Legislature still owes Kapolei Library big time

The grand yet bookless Kapolei Library has amassed more than $300,000 for its collection, thanks to the kindness of strangers. Campbell Estate forked out $20,000 for the cause.

It's encouraging that so many are willing to open their wallets to make Kapolei a full-service city, even though some are still vexed that State Librarian Virginia Lowell would prefer that charity came in the form of bucks, not books.

Frankly, Lowell's request doesn't sound unreasonable when you consider that many organizations don't hesitate to let the public know what they need in the way of charity.

If you're hungry, you ask for food. If you're strapped for cash, you ask for money.

Overall, though, it's a shame that a spanking-new library should become a charity case before even opening its doors to the public.

Blame the Legislature. It rejected Lowell's request for $1.7 million for 25 staff, a professional book collection and other expenses.

Apparently, it's not unusual for public buildings and facilities in Hawai'i to be financed in dribs and drabs — or "phases," as the bureaucrats say. But it's infuriating. Ask the University of Hawai'i.

As it stands, Kapolei Library needs about $800,000 for a professional book collection, and the fundraising effort has garnered nearly half that amount.

We're adamant that the Legislature not be let off the hook and that it do its best to find the $1.7 million to get the library up and running.

In the meantime, any private money raised for the book collection should be considered a loan so that if and when the Legislature comes through with the $1.7 million, Kapolei Library can use it for reading materials beyond its standard collection.