Folks watching the House and Senate floor sessions Tuesday (March 6) saw many a member vote “yes with reservations” — aka “WR” — on legislation.

As explained in House rules and Senate rules, “yes with reservations” is interpreted as a “favorable” vote, but it might more accurately be understood as “I’m not crazy about this bill, and I just might change my mind.”

Another interpretation: “I will tell my constituents I voted with reservations in case the bill turns out to be unpopular.”

Legislators cannot vote “no” with reservations. But they can vote “kanalua,” meaning “undecided,” the first time the clerk calls for a vote. If they vote kanalua on the next call, it will be recorded as a “yes” vote.

During the final days of the 2010 legislative session, Republicans confer on the floor of the House with a Democrat.