Ige explains why he plans to veto bills on bail reform, renewable energy

Published: Jun. 27, 2022 at 12:52 PM HST|Updated: Jun. 27, 2022 at 4:56 PM HST
Email This Link
Share on Pinterest
Share on LinkedIn

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Gov. David Ige released a list of 30 measures Monday that he plans to veto, including a bail reform measure that all four county mayors and police departments have come out against.

The bill would do away with cash bail for some non-violent offenses.

Even the lawmaker who introduced the bill says the governor should veto it so the Legislature can go back to the drawing board.

Ige said he’s never been in a situation where both supporters and opponents agree he should use his veto pen on a measure.

“The bill does not adequately address several important issues such as the need to secure the appearance of the defendants,”he said. “The bill includes the release of defendants who may pose a danger to public safety.”

Bail reform advocates say the governor is giving into to pressure from law enforcement who oppose the bill.

“My reaction is that disinformation is actually leading to policies,” said Kat Brady, who supports the bill.

“And that’s a problem that would show that the governor was actually paying attention to the disinformation that has been circulating on social media. That would be really heartbreaking for our government.”

Ige says he also plans to veto a renewable energy bill that will require up to a third of Hawaii’s renewable energy supply come from firm sources like geothermal, hydroelectric and biomass rather than intermittent sources like wind and solar.

Critics say the measure will kill hundreds of jobs in the solar and wind industries and make it difficult for the state to reach its goal of becoming petroleum-free by the year 2045.

For the governor’s full “intent to veto” list, click here.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Copyright 2022 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.