Editorials
Tuesday, July 22, 1997HURRICANES blow into Hawaii, unleash their destructive forces and then, thankfully, leave town. Not so with the relentless storm called economic crisis, which continues to batter the islands. Today's Star-Bulletin features a special 16-page section that explains how the state's fiscal condition grew so gloomy, and how the wicked economic weather has affected residents and companies. But perhaps the most significant information shared is what government and business leaders and private citizens must do to see sunnier skies. Improving economy
should be main taskThe state Legislature needs to be a major player in any turnaround. Next year's legislative session must refuse to be sidetracked by controversial issues like same-gender marriage and instead concentrate on less "sexy" pocketbook matters. Lawmakers must also refuse to allow any single individual to block meaningful, cost-saving reform, as in the case of Sen. Brian Kanno's shameless stalling on workers compensation.
Moreover, greater recognition is needed that the lifeblood of this community is its business sector, and not only the visitor industry. Until such awareness is widespread, government leaders will continue to see their corporate counterparts as foes instead of potential friends and partners, and residents will not pressure their elected representatives to make Hawaii a more profitable place to do business.
Today's special section, headed by business editor Ed Lynch and produced by several staffers, is the Star-Bulletin's contribution to revitalizing an economy in the doldrums. As always, readers' comments and contributions to the discussion are welcome.
TONY Blair has acted with deliberate speed during his first weeks as British prime minister in restarting formal peace talks on Northern Ireland, and his efforts have brought resumption of negotiations accompanied by a cease-fire. The Irish Republican Army announced the cease-fire on Sunday, which should lead to the participation of its political arm, Sinn Fein, in talks with British and Irish officials when they resume in mid-September. Irish talks to resume
THE Rolling Stones will be rolling into Hawaii in January, but few rock fans will get a glimpse of the legendary group. Aloha Stadium manager Edwin Hayashi has rejected proposed dates in January for a Stones gig at the state's largest concert site because he is worried about disruptions to the Pro Bowl on Feb. 1. That decision may cement the state's notorious reputation for being unkind to business, and endanger its chances of drawing other big-name performers. Got no satisfaction
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
