2 authors to speak on social issues

Global and national economic trends that affect the standard of living in Hawaii will be explored in a Thursday symposium by two nationally known public policy experts.

The shortage of affordable housing and inequities in pay in Hawaii are among the issues to be addressed by Alan Curtis, president of the Eisenhower Foundation, and Jeff Faux, founder of the Economic Policy Institute.

"Facing Hawaii's Future, a Gathering to Explore the Common Good" will be presented from 6 to 8 p.m. at Harris United Methodist Church, 20 S. Vineyard Blvd. The event, sponsored by Faith Action for Community Equity, is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served after 5 p.m.

Curtis heads the Eisenhower Foundation, which is dedicated to causes for social justice and equality. He is the author of "Patriotism, Democracy and Common Sense" and other books.

Faux, author of six books including "Reclaiming Prosperity," founded the Economic Policy Institute, a research and education agency to promote a fair, prosperous and sustainable economy.

Eric Gill, secretary-treasurer of Local 5 of the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees union, will also speak, and the Rev. Sam Domingo, pastor of Keolumana United Methodist Church, will be moderator.

FACE is an interfaith community group of more than 30 religious organizations that has worked to bring housing, public safety, living wage and other grass-roots concerns to public officials and has organized low-income neighborhoods to flex their political muscle during its nine years.