EDITORIAL
11 issues in Hawai'i made most headlines
In Hawai'i, these were the top stories in 2003:
1. Construction boom: A combination of contracts and emerging policies promised to unleash unprecedented growth in the building industry. They include multibillion-dollar deals for new and rebuilt military housing, the promised basing of a Stryker brigade at Schofield Barracks, the possible basing of an aircraft carrier and related ships here, and Norwegian Cruise Lines' plans to operate three ships here.
The single biggest worry about this luxury problem is whether Hawai'i can provide enough skilled labor to capitalize on the opportunities. If we do not launch an all-out effort to train the work force needed, the jobs will be taken by outsiders and a tremendous opportunity will have been lost.
2. Various communities in Hawai'i declared war on the scourge of crystal methamphetamine, or ice. Whether that grassroots effort is sustainable, and whether county and state leaders will provide expected support, are questions yet to be answered.
The fight against crystal meth must be more than a photo opportunity moment for political leaders who know it is a popular cause.
3. An unnecessary, monthlong bus strike paralyzed the poor and infirm who lacked alternative means of transportation, and did next to nothing to benefit the drivers who struck.
A couple of prolonged nursing strikes, by contrast, affected hospitals only marginally as replacement "temps" were flown in, while the nurses won substantial raises.
4. The long-percolating prosecution effort to round up illegal contributions to the campaign coffers of Mayor Jeremy Harris and other prominent politicians. One man has been sentenced to jail, 11 have been fined after pleading no contest and several more were awaiting trail. Moreover, dozens of companies have also been fined.
This effort should mark the end of a long period of cynical campaign financing games in the Islands.
5. Cold water is being thrown on the elevated expectations of those who had hoped University of Hawai'i President Evan Dobelle would finally unleash the Manoa-based engine of economic change. But his unwise endorsement of the loser in the 2002 gubernatorial campaign helps explain the ugly standoff between Dobelle and the members of the Board of Regents appointed by Gov. Linda Lingle.
It's the university system, as always, that suffers. The year 2004 must see an improved working relationship between the regents and the university's administration.
6. Assault on Hawaiian interests: Pending lawsuits threaten Native Hawaiian entitlements, as well as the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. A challenge to the Hawaiian preference policy at Kamehameha Schools resulted in admission of a non-Hawaiian student. At this awkward moment, Kamehameha CEO Hamilton McCubbin was ousted.
The social disruption that would result if all these programs are simply dismantled would be unimaginable.
7. The continuing debate of Hawai'i's failing public schools shifted to an effort to establish at least seven separate school boards, and correspondingly to divide the Department of Education.
That debate over governance must not be allowed to overshadow other reform efforts including a massive repair and maintenance program and placing more autonomy and accountability at the individual school level.
8. UH announced that it was paying head football coach June Jones in excess of $800,000 a year, with bonuses that do not include academic incentives. The sources of half this money remain improperly secret. And while Jones' team has succeeded in the win column, it has left some doubts as to its sportsmanship.
9. Hawaiian Airlines filed for bankruptcy protection as the cost of Neighbor Island travel soared. Is the importance of regular, affordable interisland passenger and freight service enough to warrant some form of state regulation?
10. Lingle criticized a "dysfunctional" state Supreme Court, and, in a series of stories, Advertiser reporter Lynda Arakawa detailed a serious backlog of appeals cases, and a dearth of written opinions.
This was followed by a report from a bar group that came to similar conclusions. Clearly, our judiciary is in need of more resources and streamlined procedures to get rid of the backlog.
11. Estimates of homeless on our streets and beaches reached new highs, amid sketchy plans to help them find shelter.
Public-private cooperation is needed to provide transitional housing opportunities for the homeless as well as a richer plate of services for those still on the streets.
