The "panel" that narrowly rejected this qualified nominee, was actually the Senate super-committee chaired by Maui Senator Roz Baker. Baker has a reputation as a bully. The only logic of this power play is Baker's pride and need to throw her weight around, yet again.  

Baker was even sued for retaliating against the state's top dentist who was investigating her dentist friend on Maui for fraud. Her defense to this suit was that her office gives her absolute immunity. She took her appeal all the way to the state sepreme court.

In recent years,  citizens have made repeated public complaints about Baker's favoritism and rude behavior during the hearings she chairs. This is all public record. 

Roz's bullying has paid off (so far), with her topping the list for corporate campaign contributions year after year. 

So look no further for a rational justification for this otherwise inexplicable vote. 

It's all about Roz and those afraid to cross her.

This gets old, doesn't it?