Capitol View
By Richard Borreca
Wednesday, May 1, 1996
We were sure that once our team moved back to the real State Capitol this year, after a four-year relocation, everything would be right. Broad, shaded lanais would replace the tunnels and corridors of the temporary tower.
If only everyone had enough room, if only the public could get in to testify, if only the courtyard between the two chambers filled with the great shout of the people, we would be right again.
Feel the smooth koa rails in the $67 million renovation, breathe newly air-conditioned air, walk confidently through secure corridors and look what we got. It was not the worst of sessions, only because the 76 didn't go actively and do harm to the body politic. What they did was simply this: nothing.
If such a savvy and cautious political player as Democratic Party Chairman Richard Port says the product stinks, then what do the rank-and-file Democrats smell?
Even as the Legislature was closing the doors on an unproductive 60-day session, Port attacked, pointing to two senators, Donna Ikeda and Milton Holt, both Democrats, as reasons for the Legislature's failure to produce.
Holt, himself tarnished with scandals and questionable legislative tactics, delivered his own bitter speech on the Senate floor, complaining how few realize his sacrifices, good intentions and devotion to duty. Holt then pasted one squarely in the Legislature's face, labeling adjournment a "failure."
The list of legislative mistakes will grow this week as the Democrats realize the campaign club their mediocre management handed over to the Republicans. The GOP will have an easy time pummeling Democrats with examples of failed measures, broken promises and unrepentant incumbents.
Let me start the list with the Legislature's absolute lack of candor approaching the state's economic problems.
They say that having a point of view is worth 45 IQ points, so it is easy to calculate the dumbing down of this Legislature, which had no point of view on any problems.
If Hawaii has no money to pay for its government, you have two choices. Either batten down the hatches and ride out the storm by chopping expenses to the bone. Former Gov. George Ariyoshi did it several times.
Or if you believe that government is too big, then start seriously restructuring. Instead the Legislature handed out crumbs and told the multitudes to enjoy the feast and be thankful for what you got. The last time this worked, it was written up in the Bible.
THE other big failing was the legislators' inability to look in a mirror and see themselves clearly. They must feel that they risk so much, sacrifice so and are so cruelly forced to run for office that when they retire it must be an especially lucrative event.
Making elected public servants live just like other state public workers apparently was too hard, as this Legislature found it didn't have the time, energy or brainpower to pull itself forward.
Giving the legislators a $67 million Capitol renovation didn't make them any better. Perhaps next year they could meet at 830 Punchbowl St. That's the address of the state unemployment office.