Posted on: Sunday, October 21, 2001
Focus
Public safety should be of utmost concern
By Marcus R. Oshiro
State House majority leader
Our focus in tomorrow's emergency special session will be in three areas: ensuring public safety, promoting economic revitalization, and reinforcing the safety net for those hardest hit.
Public safety is foremost. The House majority will provide emergency funding to increase security for our airports, harbors, and highways. Additionally, the recent outbreak of dengue fever presents a threat to both public health and tourism prospects.
Drawing our inspiration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt's "New Deal," we will offer dislocated workers temporary employment in mosquito eradication efforts, as well as similar projects for miconia and coqui tree frog infestation.
Sharp declines in visitor arrivals from the Mainland and Japan must be addressed immediately. We support additional emergency funding for the Hawai'i Tourism Authority's new marketing plan, and extending the hotel renovation tax credit to encourage capital investment.
Like all airlines, both Aloha and Hawaiian were adversely impacted by the decline in air travel. Federal aid is forthcoming and we will be seeking to waive the general excise tax on these grants. We will authorize the state to defer rent on airport concessions, waive landing fees, and increase tax withholdings to provide immediate "cash-flow" relief to businesses.
Although current construction loan rates are attractive, expected revenue shortfalls caution us against undisciplined spending. The House majority, however, will provide additional funds for much needed school repair and maintenance, and will continue its support for the University of Hawai'i's John A. Burns School of Medicine. We also will amend our procurement codes to expedite construction, while insuring fair competition and public oversight of all contract awards.
Finally, the true measure of any society is how it cares for its needy and less fortunate. In these extraordinary times, we as a community cannot abrogate our responsibility to the working poor and foist that burden solely upon private charities.
To address prolonged unemployment, we support a 13-week extension of unemployment benefits. We also support the continuation of health insurance for the unemployed. We all must share the burden.
A special session is purposely limited and focused. It is not for the complex policy changes, nor for measures requiring extensive deliberation and irreversible consequences. Now is the time for unity of purpose, resolve, and measured action. And let us remind each other that while these days pose extraordinary challenges, they are not insurmountable. This too shall pass. We shall overcome.
