ACT 221

ECONOMIC STIMULUS OF THE BEST KIND FOR ISLES

As an economic stimulus, there is none smarter than Hawai'i's 8-year-old Act 221. It is "shovel ready" as it encourages those who have money to invest now in Hawai'i companies that are ready today to commit to the discipline of innovation.

The state does not start to see the cost (in the form of loss in revenue from the credits) until a year later. Even then, this cost is spread out over five years while the companies receiving the investment start to generate income and become self-sustaining, resulting in tax revenues that will more than offset the credits. In the worse case, if a company fails, we still get an immediate stimulus benefit today without having to start paying the cost for a year.

As someone who has worked in economic development for 30 years, the last 20 on Maui, I can easily say that Act 221 has had the greatest impact on quality job creation and innovation. We need to build on our strengths and invest in the future and not feed the gloom and doom downward spiral.

DONNIS THOMPSON

AN INSPIRATION FOR WOMEN ACROSS COUNTRY

I read about the passing of Dr. Donnis Thompson with great sadness. She was an inspiration not only for me, but for countless other women across the country. I followed Dr. Donnis' career throughout her tenure at the University of Hawai'i, during which time she worked with the late U.S. Rep. Patsy Mink to establish Title IX, which provides young female collegiate athletes with the same opportunities as their male counterparts.

On Oct. 15, 1979, the inaugural Na Wahine O Ke Kai women's Moloka'i to O'ahu canoe race took place. To my surprise and delight, Dr. Donnis was at the finish line in Waikiki to congratulate the women of the 17 crews who "dared to be there" to make that first official crossing of the treacherous Ka Iwi Channel.

LEAHI HOSPITAL CARED FOR HER WONDERFULLY

Recently, our dear friend Dr. Donnis Thompson was hospitalized at Leahi Hospital for almost seven months where she finally passed away. We cannot say enough about the staff at Leahi. From the volunteers to the nurses and the physical therapists, Donnis (as we called her) was treated with the kindest words and excellent care.

The staff was always very patient with the dozens of visitors who came to see her. They were very helpful when friends would call from all over the world to say a few words to Donnis by bringing her a cordless phone. The care she received from the staff was exemplary and we noticed it was always dispensed with a smile, as if they were dealing with their own family member.

CEDED LANDS

DEMOCRATIC PARTY BACKS HAWAIIAN RIGHTS

The Hawai'i Democratic Party has made justice for Native Hawaiians a key part of its platform.

It is the belief of the Democratic Party of Hawai'i that the unique spiritual and cultural connection of Native Hawaiians to the land and waters is a fundamental principal of socioeconomic justice in Hawai'i. For that reason, the Democratic Party is a strong advocate of the inherent constitutional claims and rights of Native Hawaiians regarding the so-called "ceded lands."

It is paramount that Native Hawaiian claims to ceded lands be resolved equitably and expeditiously. Clearly, the Hawaii Supreme Court has supported Native Hawaiian claims by stating that the historical record of Hawai'i from the overthrow of the legitimate government of Hawai'i in 1893 leading up to and including the Apology Resolution passed by the U.S. Congress in 1993 acknowledges that unrelinquished Native Hawaiian claims exist and contemplates future reconciliation with the United States and the state of Hawai'i with regard to those claims.

It is essential to the quest for justice and reconciliation of our Native Hawaiian and broader community that the administration of Gov. Linda Lingle honor the state Supreme Court decision and the will of Native Hawaiians.

PARKS MANAGEMENT

FOLKS WOULD LIKE TO ENJOY KAPIÇOLANI AGAIN

This week, I joined a group of local residents in the park for a spiritual meeting. We have been going Sunday mornings for many years. Between the aquarium and the restroom at Queen's Beach, an area of maybe 100 yards, there were 17 permanent campsites.

We were interrupted when a large male camper began to beat and kick a woman about the head and shoulders. The police came and detained him, she ran, but the campsite stayed there and is probably still occupied.

The whole park, especially around the trees, smells like urine.

Now I work for a living and try to do my job, even when I don't like it. I also pay taxes to the governments to do their job. Some people take care of homeless, some people get paid to fix the streets, and — some people get paid to administer Kapi'olani Park. That's their job and that's what they take the money for.

It seems to me that having a good reason, or even a compassionate reason, for not wanting to do their job is not the same as doing their job.