Editor’s Note: House Speaker Calvin Say sent this email to Civil Beat reporter Michael Levine in response to his “No Conflict?” series. He gave Civil Beat permission to publish the email.

Dear Mike:

Your series of Civil Beat articles on conflicts of interest in the Legislature were well-researched, comprehensive, and thought-provoking.

I believe that all legislators want to do the right thing when conducting legislative business. All legislators use good faith in voting on issues, basing their votes on the public good rather than personal benefit.

I also believe that a part-time legislature is the best form of government for our State. A part-time legislature enables persons to serve as legislators while also holding other jobs. The diverse perspectives that result, in my view, are necessary for a well-rounded legislature comprised of legislators with real-life experiences and practical skills.

As long as Hawaii has a part-time legislature, potential conflict of interest situations will be unavoidable. This detriment, however, will be mitigated by proper public disclosure of legislators’ votes and financial interests. A legislator’s constituents will have the final say on whether the legislator deserves re-election.

In closing, I would like to reiterate my view that a legislator is elected to represent the legislator’s constituents, and that this “representation” is effectuated by voting on the issues. Thus, the right of a legislator to vote should not be restricted, except under extraordinary circumstances.

Sincerely,

Calvin K.Y. Say

Read our related coverage:

• No Conflict? When Reasonable Minds Disagree
• When Hawaii Reps Ask, Say Says ‘No Conflict’
• Tsutsui Let Lawmaker Vote To Confirm His Own Son
• No Conflict? Data Behind Civil Beat Series
• No Conflict? Ground Rules in the Hawaii House
• No Conflict? My Grandson Is a Med School Student
• No Conflict? I Am an Importer of Liquor
• No Conflict? At My Gas Station We Sell Petroleum Products
• No Conflict? I Live on Land Zoned Agricultural
• No Conflict? My Wife Is From Peru
• No Conflict? My Law Partner Lobbies This Bill
• No Conflict? I Serve on the Board of Directors of Legal Aid
• No Conflict? My Family’s in Mortgage Remodification With Our Lender
• No Conflict? I Have a Family Member at University of Hawaii
• No Conflict? I Own a Company That Brokers Health Insurance