[ OUR OPINION ]
HAWAII is not the "people's republic" alleged by Forbes magazine, but neither is it an inviting and vibrant marketplace. Despite progressive moves aimed at attracting businesses to Hawaii, the state's entrenched, single-party power structure continues to discourage free enterprise. Linda Lingle as governor would stand the best chance to produce the change needed -- in both substance and image -- to bring economic prosperity to the state. Lingle offers best hope
for economic recovery
THE ISSUE Republican Linda Lingle and Democrat Mazie Hirono are coming down to the wire in the race for governor of Hawaii.
As the Republican mayor of Maui County from 1991-99, Lingle took a pragmatic approach to achieving economic growth by cooperating with business, labor and a Democratic majority on the county council. We endorsed her candidacy for governor four years ago largely because of her success as mayor and her commitment to cut waste in government. We give her our support again this year because of her agenda for change.
Lingle has produced a comprehensive checklist for what she promises will be "a new beginning for Hawaii." She proposes nurturing competition in the marketplace and reducing taxes to create economic growth and diversity, decentralizing the Department of Education to bring about more local control of schools, making changes aimed at reducing the cost of medical care and committing the state to alternative energy sources.
Public trust in Hawaii's government has plummeted in recent years as political contributors have been rewarded with non-bid contracts, dishonest officials have been sent to prison and allegations of corruption have triggered further investigations. Lingle promises to bring integrity back into government through a fair and open system.
Outside influences can be blamed for much of the roller coaster ride that Hawaii's economy has experienced since the late 1980s. Japan's surging economy brought tourism and investment peaks to the state. However, the bursting of the Japanese bubble, along with the Gulf War, Hurricane Iniki and the demise of the sugar industry, sank Hawaii's economy during the 1990s while the mainland experienced unprecedented good times.
High taxes and excessive regulation of business by a bloated state government have hampered Hawaii's ability to pull itself from its economic quagmire. A national small-business organization ranks Hawaii dead last among states in user-friendliness because of high unemployment taxes, personal income taxes, capital gains taxes and workers compensation costs. Another study puts Hawaii 43rd in ability to attract new businesses and help existing companies grow.
Governor Cayetano inherited a state payroll that had increased by 40 percent during the administration of Gov. John Waihee. Cayetano spent his first four-year term trying to trim the oversized government. He then tried to bring about reforms within the Democratic power structure but was stymied by stalwart forces -- largely in the public employee unions -- that are understandably fearful of change. Lingle's campaign promise not to lay off public workers was meant to address those qualms.
While she seeks no confrontation with organized labor, Lingle calls for a comprehensive audit of the state's finances and an improvement in government efficiency. Should she achieve those goals, state workers would be among the chief beneficiaries, able to take pride in helping Hawaii to shed its anti-business image and to regain its economic health. To accept this opportunity for change is not to reject the accomplishments and achievements of the past, but to tailor them for success in a new century.
BACK TO TOP
Published by Oahu Publications Inc., a subsidiary of Black Press.Don Kendall, Publisher
Frank Bridgewater, Editor 529-4791; fbridgewater@starbulletin.com
Michael Rovner, Assistant Editor 529-4768; mrovner@starbulletin.com
Lucy Young-Oda, Assistant Editor 529-4762; lyoungoda@starbulletin.comMary Poole, Editorial Page Editor, 529-4790; mpoole@starbulletin.com
The Honolulu Star-Bulletin (USPS 249460) is published daily by
John Flanagan, Contributing Editor 294-3533; jflanagan@starbulletin.com
Oahu Publications at 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 7-500, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813.
Periodicals postage paid at Honolulu, Hawaii. Postmaster: Send address changes to
Star-Bulletin, P.O. Box 3080, Honolulu, Hawaii 96802.
