Posted on: Thursday, January 20, 2005

By Fred Hemmings
Senate Minority Leader

We, the people of Hawai'i, have reasons to be optimistic. Record numbers of workers are employed. Business is growing and as a result, tax revenues are up. In these times of economic prosperity, besides counting our blessings, we must lay the foundation for enduring prosperity. The Old Testament tells us of a very wise Joseph, son of Jacob, counseling the pharaoh of Egypt during seven years of plenty to prepare for the inevitable years of famine.

So it must be. Wise leaders see beyond today.

Last session, the executive branch of government emphasized conservation and fiscal responsibility. Yes, for too many years we balanced the budget by juggling the books and raiding funds designated for specific uses. For the first time, we can implement a state budget that lives within our means.

It should be noted that the Council on Revenues has projected a huge increase of state revenues from the original estimate. Having heard that, many special-interest groups are clamoring to spend the money. It has already been spent. In the six-year budget plan, the Office of Budget and Finance told us last year that we face well over

$200 million in new obligations, including $160 million in increased debt costs, $70 million more to increase public employee fringe benefits, and the list goes on.

The point is any increase in tax revenues has already been spent.

Education reform is not a moot issue. Last year this legislature "reinvented education." Although we may not agree with some of the methodology, we can agree on the goal and recognize that public education needed to be reformed. Last year's reinventing education was the start, not the end, of reforming our public education system.

Management, not money, is the key to improvement.

Traffic congestion steals our time and tests our patience. For too long, many have been led to believe that a multibillion-dollar fixed railway on O'ahu is the only solution. I will guarantee you that solution will do absolutely nothing for the Neighbor Islands and more than likely would be an economic abyss. There are immediate solutions that can ultimately have a very positive impact on gridlock. These solutions would cost relatively little and could be implemented quickly. Experience has shown that, with bold leadership, immediate improvements can be made in all our districts.

We have common ground on another important issue. Once again, we agree on the goal of making affordable housing a reality.

This Legislature should eliminate the long and tedious permitting process for housing projects. The state Land Use Commission has been clearly identified as a costly regulatory barrier. We don't need to study it. Let's eliminate the state Land Use Commission and allow counties the complete control over all land use.

Senate Republicans will introduce legislation to facilitate a Constitutional Convention in 2008. We recognize that judicial activism has often pre-empted legislative intent. Laws should come from the Legislature elected by the people, not from the judiciary. We have seen increasing "ballot initiatives" that are needed to override judicial activism.

There is much more that binds us together than tears us asunder. I know that the diversity of Hawai'i's people, Hawai'i's gifts of nature and the undeniable spirit of individual freedom are indeed our strength and our future.