House GOP replaces
Ward, Thielen

The new leadership says the change
should end polarization

By Mike Yuen
Star-Bulletin

"Young Turks" in the 12-member House Republican caucus have dumped Reps. Gene Ward and Cynthia Thielen, leading critics of the Democratic majority, in favor of a less contentious lineup promising cooperation with their Democratic counterparts.

"We are looking to stop the polarization and really seeking what's in the best interest for the people of Hawaii," said Quentin Kawananakoa, a second-term representative who replaces Ward as minority leader.

Veteran state Rep. Barbara Marumoto, moved into the caucus' second most powerful position, minority floor leader, replacing Thielen. Marumoto has long had a good working relationship with Democrats. Earlier this year, when she publicly criticized the Senate's new leadership system of committee co-chairpeople for stalling negotiations on the state budget, many House Democrats praised her for saying what was on their minds.

The shakeup in House GOP ranks had been brewing for weeks. It came to a conclusion last night when Ward addressed the caucus and officially stepped down.

The lineup change could also affect the race for Democratic U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie's urban Honolulu district. Both Kawananakoa and Ward would like to oust Abercrombie, although neither has officially declared his candidacy.

"Quentin's got an interesting load," said Orson Swindle, the Reagan administration appointee who twice ran against Abercrombie. "It will be a be real task to do both - run for Congress and lead the Republicans in the (state) House."

Three months ago, in a fund-raising letter, Kawananakoa declared that he had Swindle's endorsement and that "a race against Neil Abercrombie is almost a sure win."

But now that there could be a GOP primary fight between Kawananakoa and Ward, Swindle said, "I'll stay behind the scenes and let them go at it. One has youth, potential and money; the other has experience and knowledge of Asia."

Ward said Kawananakoa "would be better placed" as the GOP's candidate for lieutenant governor.

During his four years as minority leader, Ward never shied away from verbal combat with House Speaker Joe Souki. His responsibility as minority leader, Ward believed, was to sharpen the public's awareness of the differences in GOP and Democratic positions.

Four months ago, when Ward refused to stop criticizing a legislative broadcast policy which he said was a propaganda tool for the majority Democrats, Souki threw Ward off the House floor. Kawananakoa intervened. "I got him back on the floor with a reasonable, dignified, professional discussion with speaker," Kawananakoa said.

"I agree the major difference (with Ward) is style," Kawananakoa added.

"As minority leader, I may have my difficult times with Joe also. But I think we also understand that we all believe that what we're doing is in the best interest of the people of Hawaii."

Souki said he welcomes the GOP's promise of cooperation. "In a way, I'm sorry to see this happen.

In spite of our differences, I had respect for Gene and Cynthia. I look forward to working with the new group."

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GOP leadership

Minority leader: Quentin Kawananakoa, 35, of Nuuanu (replaces Gene Ward, 54, of Hahaione Valley)

Minority floor leader: Barbara Marumoto, 58, of Waialae Iki (replaces Cynthia Thielen, 63, of Kailua)

Assistant minority leader: Sam Aiona, 32, of Makiki (replaces Marumoto)

Assistant minority floor leader: Colleen Meyer, 58, of Kahaluu (retains position)

Minority whip: David Pendleton, 30, of Kailua (replaces Kawananakoa)

Minority policy leader: Chris Halford, 45, of Kihei (retains position)