Governor Withdraws Carleton Ching Nomination to DLNR

Carleton Ching during last week’s Senate WTL Committee hearing. Photo credit courtesy: Senate Communications.

By Maui Now Staff

***UPDATE: Governor David Ige today withdrew his nomination of Carleton Ching as chairperson for the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Senate Majority Leader, J. Kalani English of Maui issued the following statement in support of the decision:

“Considering the sharp debate both among the public and within the Senate, we respect the Governor’s decision to withdraw the nomination.  Whatever our differences of opinion, this Senate is unified in its duty to make a thoughtful decision that will be good for the state. What is evident is that Senators struggled with this nomination because we know that Mr. Ching is a good man and has the skills and ability to be a successful leader. However, we understand this job is a demanding one. We applaud Mr. Ching’s willingness to work in public service and we trust he will find another opportunity to use his knowledge and experience in the future.”

The controversial gubernatorial nomination of Carleton Ching to head the state Department of Land and Natural Resources comes up for final consideration before the full Senate at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2015.

Last week, the Senate committee on Water and Land voted five to two, not to confirm Ching as Chair of the DLNR.

The vote came following a hearing that lasted for a day and a half and featured testimony from 87 people, including Governor David Ige.

In addition to the live testimony, more than 1,000 people provided comments via written testimony prior to the confirmation process.

The upcoming vote by the full Senate will be the final decision on whether or not Ching will be confirmed to the post.

The floor session is scheduled to be carried live on Maui via a Community Television broadcast on Akakū.