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Gov urges Democrats
to back reform:
‘We must not
be afraid’

Public worker unions push for a
plank to secure pay raises as the
state convention continues

GOV, MRS. GET SUVs

By Richard Borreca
Star-Bulletin

Gov. Ben Cayetano urged Democrats today not to tie his hands as he continues to try to reform state government.

At the state Democratic Party convention this morning, Cayetano said he needs his party's help to change civil service laws and collective bargaining in the face of opposition by public employee unions.

"I think the people deserve Democrats who understand that the state and county governments must become more flexible and efficient in dealing with the new economy and that the state and county government must be reformed in a way that is consistent with the ideals of our party," Cayetano said.

The question, the governor said, was not if Hawaii would continue to elect Democrats, but what kinds of Democrats would be selected.

"We must not be afraid to make changes even though they provoke displeasure from those who have been part of the family for a long time."

The public worker unions are pushing for a plank in the Democratic Party platform, urging that "the Legislature must fund negotiated settlements and binding arbitration decisions."

Cayetano has previously said that the decision to fund arbitrated pay raises for members of the Hawaii Government Employees Association must wait until the state has more revenue.

Also speaking this morning was U.S. Sen. Dan Inouye, who said the recent editorial in the Wall Street Journal criticizing Hawaii was a wake-up call to local Democrats.

"We have given Republicans ample ammunition to shoot at us," he said.

"We are lucky their aim is not great, but they are getting better," Inouye warned.

He said Hawaii's political leaders had to take stock of both their successes and mistakes.

For example, Inouye said, mistakes were made with his lobbying over the H-3 fight.

"My teachable moment was H-3," he said.

"I learned the value of listening to community input myself, rather than deferring to well-meaning government officials in Hawaii.

"After H-3, I vowed never to build another road like that again," Inouye said.

Instead, he urged more community input in future projects, such as the Saddle Road project on the Big Island.

Also attending today's convention at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel were Mayor Jeremy Harris and his likely opponent for re-election, City Councilman Mufi Hannemann.

They had been scheduled to speak to the convention, but Hannemann charged that Harris declined to speak on the same platform with him, and the speeches were cancelled. Harris was not available for comment this morning.

The convention continues tomorrow.