Hawaii Island Democrat Lorraine Inouye and Senate Republican Sam Slom React

HILO – The governor’s nomination for the Department of Land and Natural Resources was withdrawn on Wednesday, prompting a response from two lawmakers on the senate floor.

Carleton Ching, who last week failed to get the approval from the Senate Committee on Water and Land Committee, was a controversial choice mainly due to his background in land development. Governor David Ige stood by his pick up until the day the nomination went to the Senate for final approval. Ige withdrew his choice\ after closed-door meetings, just hours before the senate floor vote.

The senate’s only Republican, Sam Slom, spoke out on Wednesday. Slom supported the nominee in committee.

There was one other voice in the Senate who spoke in support of Ching. When Hawaii Island Senator Lorraine Inouye rose to deliver her remarks, she was visibly shaken with emotion. She began a long speech, focusing on Hilo’s troubled Banyan Drive and Kanoelehua Industrial Area, and said Ching represented hope for her district. (video above)