Senators from Maui assume key posts

The Maui News
Tuesday, November 09, 2004

By VALERIE MONSON, Staff Writer

WAILUKU – Maui's three state senators – Democrats Roz Baker, J. Kalani English and Shan Tsu-tsui – all have been assigned leadership roles for the upcoming legislative session or placed in key positions on influential committees.

Baker will remain chairwoman of the Health Committee and assume a new role as assistant majority floor leader, while Tsutsui will continue as majority caucus leader and take on a new challenge as vice chairman of the powerful Ways and Means Committee. Last year, English chaired the Energy and Environment Committee. Now, he'll head a panel that has been expanded into the Energy, Environment and International Affairs Committee.

"We all know where everybody's strengths are," said Tsutsui, who was particularly excited about becoming the Ways and Means Committee's vice chairman. "I have a financial background, and this is the route I'd like to take. It's a great opportunity to address big-ticket items for Maui, such as the Paia bypass, the new road to Lahaina and keeping our hospital first-rate."

Baker and English both easily won their re-election bids last week, while Tsutsui won't need to seek re-election until 2006.

Tsutsui said the leadership team has been increased from five to eight senators. Only three members of the group are from the Neighbor Islands, and two of them – Tsutsui and Baker – are from Maui.

"It's an acknowledgment that Maui is an important area," Baker said.

In making the announcements, Senate President Robert Bunda called Baker, English and Tsutsui "important and dedicated legislators."

"They have served as a strong voice not only for the people of Maui County, but for all the people of Hawaii as well," said Bunda.

Baker said she wanted to wrap up unfinished business on the Health Committee and take on new challenges, such as finding health coverage for those who have no insurance. She shares Tsutsui's desire to make sure that Maui Memorial Medical Center has adequate support and also wants to keep emergency services properly funded.

English could not be reached for comment, but Tsutsui noted that his colleague's experience made him ideal to chair a committee that will deal with issues involving energy, the environment and international affairs.

Baker said she thought the 2005-06 Senate should be stronger than the previous body.

"We've all learned how to work better as a team, and hopefully we'll be a more cohesive Senate than in the past," Baker said. "I'm optimistic."

Even though Democrats continue to dominate the Senate, by a 20-to-5 margin, Tsutsui expects lawmakers to have a better working relationship with Republican Gov. Linda Lingle. He said he was pleased to read that the governor wants to address issues that seem to have broad support, such as affordable housing and changes in workers' compensation laws for small businesses.

"I think we're kind of on the same page," said Tsutsui of the governor and the Legislature. "Last year, we seemed to be butting heads on a few things, but it looks positive for the next term. I'm hoping we can put partisan politics behind us and move ahead."

Valerie Monson can be reached at vmonson@mauinews.com.

Copyright © 2004 The Maui News

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