A meeting of the 36th Legislature’s Committee of the Whole was scheduled for August 28 to review Governor Albert Bryan Jr’s request for a “permit extension” and “permit modification” for the Summers End Group.

The meeting began with the typically upbeat testimony of Ms. Chaliese Summers (Jobs!  Investment! Support local families!  Clean the Harbor!) which had been heard on countless prior occasions, and the repeat of promises that “we’ll have our Army Corps permit in weeks and be open for business in one year” followed by the well-worn legalese from the team of three attorneys and one consultant supporting the narrative.

When it came time for the Legislature to ask questions it was clear that the Legislature had not bought the story, the promises, or the false narratives.  The pointed line of questioning from Senator Kurt Vialet typified the concerns that many shared:

The entire hearing may be viewed on YouTube, but there is one segment which all should listen to, learn from, and remember.  The courageous testimony of Ms. Jacquelyn Clendinen, whose family has been subject to elder abuse, legal bullying, disenfranchisement, and threats of disinheritance,  told a particularly heart-wrenching story.

For those interested, each of the prepared testimonies sent to the Legislature in advance of the August 28, 2025, Committee of the Whole are listed below, with links to the documents.  Of particular note are (a) the letter from the St John CZM Committee signed unanimously by the members of the Committee, (b) the written testimony of territorial Chairwoman of the Coastal Commission, Ms. May Adams Cornwall, (c) the written testimony of Ms. Jacquelyn Clendinen, and (d) the impromptu testimony delivered by me which was actually the text of an email I had sent the day before to all Senators.

TESTIMONIES OF CLENDINEN, STJ CZM, CZM COMMSSION

TESTIMONIES OF THE "SEG TEAM" (INCL DPNR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE)