i L i n d . n e t

[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