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POSTED: Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Dem votes don't add up to a win

In November, some people feel Democrats will defeat Charles Djou. The argument goes: Put the Democratic votes together behind one person, and that will be over 50 percent. Not so fast, my friend! It doesn't work that way! Putting Democratic votes together is like putting Humpty Dumpty together. Or herding cats. Not easy. And in Hawaii we vote for the incumbent unless he has done something really bad.

If the Democratic primary pits Colleen Hanabusa against Ed Case, the winner of that primary will come out bruised and with depleted funds. If Hanabusa goes against Djou, many of the moderate Case voters will go to Djou. If Case runs against Djou, the choice will be between one moderate (who missed votes in Congress) and the newly moderate Djou. And Djou will be the incumbent; many Democrats will vote for him.

Put the Democratic votes together, you say? I'll believe it when I see it. You Democrats need a candidate who can do that. And it ain't Case or Hanabusa.

 

               

     

 

 

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Instant runoff voting more fair

Congratulations to our newly elected congressional representative. As I write this, I am hopeful that our election-by-mail will have been successful.

As we experiment with making our election practices more effective, however, we should also consider instant runoff voting. IRV would eliminate the conundrum many voters faced in this special election: Do I vote my conscience or do I vote for who I think can win?

IRV lets each voter rank choices on one ballot, so if a person's first choice has fewer votes, a second (or even third) choice vote can be counted instead. Not only would IRV ensure that every elected official has been elected by a majority of the voters, it could even save money if used instead of primaries.

IRV might sound radical, but it is already being used successfully in parts of the U.S. and around the world. Democracy is one of humankind's great achievements. We can make it even more fair and representative with IRV.

 

Djou win is fault of Sen. Inouye

The giving of a congressional seat to Republicans lies directly at the feet of U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye. His support for Colleen Hanabusa, who could not win, clearly shows how vindictive he has become. What a sad day for Hawaii.

 

Hawaii calls! Is Obama hearing?

After winning the special election to replace John Murtha in Pennsylvania last Tuesday, Democrats were arrogantly sneering, “;What Republican Wave?”; in a feeble attempt to discount the emerging phenomenon known as Obamaphobia.

The answer came loud and clear from Honolulu, where a special election was held Saturday in Congressional District 1, where Barack Obama grew up.

Hawaii's dual message to America: Obamaphobia has spread to the Aloha State, and the “;Republican Wave”; is very much alive and well, thank you!

As a result of this stunning victory, Charles Djou, a Republican, will take over the House seat once held by Democrat Neil Abercrombie.

Hawaii calls! Are you listening, Mr. President?

 

Let's hope Djou changes on rail

Since Congressman Charles Djou opposes rail transit, along with most other government services, I think he should promise us that he will never ride the Metro in D.C. He is going to Washington to cancel Congresswoman Mazie Hirono's vote, so he's already contributing to the gridlock in our nation's capital.

If he gets a six-month lease on a nice apartment in Arlington or Bethesda, he'll get at least two hours a day behind the wheel to help him understand why people in West Oahu are so frustrated sitting in traffic. When his six months are up, maybe he will come back to Hawaii with a more realistic view of how government programs like rail transit can improve the quality of life for the taxpayers he represents.

 

Keep pool open for good of Maui

The counties have been trying to conserve funds and, as a result, many people are being affected. On Maui, swimmers at Kahului Pool are concerned that the pool will be shut down to further cut costs. Maui Swim Club members practice at this pool and have been for over 60 years.

Every weekday, kids from all over the island assemble here to not only practice together, but to laugh, chat and build long-lasting relationships. Every summer, the club hosts a free Learn-To-Swim class for Maui youths. Over the years many kids have become efficient swimmers, which I think is very important, considering we live on an island. Spencer Shiraishi Sr. is the coach of the club, and also my grandpa. He has played an essential part in ushering competitive swimming on Maui into the fame that it enjoys today.

I personally know that keeping the pool open would continue Maui Swim Club and perpetuate its unique legacy for generations to come.

 

Bill to appoint BOE needs work

Initially I was happy to learn that the Legislature passed legislation that would change the state Board of Education from an elected body to one appointed by the governor. The current system is not working, so a change has to be made.

It goes without saying, however, that the change must fit into our system of government, so I was discouraged when I looked at the legislation.

Generally, the governor has a free choice in making appointments to various posts in the executive branch. But in the case of the BOE, the governor's choices would be severely limited.

The legislation requires the governor to appoint people from lists developed by a newly created advisory committee. The committee would have seven members: one appointed by the governor, one by the House speaker, one by the Senate president, and four by the Hawaii P-20 Council.

The Hawaii P-20 Council is not established by statute, not elected by the people, and not appointed by any elected official. Few people have even heard of it, let alone what it does. Regardless, this group would select the majority of the advisory committee.

Gov. Linda Lingle should veto this legislation.