Hearing on Hawaii Rep. Calvin Say’s Residency Set for Friday

House lawmakers are planning to consider a petition challenging the longtime lawmaker’s right to represent District 20.

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A special committee made up of House lawmakers is holding a hearing Friday to consider a petition challenging Rep. Calvin Say’s residency.

Six voters filed the complaint alleging that Say lives in Pauoa Valley in the 25th House District rather than in the 20th House District that he represents.

Committee on Higher Education, Representative Calvin Say sits thru listening to testimony. 5 feb 2015. photograph Cory Lum/Civil Beat

Rep. Calvin Say

Cory Lum/Civil Beat

The issue has been raised repeatedly since 2006. A Hawaii judge decided last fall that it’s up to the House leadership to address whether or not the former House speaker and longtime lawmaker has violated the rules.

During Friday’s hearing, each side will have 20 minutes to present their case. The committee, which is chaired by Rep. Karl Rhoads, will have an opportunity to ask questions. No public testimony will be accepted.

The individuals behind the petition challenging Say’s residency include Ramona Hussey, M. Ka’imila Nicholson, Natalia Hussey Burdick, Brent Dupuis, Marvin Heskett, and Joel Merchant.

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