Senate

Another Reason Why Abercrombie Isn’t Popular

Governor Abercrombie isn't very popular in Hawaii -- in fact, he's the least popular governor in the United States and his appointment of Lt. Governor Brian Schatz to fill the late Senator Inouye's seat is another example why.

Abercrombie chose Schatz from a list of recommendations from the Democratic Party of Hawaii that included U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa and and Esther Kiaaina, the deputy director of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Inouye had asked Abercrombie to name Hanabusa, who represents urban Honolulu's 1st Congressional District, as his "last wish" before he died last week at 88 of respiratory complications.

Hawaii desperately needs a senator who will work tirelessly for appropriations and it's clear that Inouye had Hanabusa in mind for a reason. Instead, Abercrombie went with his own lieutenant -- another white guy instead of someone who more ethnically resembled Hawaii's multicultural tapestry.