[The following e-mail was written following the musings in my initial entry this morning. It seemed appropriate not simply to think about the issues but to just put the questions to the governor directly, as her web site invites. Now we'll see if it results in a response. I'm hoping for the best.]
From: ian@ilind.net
Subject: Conduct of members of state delegations and trade missions
Date: July 3, 2007 5:59:50 AM HST
To: governor.lingle@hawaii.gov
Dear Governor Lingle:
I understand that you do not want to interfere with an ongoing criminal case and possible additional probe involving the state’s former administrative director, Bob Awana, who also served as your chief of staff. However, you have promised the public accountability and transparency.
The real policy issues and political issues are independent of these external investigations and will not be resolved by whatever happens in the criminal case which, by the way, is likely to be wrapped up this week when the defendant is expected to enter a guilty plea.
One clear policy question is whether there is any truth to the reports that Mr. Awana, the second most powerful person in state government, was directly or indirectly arranging sexual “entertainment” for members of one or more official state delegations to foreign countries known for their famous but much-criticized sex trades.
Accordingly I would respectfully ask you to respond to the following questions.
-Were you aware of allegations that arrangements for “entertainment” of delegates traveling to the Philippines were being made?
-Have you ordered an investigation into these allegations?
-If not, will you order such an investigation?
-If this has been done, will the results be made public?
-Is there a code of conduct for members of our delegations?
-Are members of official state delegations and trade missions asked not to partake of the “adult entertainment†as long as they serving as ambassadors of the state?
As you can see, simple “yes” or “no” answers will be sufficient.
Thank you for your attention.
-Ian Lind
www.iLind.net
Why isn’t it being pointed out that the real reason insiders see there is a leash on Lingle is because powerful interests can blackmail her over her lesbian persuasion, which is just as well-known by the press, but even more suppressed.
Poinography! » Bow to the master // Jul 3, 2007 at 4:51 pm
[...] only one blog you Hawaii politics junkies need to read today, and that blog is iLind.net where Ian asks the Governor the questions that the Honolulu media have only been wanting to ask. Good show, [...]
Wondering how anyone could be blackmailed in this day and age for being gay. I mean, who cares?
Poinography! » Will Lingle disclose details on Awana’s case? Not likely. // Oct 31, 2007 at 6:29 pm
[...] hoopla is complete, today a column by the Advertiser’s David Shapiro goes back to tug on the thread originally loosened by Ian Lind in July. The man who blackmailed Robert Awana, Lingle’s [...]