An attorney for six residents of House District 20 has renewed a request to have the Hawaii House of Representatives rule on Rep. Calvin Say’s residency qualifications.

Lance Collins of Maui wrote to Speaker Joe Souki on Friday on behalf of his clients, led by Ramona Hussey. It’s the third time the residents have asked Souki to act on the matter.

Their argument is that Say lives in another district and thus cannot represent Palolo, St. Louis Heights and the other neighborhoods of District 20. But Say has long maintained that the area is his home.

Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say's Palolo house on right with Diamond Head in background 10th Ave. on September 17, 2014

Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say’s Palolo house is at right, with Diamond Head in background.

PF Bentley/Civil Beat

In October, Souki declined to consider the challenge, stating that it was best to wait until the 2015 session. The session opens Wednesday.

A House spokeswoman said Collins’ most recent letter is being reviewed.

In September, a Circuit Court judge rejected a legal challenge to Say’s residency, stating that the House and not the courts has jurisdiction regarding residency.

Say, a Democrat and former speaker who has served in the House since 1976, was easily re-elected in November.

 

 

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