referring to the switch of harbor police from the Division of Transportation to the Division of Public Security- a invoice he launched. Hawaii Reporter. […]

  3. […] Senator Will Espero, chair of the Committee on Public Security, Intergovernmental, and Army Affairs, stated he was disillusioned about Governor Neil Abercrombie’s veto of SB2589, referring to the switch of harbor police from the Division of Transportation to the Division of Public Security- a invoice he launched. Hawaii Reporter. […]

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