NATIONAL SALES TAX WOULD PUT ALL ON PAR

Everyone is talking about changing the tax codes to make taxes simpler, easier to understand and more fair.

I suggest that we drop the current complicated tax system and instead adopt a national sales tax. With this system, everyone will pay their fair share and those that are rich and consume more will pay more. Those who are not wealthy will pay a smaller amount, based on what they consume. In addition, even the illegal immigrants will pay their fair share since everything they purchase here in the U.S. will be taxed just like everyone else.

The details of how this tax will take effect are for those smarter than me. However, it seems like a logical and fair system where everyone will be treated equally and taxed according to their ability to pay. And equally important, this system will enable the U.S. to dramatically reduce the cloud of anguish caused by the IRS and its huge bureaucratic operating budget since there won't be the need for audits of the public or making sure that everyone is paying their fair share.

CITY COUNCIL RACE

HARD TO TELL WHO IS BEST FROM JUST SIGNS

During the past month, as I drive up the Pali Highway and then Kam Highway on the way to work, I have been greeted by a myriad of election signs for the City Council District 3 seat and some with the candidates holding them.

If I vote for the candidate who has the most workers holding signs, then it would be Anderson.

If I vote for the candidate with the smallest sign, then it would be Ho and Holmes.

If I vote for the candidate who uses the most red, then it would be a toss-up between Ryan and Leong.

If I vote for the candidate with the most artistic sign, then it would be Ho.

It seems a better way for campaigning would be to have all the candidates kick in some funds to buy two pages of a newspaper. Divide the two pages into 11 equal parts and then have the candidates express their position and political philosophy. Then I can see which candidate has similar values, similar concerns, goals and aspirations for District 3 as myself.

BUDGET SHORTFALLS

STATE, CITY LEADERS NEED TO GET CLUE FAST

It's a sad commentary when we vote for our state and city officials to head our systems of government with vision and creativity and all we see is a continuing game plan that heavily relies on ultimate dependency of the alternative of settling any budget shortcomings by getting the money from the taxpayers.

I am thinking our officials don't have a clue as to how the system must work to be efficient. The government gets money by our success at creating income and paying a share for the common needs and operation of the total communities. They are too ready to take the safe alternative of raising taxes to operate a balanced budget.

Now, exactly where are the people supposed to get the money if you can't figure out how to maintain an equilibrium in spending?

Suppose the raising of taxes was not an alternative, just what actions or alternatives would you deem executable to solve the budget shortcomings? Think about that and then select that alternative.

Please wake up and show some vision and creativity or we will see that representative replacements may be in order at the next election.

SHARK TOURS

HAWAI'I SHOULD BAN FEEDING ACTIVITIES

I attended the April 16 town meeting in Hawai'i Kai to voice my opposition to shark feeding tours in Maunalua Bay. I think the majority of the crowd in attendance was surprised to find out from the state and federal officials at the meeting that there are state and federal laws that specifically ban feeding sharks for any purpose other than harvesting the shark.

Why are these laws not enforced? Why are there shark tours in Hawai'i and why are they not shut down? Prospective tour operator Iolani Lewis told the meeting that he worked the North Shore tours for four years and that they throw in a few handfuls of bait to attract these animals.

The state and federal officials need to answer to why they create laws and then don't enforce them.

Most of the meeting attendees were strongly opposed to shark feeding and tours in any area of the state. Florida was cited as an example of a state that has banned these activities entirely. Hawai'i should work on doing the same. We need to leave these animals in peace, not attract them to come around a populated area.

CLEAN ENERGY

NOW'S THE TIME TO PRESSURE LEGISLATORS

Thank you, Honolulu Advertiser, for bringing light to a very important and real issue that we are facing in Hawai'i right now. Right now is the time when we need to put pressure on our legislators who are in session now to pass real clean energy policies.

By real clean energy policies, we mean no new fossil fuel-burning plants, and alternatively harnessing the energy that is available here in Hawai'i, which will not only help diversify our economy but also lead us into a new era of energy independence. Our continued reliance on fossil fuel for energy will be our downfall if we do not act soon.

The variety of alternative sources in Hawai'i will work together to shift our state to the right direction, and our state will be championed as the first in the nation to implement a "no new fossil fuel plant" policy.

Hawai'i's choice is clear, and our options are final. I am excited for the youth in this state to take on the challenge of getting our legislators to push for cleaner energy initiatives.

HOMELESS

HELP REVIVE BILL THAT PROVIDES A REMEDY

House Bill 1187 has been placed on hold, awaiting the appropriation of financial funding for the next fiscal year, 2009-2010. The funding for HB 1187 is estimated to be $75,000. HB 1187 proposes that funds be made available to help reunite homeless individuals wishing to return to the Mainland to their concerned families and friends.

The bill has many stipulations, which must be met, and it is optional for individuals. Something must be done to help remedy this homeless situation. Desperate times call for desperate measures and no other solutions have been offered.

Each transient homeless individual will cost taxpayers roughly $35,000-$45,000 per year. These costs include general assistance, governmental health insurance, food stamps, possibility of incarceration, and nonprofit services. The transient homeless population affects all the people of Hawai'i and our struggling economy.

It is time to do something about it! Please help to revive HB 1187 by writing or contacting your elected congressional representative. Is it a permanent solution? No. But does it address the homeless situation? Yes.