Time for equal
shipping to Hawaii

Since the 911 attack, liability-frightened airlines have slowed flying parcels for the U.S. Postal Service. Mailed packages in and out of Hawaii are literally on a slow boat. The only alternative for citizens and businesses to make or take timely deliveries is UPS or FedEx or another aerial private-delivery service.

That means we continue to pay a premium to move products. Who in Hawaii hasn't canceled orders due to ridiculous shipping rates? The cost is excessive because Hawaii and Alaska -- and sometimes Idaho -- are considered "overseas" destinations. But the highest expense of flying is fuel, and it takes no more gas to fly here than it does to fly across the mainland.

Because of these bogus, excessive rates, Hawaii can't compete in mail-order commerce. It's another economic burden on an overstressed state. Politicians lamenting Hawaii's economic future could level the playing field by legislating that all 50 states be treated equally in this type of interstate commerce.

Lost profits to the shipping companies? Raise every other state's rates by 1 or 2 percent. That's fair.

Burl Burlingame

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