ALOHA! Let’s Roll Hawaii-Time
to Rebuild
State Senator Sam Slom, Minority Leader
(R 8th District-Aina Haina to Hawaii Kai)I am again honored and privileged to present an agenda for the Legislature on behalf of Floor Leader Fred Hemmings, Policy Leader Bob Hogue, and myself.
Last year I spoke of the need for 'revolutionary change.' Regretably, in our view, we were not bold. Then came September 11. Those events focused everyone's attention on the urgency to change and cope with challenges the tragedy imposed on us. We had an opportunity to chart a new course in special session, but failed those who needed us most.
The old politics dictated old prescriptions: no tax cuts-with talk of tax hikes-massive new government spending, and increased debt. Other states took the opposite tack, reducing taxes, spending, and debt.
Our position was-and remains-the priority is to keep Hawaii businesses open, our people employed, and capital expanding. Instead, Hawaii's government chose a path to care for people after businesses closed, after jobs were lost. Extended unemployment and welfare benefits, and continued health coverage for a few, is no substitute for continued employment.
Further, your Legislature cowered before a federal judge's threats, allowed an education bureaucrat to circumvent Legislative scrutiny, abdicated more of its power to the executive branch, and created additional commissions and boards instead of acting decisively. Your legislature must reestablish its accountability.
Now there are calls for a meek and cautious response to our changed world. You are told to be patient; not to expect much in this Session. Hawaii's overburdened taxpayers have waited patiently for their elected leaders to lead. Our constituents are willing and able to change, but lawmakers have been nonresponsive and timid.
Hawaii seems to have lost its way: what is our identity? Do we want to belike Las Vegas or Tokyo or Hollywood? Creative and skilled people, young and old, continue to leave because they believe they are penalized for their risk-taking and taxed for their success. Many believe that success inHawaii is still determined by who you know rather than what you know. We must end that perception. Our people and our culture define our identity but an over- abundance of government in our lives is threatening to destroy our unique spirit.
Several selected current issues spotlight this:
Taliban Traffic Scameras - Besides being an affront to due process, the Aloha Spirit, and police officers, these bounty spy cameras are causing great economic loss and potential danger. Four years ago, I questioned and voted "NO!" on this enabling legislation. We in the Minority have listened to the people-and the arrogance of a state department- and don't want to "amend," "fine tune," or "tweak" this abomination-we want it repealed NOW!
Your Minority will not gamble with Hawaii's future-we'll work hard to invest in economic opportunity. Some people dream of "luck;" we believe that the harder a person works, the "luckier" she should get. We seek economic diversification, not more social costs caused by high rollers.
Education excellence must come now-not by dribbles, but by leaps. What good is computer internet wiring if our children still can not read, write or find Afghanistan on a map? If they don't have a textbook? If they are not safe at school? Real reform comes from attitude shifts, not just money.
We don't need a new education tax. The Felix Investigation proved Hawaii's kids-and their parents-are not getting what they pay for now. We must decentralize the Board of Education; expand Charter Schools with parity for all teachers, allow each school to priortize and complete long overdue renovations. Mostly, we need students to gain self esteem througheducational accomplishment, and educators who settle for no less.
The HA-ALOHA Monopoly Merger-should be opposed by lawmakers and the Attorney General of this state as a further erosion of jobs, consumer choice, and competitive interisland commerce. Our Senate package focuses on breaking monopolies in Hawaii to provide competitive advantage and incentives;
The age-old Jones Act and Passenger Carrier Act make Hawaii a less attractive and more costly port of call at a time when the cruise industry is exploding; we need revisions now;
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