i L i n d . n e t

First an explanation–a computer glitch just ate most of today’s entry the first time around. So I’m proceeding with a rerun, hopefully as good as the earlier effort.

Yesterday’s entry drew this comment on the nomination of Randal Lee to the Intermediate Court of Appeals from a good friend whose judgement I have relied on several times:

I had a case in front of Judge Lee and was very impressed. Although it settled on the eve of trial, he did rule on motions for summary judgement and a number of other motions. In my view he distinguished himself in a complex case by getting the applicable standards right and applying them appropriately. (BTW, I lost the motion.) He did a good job and showed that he can analyze complex issues well; just the sort of thing you want ICA judegs to do.

I also can confirm that his general demeanor was consistantly pleasant and respectful towards all, which greatly facilitated the ultimate settlement.

I don’t know him otherwise and indeed have not seen him since the end of the case. I have no idea why any bar governor would rate him unqualified. Certainly nothing I saw would justify such a determination.

And the Hawaii State Bar Association sent out an email to members yesterday with the testimony it submitted on Lee’s nomination.

On a less serious note, another reader wrote pointed to one of those Advertiser “breaking news” items yesterday, with this note: “Whew! That’s a relief . . .”

The news, dateline, Milwaukee.

Hawai’i has gained another special distinction.
It’s the best place to avoid collision with a deer.

Here in Hawaii, according to this study, you’ve got only a one in 16,624 chance of hitting a deer.

The reader added simply: “One more reason Lucky you live Hawai`i ??”

Meanwhile, the Super Session left the dock yesterday. Both House and Senate were in session briefly and then adjourned, and the Senate started a marathon public hearing. The hearing was broadcast via streaming video on Olelo’s Channel 53, meaning you could watch it from anywhere in the world. Hopefully today’s House hearing will get the same treatment. The Legislature’s web site has quick links to the latest draft of the Superferry bill, and to testimony presented at its hearings on Kauai, Maui, and here in Honolulu.

Surprisingly, the rare public comment issued yesterday by the State Judiciary in response to criticism from Gov. Lingle (which, by the way, transparently parroted the public relations line of Hawaii Superferry, Inc) didn’t seem to get a mention in the Star-Bulletin today, or at least I didn’t find it in my first pass through the online edition early this a.m. The Advertiser, on the other hand, devoted substantial space to it. When the K5 News at 9 reported on the Judiciary statement last night, the story didn’t mention that it was a direct response to the governor. Hello? That’s the thing that made the press release somewhat extraordinary.

To take your mind of all this, check out the U.S. Drought Monitor maintained by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where you can track week to week, perhaps even day to day changes in drought conditions. Yes, Hawaii is on the list at the “abnormally dry” end of the scale.

Or check out this little  interview for another perspective on environmental spin.