Status quo no longer OK

By Andy Anderson

Hawai'i is today in a position unlike any I have ever seen. In general:

• We have the federal courts threatening and/or interfering with our state policies more than ever. The Felix decision, the state prison, the State Hospital — program after program.

• Financially, in the past when we needed money, we could always simply push for more tour-ism. More tourists, more tax dollars, more jobs.

Not today. Hawai'i really can't accommodate many more tourists, even if we wanted them. Sure, maybe another half-million or so; maybe a million.

But the truth is, our carrying capacity for this type of economic expansion is — for all practical purposes — maxed out. If we exceed a reasonable and comfortable number of annual visitors, we threaten the very reason for them coming to Hawai'i in the first place.

• Sugar and pine are long gone. Diversified agriculture is strong, but it will never replace the jobs and taxes produced by sugar and pine.

• The third leg of our economy is our dependence on the military expenditures. This too is being threatened as some daily attempt to deny the military the basic requirements necessary to train our young fighting men and women.

Given the mentality of our community, I don't expect to see this financial base grow much, if at all.

So, where are we? We have to continue to fund the mandated new schools for the children that will be coming along. Yes, we will have to hire new teachers to teach them. And, the financial burdens of government will continue.

The prisons, the State Hospital, the Felix-type decrees that we have ignored for so long. Yes, we can cut the fat; yes, we can modernize. All of that should have been done long ago.

We can refinance our bonds and play shell games with the budget to meet today's problems. These are all standard business practices.

But this will not provide the dollars this state will need to meet its future obligations.

We're in deep trouble

So where are we, really, without the above to count on for these new and "must have" tax dollars for Hawai'i's future?

In deep trouble , I'd say.

The "robbing Peter to pay Paul" days to lure votes is over. And thank the Lord for that. I think even the teachers today are a little wiser to that kind of shallow political statement.

Teachers, along with all other government workers, will be back at the table next time asking for still better compensation and benefits. Same thing in the private sector.

If Hawai'i doesn't grow and expand our economy and its tax base, where will these required dollars come from?

We must act, and act fast.

First and most important, Hawai'i must come together as one people again. We must plan our tomorrow and seek to diversify and grow our economy.

If we fail to accomplish this, we will stagnate. There is no more important goal. It is not even an option. It is a must. The alternative, the status quo, is not acceptable.

Effects of immigration

New residents to Hawai'i come to us in two different and very much diametrically opposing categories, with conflicting goals and differing needs for private and government services.

• First, migration of people from Asia and the Pacific . They are here and will continue to arrive looking for a new life, new opportunities, new fortunes. They want what they have dreamed and heard about: the American dream. This in-migration brings demands for government services like housing, English lessons, education, health services and all of the other government and private services people on the beginning economic level require.

• Second, new residents migrating from the Mainland. This group is here to retire or enjoy their second home. They are in Hawai'i escaping the growth and commercialism of the towns and states they left behind. They are investing in new homes and new communities and are looking for a lifestyle they have lost in their original communities or have always dreamed about.

They don't want to see Hawai'i change; they don't want more freeways, transit systems, subdivisions — any more anything.

They like things as they are.

These growing numbers of older and affluent new residents, from Kona to Maui, are beginning to show up at the ballot box. They are vocal and are beginning to vote in larger and larger numbers. And to date, they lean Republican.

• The Hawaiian community. This is a growing and multifaceted issue. This can be, if not handled properly, an explosive situation. And if Hawaiian frustration does explode, it would negatively impact Hawai'i for years to come.

• Hawai'i's unions: public and private. This gang also has got to change and grow. They have a desire to live in the past, expecting the expected. Those days are long gone. I sincerely believe that if the unions are "included" in a long-range game plan, if they are given assurances that they will be involved and treated fairly, they will cooperate and participate in the changing Hawai'i.

Union leaders have a social responsibility as well as an economic responsibility to their members. You cannot threaten or announce policy changes impacting them in the press.

The unions have basically been driven to a position of feeling betrayed by the very people they have trusted, and in most cases elected. As long as they are "dug in," we will all lose.

It is imperative that Hawai'i's private unions pull together — politically as well as in other ways.

• University of Hawai'i. We must begin to recognize and accept that Hawai'i has no future at all until we make our university our partner in our vision for that future. We have a university that is overextended and rated mediocre.

It tries to be too many things to too many people. It is time we sit down and determine its capabilities and strengths and then pursue and fund a university of excellence.

For many years, I supported full independence for UH. After a recent and lengthy discussion with experienced people familiar with the university, I am rethinking this position. I was comfortable that as the sitting governor appoints the Board of Regents, the institution would automatically remain in step with the policies and direction of the state governor.

They tell me that due to "forces" on campus and the influence of the faculty, this desired "tie" between the university and the administration can no longer be taken for granted. Thus, some involvement by the state government in the university must be retained.

Bishop Estate

• Bishop Estate/Kamehameha Schools. I had and have mixed feelings on this whole issue. First, I have always believed it is important to respect one's will and testament. The princess' will is no exception.

I think the IRS exceeded its authority and abused its power.

While taking this position, I also understand fully the social and economic impact the estate has on almost all of us. It has a social obligation beyond its boardroom. I'm sad to say that I believe some of the original trustees misused their offices. For the good of the estate, I think the shuffle of trustee leadership will be beneficial.

That said, enough is enough. The governor should close the door on this issue — immediately.

• The counties. I have said many times and to this day still believe that true "home rule" is long overdue. The state has held onto responsibilities, jurisdiction and questionable tax dollars from them for too long. It is no wonder they are always in a difficult position.

D.G. "Andy" Anderson is a businessman, former GOP lawmaker, gubernatorial candidate and Republican national committeeman.