Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Musings: Wala`au With Dickie

Upon hearing reports that Deputy County Attorney Mike Dahilig had called Councilman Dickie Chang at home one evening and asked if he wanted to have a beer, then showed up with a cold pack, followed thereafter by the separate arrivals of Deputy County Attorney Ian Jung and County Attorney Al Castillo and a discussion of the pending transient vacation rental bill, in which Dickie reportedly was told it was his duty to pass the measure because otherwise the county would be sued, I called Mike late yesterday afternoon and asked if it was typical for county attorneys to meet with Councilmembers at their homes and have conversations about bills before the Council.

“You are not the first person to make that inquiry of our office today,” Mike said. “What we did was not illegal. We’re the attorneys for all the Council members. And it’s like any other attorney and client. If they wish to talk with us, we are not going to dictate the venue they choose; we are not going to discern where the locale is. Our office does not engage in direct lobbying, but if there are legal concerns, we will discuss those matters with them.”

“But I heard that you called Dickie,” I said. “He didn’t call you.”

“We may even ask to sit down with Council members if we feel there is some confusion about the issue raised about them on the [Council] floor,” Mike said. “We’re going to advise and counsel, but never take any type of action to tell them how to vote. If we feel that there is some issues being raised that are not on point, we will raise issues with them. We do not go and say actually you have to vote a certain way.”

“What about the beer?” I asked. “Is that just a guy thing, or what’s up with that?”

“Beer is not a substance that we’re not allowed to engage in,” Mike said. “In terms of what beverages we’re drinking, that’s not our job to be in a position to describe the circumstances of the meeting. As far as alcohol consumption, I can’t find anywhere that says it’s illegal.”

“Did you talk to any other Councilmembers?” I asked.

“I’m not going to answer that, and I’m not going to discuss the nature of the conversation,” he said. “That’s privileged information [under attorney-client privilege].”

Is what happened between Dickie and the attorneys illegal? The County Attorney’s office says no.

Is it unethical? In terms of the code for attorney conduct, I asked two lawyers and was unable to get an answer to that question.

Is it appropriate? I’ll let you decide.

Did it have an effect? Well, before the meeting, Dickie was not going to support the bill.

The bill goes before the full Council on Wednesday.

77 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dickie is not a member of the Planning committee and has not as yet cast a vote.

Anonymous said...

AL CASTILLO and his boys VISITS COUNCILMEMBER>>>WOW AL, Wala'au

“We may even ask to sit down with Council members if we feel there is some confusion about the issue raised about them on the [Council] floor,” Mike said. “We’re going to advise and counsel, but never take any type of action to tell them how to vote

Dickie is not a member of the planning committee and didn't raise any issues that needed clarification.They just needed to tell him how to vote.
Dickie needs to recuse himself...Kaipo should defer the hearing, get outside council to see if there has been unethical or inappropriate behavior from the county attorney's office. Seems like the CA is telling Lies, the attorney is trying to make it like Dickie called them, but Al Castillo and his boys visited the councilmember to get him to change his mind about a bill he's about to vote on.
Sunshine anyone?????????????

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a beer summit! Hey, the president talks story about issues over beer.

Anonymous said...

Doctors make house calls. This is even better because they brought beer. No pupus?

Mel Rapozo said...

I have submitted a written request, through Council Chair Asing, that the Council defer this matter until these allegations can be investigated by an outside agency. This is a serious matter that should not be taken lightly. The County Attorney has a duty to represent all departments of the County, and should not be "taking sides" of either the Executive or Legislative branches of government.

Anonymous said...

About time someone stepped in to help out Dickie. The guy is clueless.

Anonymous said...

To determine whether you really think it is an ethics violation or whether you are just grasping at straws pretend the bill is one you strongly support. Pretend the bill would halt the highway widening project if a large number of iwi are discovered and the purpose of the bill is to avoid expensive litigation.

If that were the case, would you really think it shocking and unethical if some county attorneys visit a council member with a six-pack and tell him about the county's exposure if the bill does not pass?

Anonymous said...

Mel...a veritable paragon of virtue.

That guy

Anonymous said...

Didn't Mel also go to Dickie's house and try talk him the other way?
Not sure I understand a rule that says council members can't talk to their lawyers. Is that really a rule?

Anonymous said...

Best line of he week so far ....

"Beer is not a substance that we’re not allowed to engage in,”

That reg is in the charter somewhere ... attorneys can only drink milk when meeting with council members.

But the real foul was when Mike broke out the truffles and brie, virtually guaranteeing a win for the rich landowners.

Anonymous said...

Mel isn't a County Attorney.

Anonymous said...

Hawai`i Rules of Court - Rules of Professional Conduct

Rule 2.1, Comm't 5

Offering Advice
[5] In general, a lawyer is not expected to give advice until asked by the client. However, when a lawyer knows that a client proposes a course of action that is likely to result in substantial adverse legal consequences to the client, duty to the client under Rule 1.4 may require that the lawyer act if the client's course of action is related to the representation. A lawyer ordinarily has no duty to initiate investigation of a client's affairs or to give advice that the client has indicated is unwanted, but a lawyer may initiate advice to a client when doing so appears to be in the client's interest.

Anonymous said...

Excellent research into the law. Since the "client's interest" is, or should be, the avoidance of lawsuits and adverse financial judgments to the county, the meeting was good.

By the way - how did knowledge of a meeting of a couple of people arriving at different times at someone's house become known?

Someone spying on councilmen's homes?

Reports that somebody called somebody else?

Who leaks this stuff??

And all the follow-up...

What a small, paranoid little island you have over there.

Anonymous said...

much ado about nothing

tempest in a teapot

grasping at straws

mountain out of a molehill

Anonymous said...

It's real simple; this is your Kauai government in action. Obviously the administration does not believe in the separation of powers, and has decided to once again utilize the county attorneys office to pressure Dickie to fall in line.

The county attorney's office is the perfect foil -- ah yes, the beauty of the "attorney client privilege." Dickie must have put up a fight -- took three county attorneys over a cold-pack, including Castillo, to force a vote.

This is corruption, plain and simple.

And oh yeah, I bet I know the nature of the "legal advice."

Dickie -- you better vote for this because if you do not, we (the county attorneys' office) will not defend you if the county is sued. It would be a crying shame if you lost your house over this. Great, thanks for the beers, next time we'll bring poke.

Pathetic.

Anonymous said...

Why not just claim that they beat him with rubber hoses and phone books as proof of "corruption pure and simple"?

LOL

Wahine Warrior said...

WOw Joan, that was pretty brave and darn good reporting. When I see the new "Kaua'i Bunch", since they are all so young, they remind me of the "Brady Bunch" as I have termed the new crop of hungry, fresh out of law school chomping at the bit crop of attornies for the county , (remember they are paid by the residents, and they are supposed to be our attorneys, not the personal attorneys of councilmemebers and are here to do OUR bidding, as WE are the clients), I see them as being groomed to protect councilmembers from corruption charges and the county from lawsuits from rich people, who will always have the upper hand because they can pay for long court cases and higher paid attornies. Further, when they are all through with the county attorney gigs, they will be needing prospective employers and I can guarantee you they wont be trotting over to Legal Aid. They will be making bee lines for the rich clients they sought to coddle, to show their suck up skills in council chambers. Its like a huge job interview for them. "See how good I am" I can manipulate the council, give opinions in your favor and call a secretive time out every time things get hot! Hire Me! Hire ME!".

They are also being shown how to rebutt testimonies of the general public, how to cut off public acess to information, how to call an executive session when anything gets too hot in the council chambers, to learn who is who in the "Peoples Peanut Gallery", and to kow tow to developers and attornies in the gallery.

What these "Kaua'i Bunch" are learning is in my opinion nothing good. I sure don't see them as learning to "serve the people". I see them as turning their fresh young idealistic bright minds into a bunch of cynicle, prejudiced developer freindly money hungry, corruption hiding and supporting "Kauai Foul Bunch".

unless you are watching all this first hand, you really don't see things the way I do. Grabbing some brews, and heading out to a councilmembers home? HIGHLY unethical. And I feel very sorry for Dickie. I hope he just bows out of the race, like Lani did. She saw the writing on the wall, and knows she doesnt want to sell her soul. I hope that Dickie takes the same tack. He just is not cut out for this. If he can be pursuaded for a six pack of beer, that is pretty sad. But I know Dickie. He is better then that. He is too good hearted to sit on that pack of wolves council. And I don't mean the council members. The council is being taken over by the "Wolf Pack" of young attorneys being bred to hunt down and annihilate any opposition to rich well heeled money coming into Kauai and their interests. Period.

Ok, kids. Prove auntie wrong. I dare ya. And if I was on that council, I would send you all to your rooms and put you in time out until you remembered who actually cuts your paychecks. The people. Auntie has a spine of steel. You just lucky I am not at that table. Yet.

Anonymous said...

Ah, the naivete of it all.

People who lose are those who assume "the system" will work as it should and act accordingly.

People who win are those who know "the system" will work as it does and act accordingly.

There's A) "the rules of the game" and then there's B) "the way the game is really played".

Agendas backed by wealth, power and influence (externally and internally to the system) move things from A towards B (sometimes more, sometimes less).

Using A to fight against B is a losing strategy.

Anonymous said...

(remember they are paid by the residents, and they are supposed to be our attorneys, not the personal attorneys of councilmemebers and are here to do OUR bidding, as WE are the clients)

Jeezus, Wahine. Could you do at least a modicum of trying to educate yourself before spouting off?


Kauai County Charter Section 8.04. Powers, Duties and Functions. The county attorney shall be the chief legal adviser and legal representative of all agencies, including the council, and of all officers and employees in matters relating to their official powers and duties, and he shall represent the county in all legal proceedings. He shall perform all other services incident to his office as may be required by law.

jack said...

Another great job, Joan.

This is enough to make me want to vote for Dickie...if he stands strong and does not succumb.

This whole sordid episode goes beyond the appearance of impropriety and Iʻm glad Mel is on it.

I donʻt think matters are to be discussed outside county chambers amongst individual council members and especially in an inappropriate such as imbibing in alcohol. When the alcohol entered the picture it became unethical, because certainly, county attorneys cannot claim that because alcohol is legal it is acceptable in regular county meetings.

This stinks. The reasoning that the county will be sued is equally questionable as to legal counselʻs ethics. A potential lawsuit is a very grim reason to vote a certain way and has already presented its negative affects with the Planning Commission being threatened to vote a certain way...it is a form of extortion/bribery/duress.
And it is certainly illegal.
Voting for these illegal reasons is tearing away at the spirit of the laws.
Weʻre with you Mel.

Anonymous said...

By the way - how did knowledge of a meeting of a couple of people arriving at different times at someone's house become known

Dickie let it be known, no spies,

jack said...

Another thought on why these attorneys will go to any measure to influence a council member to vote a certain way so they donʻt get sued has nothing to do with protecting the county: it is selfish reasons stemming from their self awareness of their own incompetency in law.

Kauai needs some good attorneys. Thereʻs a lot to protect on this treasure of an island and these fakes should not be in the driver seat any longer.

Kauai needs county attorneys that will say: Youʻre going to sue us? Bring it on.

Anonymous said...

"Bring it on", eh?

Not if there's an extremely high probability of losing and costing the county lots of money.

That would be the case in these potential lawsuits.

Legal consul must advise their client (county council) of the upsides and downsides. If a recommendation is asked for, such consul should advise to take action to avoid the highly probable loss.

These lawyers are not "the people's" lawyers. They are the county government's lawyers and, in cases of simple negligence, the individual councilman's lawyer.

Gross negligence isn't covered, but much harder to prove.

Anonymous said...

Another thought on why these attorneys will go to any measure to influence a council member to vote a certain way so they donʻt get sued has nothing to do with protecting the county: it is selfish reasons stemming from their self awareness of their own incompetency in law.

Sure, Jack. Whatever you say.

Anonymous said...

Kipu Kai - The guy is clueless.

July 27, 2010 8:13 AM

Anonymous said...

Have you listened to the Council member/provider of this 'information' speak? based on that you are not convinced he needs a lot of help with his homework?

Anonymous said...

"Bring it on", eh?

Not if there's an extremely high probability of losing and costing the county lots of money.

That would be the case in these potential lawsuits.

Please oh please tell us what grounds your talking of?

Anonymous said...

Superferry. It lost (too bad) do to reasons other than the county or state mounting a losing lawsuit.

Bresca house. Beautiful. No one dares sue him because they will lose big.

TVR's. New laws can apply to new things, but not all the old ones. Grandfather them in and move on. Fixing inept governmental actions that lead to consequences you now don't want cannot be fixed retroactively without big damages.

If anyone can claim they had approvals, regardless of how shoddy those approvals might have been, the county is exposed to damages. They can't "change their minds" once property owners take action "in good faith" based on "promises made".

The only solutions lie in the future. Fix inept government so things deemed as "mistakes now" weren't approved then".

Something exists as a law only to the extent that is applied and enforced. Non-enforcement actually, over time, provides legal standing to lawbreakers in certain circumstances.

Bunch of clowns over there on Gilligan's Island.

Anonymous said...

'There's A) "the rules of the game" and then there's B) "the way the game is really played".


'Using A to fight against B is a losing strategy."

That's a lot of words to say "people who follow rules are losers!

Anonymous said...

"but a lawyer may initiate advice to a client when doing so appears to be in the client's interest."

ahhhhh.... the giant hole of discretion chock full of "may" and "appear."

Feel free to define any situation in these terms to issue advice at will.

Anonymous said...

County Charter "He shall perform all other services incident to his office as may be required by law."

I assume a plain language reading of this charter would exempt a female in this office from this proviso?

Anonymous said...

"I assume a plain language reading of this charter would exempt a female in this office from this proviso?"

Not at all the charter uses the masculine but applies it to both sexes so like public restrooms that say "Men" or "Women", you may just feel free to use either one based upon the advice of your own council.

Remember rules are for losers!

Anonymous said...

So although decisions are made in council the discussions leading up to these decisions are made wearing beer googles?

Anonymous said...

Lawyer Mike: "Our office does not engage in direct lobbying, but if there are legal concerns, we will discuss those matters with them.”

And when pray tell is there ever "NOT" a legal concern? Sounds like unchecked, discretionary power for "Our office" to control communications between and among their clients. They advise the council as a whole, but advise individual council members individually thereby creating a firewall between what the group knows and what individuals know. The lawyers since they advise everyone and also know but will not disclose the nature of such advice seems to hold all the communication cards. Guess who is in charge of the playground kids?

Anonymous said...

That's a lot of words to say "people who follow rules are losers!

=======

Doesn't that explain a lot of what's happening on Gilligan's Island?

Don't many people know how to get what they want and keep it in spite of "rules"?

Don't dis people who know how to play the game better than others and end up getting what they want.

Anonymous said...

"The lawyers since they advise everyone and also know but will not disclose the nature of such advice seems to hold all the communication cards."

This is a classic man-in-the-middle attack

Anonymous said...

And when pray tell is there ever "NOT" a legal concern?

An act should/not be taken because it is politically popular, popular among moneyed interests, or popular because it is good policy is a political concern.

An act should/not be taken because it will expose the county to legal liability is a legal concern.

Understand now?

Anonymous said...

Who knew Mel was such a drama queen?

Anonymous said...

Hi Bernard, We see you hiding behind those county attorney's... when the biggest owners of agricultural land are lobbying big time for this, you can be sure it is not in the interest of average residents .

Anonymous said...

Who leaks this stuff??

And all the follow-up...

direct from the wala'au

Anonymous said...

when the biggest owners of agricultural land are lobbying big time for this

Really? The biggest owners of ag land are lobbying for this? Oh, well, then...

Wait a minute. No they're not.

dummass

Anonymous said...

It is interesting that so many question the intention of Dickie Chang?

I am however, amused that no one questions how the information was leaked.

Did the "spies" not see that Mel Rapozo HIMSELF was at Dickie Chang's home?

That Mel, like the attorneys, was there to give Dickie HIS advice?

One must understand as well, that although Mel was not partaking in alcoholic beverages while at the home of Chang, it is my understanding that he had been indulging himself with concoctions in Omao just prior to his arrival at Chang's.

Showing up at 10:15 on a Friday night to "give advice" and then poorly trying to turn the table on Chang will not work out in Mel's favor.

Oh silly Mel, there are spies all around you

Anonymous said...

Mel should investigate his boss. She's got a few skeletons in her closet.

Anonymous said...

I cant help but laugh at these posts. Would Mel really care if he wasn't running for council? Does anyone love Kauai more than Dickie Chang? I think Mel had his chance. Won't be getting my vote. I'll vote for Chang and watch yet another failed attempt by Mel.

jackbauer said...

TO: July 27, 2010 12:06 PM

So I guess the policy should be, according to your theory, is if a developer says heʻs going to sue to get his way, then the county should automatically fold?

Get real.

Anonymous said...

It wasn't Dickie that did wrong, it was the county attorney's. Why 3 of them, that is what seems strange to me.
I guess he should recuse himself... i didn't hear anyone say Dickie did anything wrong, seems ethically incorrect though for the county attorney's

Anonymous said...

"Would Mel really care if he wasn't running for council?"

Ha ha ha....that's a good one!

First one guy said no one cares enough to donate $10. to a save ag legal fund.

Then rich land owners keep insisting that most people support their having vacation rentals on agricultural land.

Why if these illegal vacation rentals
are so popular, would Mel be against them?

Not for the votes, I can tell you that.

Anonymous said...

Wala'au!!! Say it ain't so!!!

They haven't gotten to ya' Dickie?

Have they???

Oh, Dickie!

Show the people with your vote against Bill #2364 that you're still independent and righteous. Prior Council's mistakes are not yours to cover for, Dickie.

"Oh what a tangled web they weave when first they practice to deceive."

You can stop the deception now, Dickie. Let the chips fall where they may. Vote NO on Bill #2364.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous, regardless of your lone vote, Mel is going to win election, handily. Dickie is on the bubble along with Tim. Dickie votes against #2364, he wins re-election. He votes for #2364, he's out, and nobody from the CA's office will show up at his after election 'party' to thank him.

Dickie, you don't have to cover for these a$$holes.

Re: Anonymous said...

"I think Mel had his chance. Won't be getting my vote. I'll vote for Chang and watch yet another failed attempt by Mel."

Anonymous said...

Groundless Accusations, Righteous Indignation, Legal Fantasy, Caustic Outrage, Moral Superiority, Over Compensation.

"Don't worry I'll save you, now more than ever."

Oh! Mel's back.

Anonymous said...

Wheels of Commerce vs. Land Use Laws. No contest. Need the $$$ to pay the gardeners, housekeepers, cooks, mortgage, property taxes, lawyers, realtor's fee, bank fees, kids' tuition, Benz, B-mer (cuz nothing says f-u like a car made by Nazis), trips abroad, Harley collection, boob job, Gucci bag, etc. It wouldn't be so bad if the money was distributed a little more fairly, you know, like what would Jesus do, Mr. TVR owner? Instead of Joe Generous who was paying his workers for three hours a week because it fit their schedule and his wallet (unless you're paying them a grand an hour, in which case I apologize for presuming that you're a tight ass).

Anonymous said...

Reasons why the bill should be deferred or Dickie and Lani should just vote against it:

TVRs on Ag Lands Bill 2364: Among other things it provides no public appeals process; makes inspections optional and conflicts with flood control laws.

You didn't create this problem Dickie and Lani. You should vote against it.

How many votes do these TVR owners have? A few hundred? How many law abiding middle class votes are in Kaua'i? A few thousand. Vote it down Dickie and Lani, it's not your problem.

Anonymous said...

Wow! Congratulations to the Planning Commission on the headline in today's Garden Isle. No, it's not about Ian's little boy's club getting together to persuade Dickie to vote for the TVR bill!

Instead, wouldn't you know it? The headline reads - "Planning Commission Recieves Award," having to do with downtown Lihue.

Wouldn't it be nice if tomorrow the headline read "Kauai County Council refuses to cowtow to illegal TVR owners."

That would be something to celebrate.

Anonymous said...

this is what passes for 'news' on your island? tragic.

Anonymous said...

You would prefer "Gunman Opens Fire in Supermarket"? Or "Chemical Plant Explodes"? Or "Child Abducted"?

Anonymous said...

Anything except constant small-town politics!

It's like "inside the beltway" of Gilligan's Island!

Anonymous said...

I would find gunmen, explosions and abductions far more interesting.

What Kauai needs now is a real smart serial killer who can string 'em out until at least 20 before being caught.

No one would care about TVR's any more.

Anonymous said...

Please! Don't try to change the subject and tell us what we should be doing.

We just don't want to sit back and watch our island to go to hell.

I guess that's your job

Anonymous said...

This blog shows the real problem on Kauai...everybody is afraid to comment under their own name because a rational discussion cannot be had on Kauai. Apparently what people think is reporting is just political posturing for some office or another. Blogging allows for biased opinions to be mixed in with events that suit the opinion being promoted, reporting is actually much different animal. Understanding the issues would involve grown up discussions (not throwing idiotic accusations around, and personal insults) and an explanation of the law and its application. It is unfortunate that people on Kauai are being fed biased opinions as facts so that elections can be won by certain individuals.

Anonymous said...

Headline should be: Handful of pea brain blog commenters continue to foam at mouth; this time about small number of tvrs that might be allowed to continue operation.

Wahine Warrior said...

ok so here it goes:

first, to the first anony who thinks I don't know what I am talking about...again, the invitation to introduce yourself to me personally and tell me exactly how you feel. GO ahead. Come on. Don't be shy. I am a real nice person. Let's go get some beers and do a beer summit. Oh wait. I do not drink alcohol or do any type of drugs. I eat. Bring cheesecake, and some ice cream. Thats how you get my vote. And maybe some pumpkin crunch. I would vote any way you want for some pumpkin crunch! Yes, indeedy.

Now, for the issue of who those attornies represent. Wow. You sure have no idea what you are talking about, do you? Who pays for the county attornies fees? THE PEOPLE OF THIS COUNTY DO. Who do they represent? THe County Departments and administrators. Who do they work for? THE PEOPLE OF KAUAI. Do the County Attornies get paid by individuals, or THE PEOPLE OF KAUAI? Therefore, any individual working for a county agency under any capacity, with public funds works for the PEOPLE OF KAUAI. The ultimate buck stops with THE PEOPLE OF KAUAI. The county attorney is not "THEIR" attorney, but represents US and the PEOPLE OF KAUAI, VIA county employees who WORK FOR THE PEOPLE OF KAUAI.

Therefore, THE PEOPLE OF KAUAI can demand investigations, and demand accountability of ALL COUNTY EMPLOYEES, including the COUNTY ATTORNEY's OFFICE, becasue they are paid for with PUBLIC FUNDS: IE THE PEOPLE OF KAUAI.

I suggest YOU go back and do YOUR homework. Or take a basic Logic 101 class at KCC. I did. You should try it too.

Amen. Now I gotta go get ready for the council meeting see ya there. Don't forget to say hi now.

And bring pumpkin crunch.

Anonymous said...

Now, for the issue of who those attornies represent. Wow. You sure have no idea what you are talking about, do you? Who pays for the county attornies fees? THE PEOPLE OF THIS COUNTY DO. Who do they represent? THe County Departments and administrators. Who do they work for? THE PEOPLE OF KAUAI. Do the County Attornies get paid by individuals, or THE PEOPLE OF KAUAI? Therefore, any individual working for a county agency under any capacity, with public funds works for the PEOPLE OF KAUAI. The ultimate buck stops with THE PEOPLE OF KAUAI. The county attorney is not "THEIR" attorney, but represents US and the PEOPLE OF KAUAI

Again, a little self-educating before flapping the mouth would save a lot of pointlessly wasted pixels.


Rule 1.7. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: GENERAL RULE. cmt. 10 Interest of Person Paying for a Lawyer's Service:
A lawyer may be paid from a source other than the client, if the client is informed of that fact and consents and the arrangement does not compromise the lawyer's duty of loyalty to the client. See Rule 1.8(f).

In other words, it doesn't matter who is paying the lawyer, the lawyers duty is to the client, not to the person or people paying.

Anonymous said...

Therefore, THE PEOPLE OF KAUAI can demand investigations, and demand accountability of ALL COUNTY EMPLOYEES, including the COUNTY ATTORNEY's OFFICE, becasue they are paid for with PUBLIC FUNDS: IE THE PEOPLE OF KAUAI.

The people of Kauai can demand free cheesecake for life if they want to. That doesn't mean they're entitled to free cheesecake, or investigations.

Anonymous said...

For the record... the correct spelling is Dahilig.

Anonymous said...

There's cheesecake?

Anonymous said...

tourista are the new money tree

Anonymous said...

mel was a no show. figures.

Joan Conrow said...

For the record... the correct spelling is Dahilig.

thanks

Wahine Warrior said...

No cheesecake. No pumpkin crunch. And in my opinion by the end of the night I think everyone regretted voting yes on the TVR bill.

Funny thing to me is that all of the farmers left and no one stayed to fight for the farm worker housing bill...except Joann was there, and Roy was there, and some of the people that have land in Moloa'a.

It was decided that the issue at Moloa'a, after Uncle Kaipo's presentation would be handled separately, and the requirement that a piece of land be in IAL designation was taken out.

We kinda figured out that if the IAL process works the way the rich want it too, it will downgrade most of the ag land so it can be rezoned. By taking out the IAL requirement, it assures that more people will be able to apply.

How this helps is that if one operation says it needs farm laborers, and the guy next door claims he can't farm, sort of cancels his claim out. Brilliant huh? I caught that one. Whew~ We got that out of there.

They try and try. But we are catching up real quick. As for the whole who is the client, and who pays the paycheck? Sorry, I am so not buying that. If that is the case, then get ready people of Kauai.

We can collectively hire our own team of attorneys then. Since apparently the County Attorney's office has different clients then us even though we have to foot the bill.

I think that collectively we can all pitch in together to hire a crack team. What do you all think?
I know some great local kids who are fresh out of law school. Let's get them on speed dial.

It could be like one great Law School Court Competition. We could maybe even get it on the list for a tourist event here, and charge admission.

We could serve pumpkin crunch, lemonade and flying saucers and popcorn. We could have waterslides for the keiki. It could be a great moneymaker.

Any takers?

Anonymous said...

You may not like it, but you have to acknowledge that it is the law - one who pays for a lawyer may not necessarily be that lawyer's client.

"Crack team" of newbie lawyers, eh?

Age, experience and guile will always win out over youth, inexperience and enthusiasm.

Besides, many civil cases are won through a "war of attrition"...one side causes the other side to spend more money on legal fees than it has.

This isn't a matter of justice. It never is. It's a matter of who has the deepest pockets and better lawyers.

Wahine Warrior said...

July 29, 2010 12:03 PM(anony).


Well, in that case, you just described the new "Wolf Pack", in the council chambers lawyers bull pen.

Fresh out of law school, wet behind the ears and hungry to prove themselves.

Don't sell our youth down the road too quickly. The same enthusiasm can also be found for the other side of the issue. Just as hungry, just as enthusiastic.

This game can be played in both directions.

Unfortunately for the people of Kaua'i, it is a game being played with their lives, futures and survival here. Sad, but true. It's time for us to get serious about winning this game, and stop being just spectators.

It's is time to give these people a little run for their money.
Frankly I think that the gauntlet has been thrown into the ring. I also believe there are those willing and able, to pick it up and take the challenge!

I also could not care less if our "crack team" consisted of Old Attornies, Retired attornies, Young attornies, purple blue polka dotted attorneys. All I care about is a group of attorney's ready to take on the money and powers that be, and win a landmark case and set precedent.

Now I know enough about the attorney game to know that is what amounts to as catnip for the attorney set. Stuff like that can transcend money.

Any takers?

Excuse me, I gotta wash the pumpkin crunch pan now. Boy that was deliscious!

Anonymous said...

A gauntlet is thrown down. A hat is thrown into the ring. Please don't mix your metaphors.

Ah, "the good fight" with pro bono attorneys (note the correct spelling of the plural of that word).

Have fun storming the castle, assuming you can muster a legal army.

My vote is with the other side.

Wahine Warrior said...

July 29, 2010 10:16 PM

LOL. OK I will give you that one. I can't spell, and its true I do always mix up my metaphors. Some people think its adorable though, so I will probably continue with that.

However, we will be storming the castle, beginning with a vigorous citizen campaign to stop the bill, by encouraging the Mayor to veto it. Citizen Petitions and informational sign holding I believe will be our first battle plan.

jackbauer said...

Crunch the pumpkin.


Man oh man you are too much.



Take a deep breath.

And chill.

Wahine Warrior said...

sorry jack.

"Chill" is not in my vocabulary.

But I am entertaining, aren't I?

Enjoy the show.

Want some pumpkin crunch? *passes you a nice slice, with a smile*.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xB7pQpNx-F4

Anonymous said...

Dahilig is about as dirty as they come. Good thing he's relatively inexperienced about how real back room deals are done and got caught. You know when an attorney is lying? When his/her mouth is moving.

Anonymous said...

2015, 5 years later.. new job, more experience , back room deals, dirtier hands, mike dahilig