Editorials
Wednesday, July 2, 1997THE governor of Hawaii must travel outside the state frequently to promote Hawaii economically and culturally and to represent the state at meetings with other governors and officials. Unfortunately, the public takes a jaundiced view of such trips, often viewing them as unnecessary junkets. This makes it difficult for the governor to take as many trips at public expense as might be desirable. Public can judge
if donors get favorsFor this reason, Governor Cayetano, like his predecessors, has accepted free travel for some trips -- in the past 12 months, nearly $27,000 worth. In his annual disclosure statement to the state Ethics Commission, the governor listed the travel expenses and other gifts valued at $200 or more.
The funds were used mainly for trips to China, Taiwan and the Philippines to promote trade and to travel to five states to explore other economic opportunities. Trips were funded by the governments of the U.S., China, Taiwan and the Philippines. Cayetano also received money from the Harvard University Foundation for a trip to receive an award.
In the category of economic opportunities were two trips paid for by the Japanese construction company Kajima International to visit aquariums, waterfront redevelopment projects and retail entertainment projects, and by AT&T to meet with company officials in Atlanta during last summer's Olympics. Earlier he accepted a flight from business executive David Murdock to meet with Mayo Clinic executives in Rochester, Minn.
All of these trips appeared to be of legitimate interest to the state consistent with Cayetano's attempts to promote economic development. This is particularly important in view of the state's economic problems. Yet they might not have been made if the governor had to spend public funds for them.
Acceptance of free travel and other gifts inevitably raises the issue of purchasing influence. This is the reason for requiring public disclosure. People will be watching to see whether the donors receive preferential treatment in return. It's an example of the importance of open government.
It's better to have the governor accept free travel for trips he should be making to further the state's interests than to sit in his office because he can't or won't use public funds for such trips -- but only if he is impartial in his dealings with the donors.
AN autocrat who once was touted as a champion of democracy has suffered a resounding defeat at the polls in the impoverished ex-Soviet satellite of Albania. The victorious Socialists, formerly Communists, ironically are the ones now promising to put the country on the path of privatization and a market economy. Stability must be their first goal. Albanian elections
FOUR-nation talks on Korea were proposed by the United States and South Korea more than a year ago. There have been several false starts since, but it now appears that North Korea has agreed to participate. Experience indicates, however, that patience will still be needed to bring the talks to a successful conclusion. Korean peace talks
Rupert E. Phillips, CEO
John M. Flanagan, Editor & Publisher
David Shapiro, Managing Editor
Diane Yukihiro Chang, Senior Editor & Editorial Page Editor
Frank Bridgewater & Michael Rovner, Assistant Managing Editors
A.A. Smyser, Contributing Editor
