10. “Barry [Fukunaga] has a tremendous understanding of state and city government and has proven to be an outstanding manager and leader.” (On Barry Fukunaga becoming her chief of staff, Dec. 3)
9. “Judge Cardoza recognized that the Legislature and our Administration worked cooperatively, within the boundaries of our state constitution, to pass a law that preserves an important interisland transportation alternative for the people of Hawai‘i.” (On Judge Joseph Cardoza lifting his injunction on Hawai‘i Superferry, Nov. 14)
8. “I first appointed Judge [Randal] Lee to the Circuit Court in 2005 because I felt his extensive experience as a deputy prosecuting attorney, as well as his background with the Public Defender’s Office gave him a broad perspective that is critical to serving on the bench. Over the past two years, Judge Lee has served the people of Hawai‘i well and I am proud to appoint him to the Intermediate Court of Appeals.” (On her nominating Randal Lee to Court of Appeals, Oct. 15)
7. “It’s very troubling that Senate President [Colleen] Hanabusa is misleading the public and distorting my commitment to honor the will of Hawai‘i voters. The Senate President and her colleagues are fully aware that I submitted a bill that would establish the very type of advisory selection council the people of Hawai‘i voted for in November—one that does not cater to special interests, one that ensures the selection process remains open and transparent, one that does not run counter to national best practices in university governance, and one that is supported by [University of Hawai‘i] President David McClain.” (On Hanabusa’s criticism of Lingle for vetoing a bill creating an advisory council on UH regents, even though the voters had passed a constitutional amendment requiring exactly that, April 19)
6. “[We] mutually concluded it was in the best interest of all that he resign his position effective immediately.” (On accepting Chief of Staff Bob Awana’s resignation, June 28)
5. “I want to lead us down the path of innovation because it is the path of hope and opportunity.” (On her new “Innovation” proposals, first introduced during her State of the State Address, Jan. 22)
4. “It is clear that the majority party in the Senate doesn’t want people with a prosecutor’s background to be on the court. It is a real sad day when someone of such character… can’t get confirmed.” (On the state Senate voting to reject her appointment of Randal Lee to the Court of Appeals, Oct. 30)
3. “We respect everyone’s right to voice their opinion, but we will not allow a small group of protestors to act out in a lawless manner to obstruct the operations of a legitimate business, intimidate the people who wish to use its services or put people’s lives at risk.” (On Hawai‘i Superferry announcing that it would return to Kauai, though it never actually did, Sept. 12)
2. “Bob [Awana] resigned because of the media attention and the sensationalization of him being a victim of blackmail and his personal life and personal issues. It was determined that the media wouldn’t let up and it would take away from our focus. He made the decision and I agreed to it.” (Further ruminations on Awana’s resignation, Dec. 3)
And the top Linda Lingle quote for 2007, as voted on by me, the editor, is…
1. “This special session is not just about one company or one vessel, it is about the long-term economic well-being of our state; and about giving our residents, farmers and civil defense agencies options when traveling between the islands. Allowing this transportation alternative to resume will also restore the reputation of our state as a fair place to do business.” (Lingle explaining why the state Legislature had to exempt Hawai‘i Superferry from state environmental laws, Oct. 23) MTW
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