$539M in project money sought
By Gordon Y.K. Pang
Advertiser Capitol Bureau
Gov. Linda Lingle has introduced a supplemental budget request calling for $539 million in new state capital improvement projects, which will add more work for a construction industry already bursting at the seams.
But having too many jobs is "a good problem," Lingle said yesterday.
LINGLE
The governor said low interest rates make it attractive for the state to issue bonds to pay for projects, which include $90 million for repair and maintenance of public schools.
"Something has to be done and we feel you've just got to allocate resources now," Lingle said. "And it makes sense because interest rates are relatively low so it's a good time to move forward."
Repair and maintenance money is also earmarked for the University of Hawai'i system, state parks and harbors. "There's a lot of infrastructure that we don't feel has been maintained over time so I'm hoping they're going to deal with that," Lingle said.
Last week, Senate Ways and Means Chairman Brian Taniguchi, D-10th (Manoa, McCully), questioned the administration's decision to more than double the original biennial capital improvement projects budget, noting that large military projects are looming while the housing market continues to sizzle.
"If there's a lot of work out there, people are not going to be as competitive with their bids," Lingle acknowledged. "On the other hand, it may be because of the kinds of projects that are taking up a lot of workers, there's a veritable hodge-podge of work. This may open up a lot of new opportunities to the small- and medium-sized construction companies who were not as able to bid competitively before because they were going up against bigger guys."
Lingle also spoke about the benefit of putting more people to work.
"Any time you're able to create a lot of jobs, that's our goal, we're happy about it," she said. "The trade jobs are relatively high-paying jobs. You don't necessarily need a college degree, and yet you can earn high hourly wages compared to a lot of other jobs.
Some construction companies are already seeking to locate former kama'aina trade people and convince them to return to take jobs in the state, Lingle said, and someone has even suggested placing "help wanted" advertisements in Las Vegas newspapers.
"So, in essence, it's a good problem to have," Lingle said. "We just need to go out and make certain we have those people available."
State Labor Director Nelson Befitel and the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations have been working with the Pacific Resource Partnership and labor unions to cope with the need for more trade workers, the governor said.
James Hardway, special assistant to Befitel, said the department has expedited the time it takes to process apprenticeship registrations, which lately have gone up noticeably, particularly for those seeking to be carpenters. The department will also provide information on apprenticeship programs at a Jan. 14 job fair sponsored by the city's O'ahu Workforce Investment Board.
The Labor Department is also planning a concerted effort statewide to promote apprenticeship programs, which is expected to be rolled out mid-summer, Hardway said.
Befitel is also looking into establishing a pre-apprenticeship program, which would allow candidates for apprenticeships to gain the necessary math and reading-comprehension skills they need to succeed. Such a scheme, Hardway said, would need to be presented to the state Workforce Development Council before proceeding.
Reach Gordon Y.K. Pang at gpang@honoluluadvertiser.com or at 525-8070.
