EVERY year many young people leave the islands for a "better life" on the mainland. Departing student
weighs futureI've often wondered why anyone would consider leaving this beautiful state.
One possible reason is that our government has made it too difficult for the average person to live a comfortable life. The high taxes, increasing crime rate, along withe the already-high cost of living has made many seek out a better place to begin their adult lives.
Two weeks ago, I boarded a Hawaiian Airline flight for school in Seattle. I turned to say goodbye to my family and friends, all the time wondering if I will be able to return to live in Hawaii.
As I begin my first year of higher education at Whitman College, I wonder if life will improve for the average person living in Hawaii.
In four years, when I graduate, will there be a smaller government, lower taxes, a diverse business community and decrease in crime? Will I find a Hawaii where small businesses thrive and there are more than enough challenging job opportunities for college graduates.
I believe so. The young people I know are realizing that we need to reform government. In 1998, if many of the Generation X voters go to the polls, we can help to elect officials that are dedicated to reform.
Those who have been leading the state down a road of economic destruction will be replaced by those willing to move the state into the future.
It may be early, but I encourage everyone, young and old, to study the issues, examine politicians' records and visions, and go out and vote in 1998. The future of thousands of young people will be determined by choices made that day.
Keola Whittaker is a '97 Roosevelt High School graduate. Rant & Rave is a Tuesday Star-Bulletin feature
allowing those 12 to 22 to serve up fresh perspectives.
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