REPRESENTATIVE COLLEEN HANABUSA RECEIVES STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR DAVID IGE'S OFFICE

Background:  On 07/19/2017, an article entitled "Collusion 'n Colleen" authored by Robert Wintner, Author, reef photographer and Snorkel Bob, appeared on-line at 03:28 am ET in HuffPost at: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/collusion-n-colleen_us_596f0834e4b0376db8b65c58.

In the HuffPost article, based on a telephone call between the author, Mr. Wintner, and Brandon Asuka, a policy advisor in Governor David Ige's office, Mr. Wintner accused Congresswoman Hanabusa of calling Governor David Ige during his deliberation on S.B. 1240, Relating to Aquatic Life, in an effort to influence his decision on the bill.  Mr. Wintner also accused Congresswoman Hanabusa of colluding with the Western Pacific Regional Fisheries Council (WESPAC) to influence Governor Ige's decision on S.B. 1240.

Congresswoman Hanabusa categorically denied calling Governor David Ige and/or working with WESPAC to influence Governor Ige's decision on S.B. 1240.  Congresswoman Hanabusa also noted that in 2008, as Senate President, she supported legislation restricting aquarium fish collection in the interest of a healthy reef ecosystem.

Statement:   On July 19, 2017, Congresswoman Hanabusa issued a written statement categorically denying the accusation contained in the HuffPost article.  On July 20, 2017, Congresswoman Hanabusa received the following statement, in pertinent part, from the Office of Governor David Ige via email from Jodi Leong, Deputy Communications Director/Press Secretary, Office of the Governor:

"Neither Gov. Ige nor anyone on his staff had any conversation with Congresswoman Hanabusa or anyone on her staff regarding SB 1240 relating to aquarium collector permits in Hawaii'i or campaign issues."

Based on her denials and the confirming statement by Governor David Ige, Congresswoman Hanabusa awaits a written retraction of the accusations against her by Robert Wintner and HuffPost.