[ OUR OPINION ]
GOVERNOR Lingle used great restraint in describing as "childish" House Democrats' halving of the funds needed to run her office. Their actions could rightly be called petty, obstructionist and partisan as well. House members and their leaders should back away from their niggling and clear the governor's request so that she may get on with the job voters chose her to do. Message to House
members: Grow up
THE ISSUE Democrats have cut by half the amount Lingle has sought for her staff operations.
Lingle's request isn't extravagant. The $1 million appropriation barely covers her slimmed-down staff of 66 -- other governors had as many as 240 people on staff -- and operations for the rest of the fiscal year. It reflects the same 5 percent budget restriction she has imposed on most of the state's agencies to balance the budget. The amount totals only what was cut from the budget request sought by her predecessor, Ben Cayetano, and is in line with what administrations had spent in previous years.
Cayetano had asked for $3.3 million, but the Legislature reduced that by about $1 million. Most of the appropriation had already been spent or earmarked for vacation and collective bargaining payouts to outgoing workers by the time the new governor took office Dec. 2. Without the full amount, the new administration's efforts could be curtailed severely. Some staffers had to bring in their home computers to do their work; others deferred salaries and put in time as volunteers to get Lingle's office up and running.
House members also made a big deal about the $93,000 Lingle requested to equip the governor's residence. They suggested she ask private businesses to donate furniture. However, that would put her in an awkward position should she have to make decisions regarding their interests.
Since Lingle is the first to occupy the new dwelling, it was largely unfurnished. Her staff has scrounged non-historic, worn sofas and tables from Washington Place, where previous governors have resided. Dining furniture consists of card tables shoved together and hidden beneath tablecloths. Windows had been covered with sheets until a recent visit by a Washington, D.C., administrator, when more appropriate blinds were put up.
Lingle, who bought her own bed, is known to care little about the perks of her job. Nonetheless, lawmakers should recognize that the home of Hawaii's governor, Republican or Democrat, should reflect deference of the office.
It appears more level heads in the Senate will restore at least part, if not all, of the governor's budget request, but the bill faces wrangling with the House in conference committee.
Until then, Lingle and her staff will have to make do. No doubt the lack of funds is hampering her efforts to bring about the changes she promised voters. Surely, that isn't the intent of House Democrats, or is it?
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, 529-4748; mpoole@starbulletin.com
The Honolulu Star-Bulletin (USPS 249460) is published daily by
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.
