October 25, 2007 - Special Session

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"The residents of Hawai‘i should know the importance of the special
legislative session goes far beyond issues surrounding the Superferry service. 

Legislators will also address the State’s extended sentencing law, which was ruled unconstitutional by the State Supreme Court; stating judges, not juries, would decide the factors that lead to longer prison sentences. 

Senators will consider the confirmation of close to 100 individuals who are willing to serve on our state Boards and Commissions.

Interim directors for three critical state departments are also subject to Senate confirmation.  They oversee areas each of us hold dear – our safety, our employment and our cultural and natural resources. 

Finally, a confirmation hearing will be held for Judge Randal Lee, who I nominated to fill a vacancy on the Immediate Court of Appeals.

These outstanding public servants deserve a fair and open hearing and I urge you to support them by contacting your legislators today."