Say, Tsutsui Bask in Governor's Love

Civil Beat composite

In his State of the State address, Neil Abercrombie made sure the Hawaii Legislature — especially leaders Calvin Say and Shan Tsutsui — understands his gratitude.

"We will continue on this path of strong fiscal management and strategic financial investments, as indicated in Opening Day remarks by President Tsutsui and Speaker Say," the governor said.

Departing from his prepared remarks, Abercrombie said he read their speeches closely and that it was "worth it."

The point came again later in the speech, too: "I am deeply grateful to Speaker Say and President Tsutsui for clearly recognizing and delineating the opportunity to work together on these issues in their respective Opening Day remarks."

Afterward, Say and Tsutsui were beaming as they met the press outside the House Chambers Majority Caucus Room.

"Great speech," said Tsutsui.

"I'm very excited," said Say.

Clearly, Say and Tsutsui are feeling the gubernatorial love. But will they reciprocate with legislation?

On the governor's call to construct an undersea cable between the main Hawaiian islands, definitely. It stalled in conference committee late last session and can easily be resurrected.

Ditto for tax credits to stimulate film production, to expand broadband capacity and to spend money on construction.

"We are going to be rolling out the red carpet in regards to our state projects," said Say, hoping to get the private sector and trade organizations to kick in $5 billion in "outside revenue" by fiscal year 2013.

In short, Say and Tsutsui were pleased that Abercrombie is banging the same taiko drum as they are. All three are Democrats, of course

"Last year he talked about his vision," said Tsutsui. "This year you saw a lot of details in regards to those proposals."

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