STATEMENT BY GOVERNOR LINDA LINGLE AND ATTORNEY GENERAL MARK BENNETT RELATING TO NINTH CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS RULING ON KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS ADMISSION CASE

For Immediate Release:  February 22, 2006

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle had the following statement regarding the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit’s decision today to grant rehearing en banc in the Kamehameha Schools matter:

“Courts ought to be instruments of justice, not of injustice.  I am glad the State was able to help Kamehameha Schools obtain this decision to have the full Court of Appeals review this matter, and I remain hopeful that Kamehameha Schools will ultimately win this case which is of such great importance to Hawai`i and our citizens, Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian alike.”

Attorney General Mark Bennett stated:

“I am very happy at the Ninth Circuit’s decision to rehear this matter en banc.  I believe the original panel decision was legally flawed and manifestly unjust.  I look forward to working with the Kamehameha Schools to prepare the best possible case to present to the en banc court.”

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For more information, contact:

Mark Bennett         
Attorney General         
Phone: 586-1282

Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: 586-7708

Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: 586-0043