Kalamity Flats

Honolulu Star-Bulletin

Lingle wants counties' money - Hawaii News

Time to cut a bit more out of the Government. There is no reason for the State to steal from the counties. If sufficient funding cannot be found without stealing from the counties, the State will need to either reduce the scope of government or raise taxes. Stealing from the counties only forces the counties to have to resort to the above. Of course, perhaps that is what Lingle and the legislature want as the counties haven't had to furlough their employees, yet. Blow the rainy day and hurricane funds already. We will be at this point again next year and maybe those extra 11 months will allow the people to hire some new representatives/se nators/governor with some good ideas and the cajones to do what needs to be done, no matter how distasteful it may be to some of the receivers.  (59 min ago | post #5)

Honolulu Star-Bulletin

Defense bill shifts war spending priorities - Hawaii News

Wrong. Percentage wise, the U.S. does not spend more. The U.S. allocates approximately 8.5% of the budget to the military whereas countries such as North Korea expend more than 1/2 of their budget. China only expends 3 or 4%, but their finances are much greater than ours now and their army is much larger than ours (and updating it quickly based on our technological handovers.) Cut the military and you will no longer hear the bells of freedom (not that you care to speak your mind overly much anyways.)  (Tuesday Dec 15 | post #2)

Honolulu Star-Bulletin

Airport upgrades overdue for takeoff - Hawaii Editorials

There were plans to expand and modernize in 1989. Unfortunately, the Japanese economy went south and the funds dried up (Governor Cayetano.) The plans were put on the back burner and only the inter-island terminal was built as it was already started. Again, plans were developed in the late 90's to improve the terminal and 9/11 occurred and Governor Lingle cancelled all building because the economy went south. All the previous plans were scrapped in 2003 and new consultants/archit ects were hired to develop new ideas to expand the terminal. Some of these ideas are now being enacted in an attempt to get started before the next regime change. The politicians need to be absolved of onerous burden of running the airport system. The consultants are making millions each time the plans change, yet nearly nothing is built. With a stable consistent management team, the airport could plan and improve as funds allowed w/o paying exorbitant consultant fees over and over and actually have new buildings as needed instead of as requested by "special friends" or "donors" of a given political campaign. It is time for a port authority or to divest the State of the airports and let each county run their own airports to minimize the political wrangling at the top and the potential for political gain at the detriment of the airport system users.  (Thursday Dec 10 | post #14)

Honolulu Star-Bulletin

Airport upgrades overdue for takeoff - Hawaii Editorials

And when you have a layover of 6 hours, where are you going to go or what are going to do? How about when you arrive for your flight and you have some time to kill or forgot to buy a knick knack for that "important " somebody where you are going. Some people like to shop, some don't. The airport has these for the former and also as a method to help pay to keep the airport operating. If not for these concessionaires, your airfare would be significantly higher as the airlines would have to pay the entire bill which they would then roll in to the ticket prices.  (Wednesday Dec 9 | post #11)

Honolulu Star-Bulletin

Airport upgrades overdue for takeoff - Hawaii Editorials

Waihee thought this way also. It cost the Airports millions in potential federal funding due to violations of grant agreements. If you want an Airport that has smooth runways and taxiways w/o potholes, Federal funding comes in extremely useful. If that isn't a priority and you don't care that the airport shuts down, then this money can be diverted to other uses. Your call.  (Wednesday Dec 9 | post #10)

Honolulu Star-Bulletin

Lingle frees $36.9M for major terminal expansion - Hawaii Business

As was stated in the article, these are Airport Special use funds. They are not part of the general fund nor will general fund monies be utilized to pay the bonds off. Thus, the partial stimulation of Hawaii's economy will be done utilizing funds that can never be utilized to pay for any general fund activity (such as welfare, unemployment, health care, schools, etc.) So, either Airports spends the money and the construction industry has a few more jobs to hand around (and the contractors have some more money to contribute to the politicians) or no money is spent and everyone sits at home wondering if they can find a job before their unemployment benefits expire.  (Thursday Dec 3 | post #22)

Honolulu Star-Bulletin

Global warming treaty would be major success - Hawaii Editorials

Gotta love this congress and president. We are in the midst of a horrible recession and they insist on increasing regulations and employment costs so as to empower themselves and hobble the businesses that employ Americans. It will do no good to working America if this legislation or these treaties advance as those countries that choose not to participate will reap the benefits of increased manufacturing and technological advances. There should be attempts to recognize that improper stewardship of our resources is foolhardy, yet still recognize the need for businesses need for these resources in order to survive. If a balance is not found, we may all find ourselves living in caves again or under another country's rule.  (Monday Nov 30 | post #1)

Honolulu Star-Bulletin

Beach ownership is still in question - Hawaii News

The idea of using the high water mark dates back to pre-gps. Now, with GPS, we know exactly where the property line should be and do not need the high water mark to show where the property boundary exists. For those properties that are being eroded, the State should consider utilizing eminent domain and removing these dwellings up to the road.  (Monday Nov 30 | post #9)

Honolulu Star-Bulletin

Letters to the editor - Letters

Apparently some letter writers don't read the blogs. The legislature is as much at fault as the Governor for our current situation, if not more so. The legislature had the opportunity to address this mess last session through several pending bills that they chose to put on the back burner so they could recess for the summer. If they had put forth the extra effort and time then, we wouldn't be experiencing as much problems now. The Governor has an extremely tough job. She has access to finite resources as she cannot increase taxes to make up any shortfall, only the legislature can do that. So, she is left with mandatory programs that have to be complied with, mandatory bills (utilities, security) that have to be paid. What is left is what she actually has any control over. So, she made some tough choices that are uncomfortable to some people. Perhaps she should have funded education fully and shut down all other aspects of government? The DOE is probably the largest government agency. Should it be the only government agency that receives funding or should it feel cuts also so as to allow other government services to continue also? Tough choices and hard answers. At least she made a choice and is enacting it instead of sitting around and dithering, wishing someone else could wave their wands and fix the problems.  (Nov 4, 2009 | post #4)

Honolulu Star-Bulletin

State office closures catch several by surprise - Hawaii News

And, they probably vote too... This is why the politicians hold up signs on election day. Peoples memories are only good for about 20 minutes.  (Oct 24, 2009 | post #42)

Honolulu Star-Bulletin

State office closures catch several by surprise - Hawaii News

If you think they are crying now, wait until November and December when all the holidays kick in... Looks like there are only 13 work days in the month. If the businesses that need permits and other government items don't get it done ahead of time, they might not get to operate until the second week of the new year.  (Oct 24, 2009 | post #10)

Honolulu Star-Bulletin

Letters to the editor - Hawaii Editorials

You are so right on this one. Communism is so much better than what we currently have. It will equalize the masses and leave a minority ruling class on the top with no chance of making a change to their lives because the choices are not there. Apparently we are too stupid/ignorant to make the correct choices for ourselves, so we must have a high ranking group of politicians make the proper decisions for us. NOT!!! Better to die free than to live under oppressive tyranny. If you want someone else to control your life so much, move to Cuba, Vietnam, or another country that will oblige you and your needs. Do not even think of attempting to force those of us that can and do attempt to control our own lives in to your small box.  (Oct 20, 2009 | post #37)

Honolulu Star-Bulletin

Letters to the editor - Hawaii Editorials

I don't see our citizens streaming down to Costa Rica to get better health care. I don't see how anyone could say Costa Rica has better healthcare than the U.S. Maybe cheaper, but that doesn't equate to quality. You mention controlling our diets and other unhealthy lifestyle choices. Give me a break. If I enjoy my life, why is it your job to make me as miserable as you. Sure, perhaps I won't live to be 150, but at least I will enjoy the ride. Btw, even if you live healthy, if your genes aren't up to it, too bad. And better watch out for those unexpected tragedies too, like auto accidents, plane crashes, bombs blowing up, and of course, those stray rounds from those that are tired of being told what they cannot do to or for themselves in a "free" society.  (Oct 20, 2009 | post #36)

Honolulu Star-Bulletin

Letters to the Editor - Letters

Mona, Rob, Pat: Please cite what the President has done during his lifetime to encourage peace in the world? Of those items cited, please mark those that were done w/in the first 11 weeks in office. Now, compare that with the other nominees and tell me who is more worthy. The President did not put his life on the line nor risk suffering years of hardship/pain, imprisonment/death or any other punishment nor has he done anything other than talk. If you say talk is all it takes, there are a few bloggers in these forums that are more deserving since they are at the very least, consistent.  (Oct 13, 2009 | post #3)