The article, “Answers on spending backlog sought” (Star-Advertiser, Jan. 6), didn’t explore why state agencies have difficulty spending federal funds. Reasons may vary between programs. We would like to point out one fundamental cause — internal red tape.
With combined 60-plus years of experience managing state budgets and contracts, we saw procurement and contracting become much more complex.
In the 1980s, contracts could be executed in about a month. When we retired, it would take many frustrating months. No wonder federal agencies are losing patience with Hawaii.
Yes, checks and balances are essential when expending public funds. Unfortunately, there is a tendency to “fix” every problem by adding rules instead of simplifying the process and addressing problems directly. Rules are no substitute for good management.
In our experience, most government employees make a concerted effort to meet the goals of state programs, often going above and beyond. Unnecessarily adding to the administrative burden doesn’t support these efforts.
Liz and John Corbin
Kaneohe
Maybe now Island Air will get up and fly right
Island Air, after a significant reduction in service, cutting routes, postponing the expansion of its fleet, reducing personnel and implementing other drastic measures, has now announced that a controlling interest in the company will be sold.
This should not be a surprise.
The airline has endured several consecutive quarterly losses and it appears to be a black hole for cash. The lack of vision and decisiveness of previous and present management must have been quite alarming, even for a billionaire.
Two consecutive CEOs failed to see the need to move rapidly and reach a “critical mass” of aircraft fleet, route development, workforce buildup and other necessary structures before Island Air could have been financially viable.
I hope that the new owners have the financial capability, the vision and the will to become a relevant force in the interisland air market.
To bring meaningful competition, they need to expand quickly and offer what air passengers are looking for: variety of destinations, punctuality, reliability, frequency, friendly, efficient staff and affordable fares. These things, so far, the Island Air’s management has failed to do.
Franco Mancassola
Hawaii Kai
GOP dinner speaker notorious union buster
We are lucky to live in Hawaii, where we have a long and strong history of protecting worker rights.
But we must not be complacent and think change cannot happen here. Our middle class is already struggling with some of the highest costs of living in the nation.
Shockingly, the Hawaii GOP is bringing anti-labor Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker to Oahu as its keynote speaker for a Lincoln Day Dinner in February.
Just ask any worker in his state how Walker’s policies are working out for them.
We can’t afford to have the gap between the super rich and everyone else continue to escalate.
Additionally, an anti-worker case before the U.S. Supreme Court, Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association, could make all states “right-to-work,” which is a sly misnomer. Studies show workers in so-called “right-to-work” states have lower pay and fewer benefits.
We must all speak up to keep anti-worker policies out of Hawaii.
Randy Perreira
Executive director, Hawaii Government Employees Association
Obama blew chance to wear aloha shirts
Mike Eberle wants a picture of President Barack Obama in aloha attire (“Let’s help Obama buy aloha wear,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, Jan. 7). He may have forgotten about our president’s track record.
It is a tradition for all the attendees to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum to take a group picture dressed in local attire.
When the conference was held in Hawaii, at Obama’s behest, a local vendor produced special hand-made limited-edition aloha shirts for the attendees. When it came time for the picture, Obama ditched the aloha shirts for coats and ties.
It was one of the most curious ungracious gestures I have ever witnessed.
Rhoads Stevens
Hawaii Kai
Don’t let city lease park space for parties
What is the Department of Parks and Recreation thinking to allow private parties at Queen’s Beach (“Chief of parks wants to allow booze service for events at Queen’s Beach,” Star-Advertiser, Jan. 6)?
The park is a public space that is enjoyed by families for beach and picnics, sporting and community activities.
The proposal is more concerned with alcohol consumption by an exclusive group instead of preserving the uniqueness of Queen’s Beach as a family venue. It is a direct violation of the public right to accessibility of the whole park.
What is the purpose of serving alcohol, which may endanger other park users, possibly leading to drunkenness and unruly behavior?
Are we worshipping the god of tourism and selling Hawaii’s soul?
Tony Locascio
Becky Kam-Locascio
Waikiki
FROM THE FORUM
Readers of the Star-Advertiser’s online edition can respond to stories posted there. The following are some of those. Instead of names, pseudonyms are generally used online. They have been removed.
“Obama leaves lasting impression on H-1 drivers” Star-Advertiser, Jan. 4:
>> Why doesn’t he take a helicopter to the airport?
>> Freeway closures, overpass closures, etc., are not something new because of our current president, despite what people think. All heads of state (not just of the United States) are treated the same way for security reasons. These are carefully practiced security procedures that have been worked out over many years.
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“Dengue victim describes ‘traumatic’ illness” Star-Advertiser, Jan. 4:
>> Ouch!
>> Thanks for sharing. It will help us take precautionary measures to prevent the spreading of this illness.
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“NextEra aids power utility on fuel plans at no charge” Star-Advertiser, Jan. 5:
>> This is a good sign of technical superiority. NextEra is bailing Hawaiian Electric Co. out of trouble.
>> NextEra is luring HECO and the state Public Utilities Commission into its van, by offering candy.
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“2,600 calls to police made for fireworks” Star-Advertiser, Jan. 5:
>> All fireworks should have been banned decades ago. It is insane to maintain this terrible situation.
>> Just goes to show that making something illegal doesn’t stamp it out. I for one enjoy the fireworks. It’s ingrained into the culture of this state, and it’s only twice a year, so lighten up.
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“Chief of parks wants to allow booze service for events at Queen’s Beach” Star-Advertiser, Jan. 6:
>> The mayor talks about having a drink while watching the sunset down at the beach. Hello! The locals had been doing this for free until we passed laws that prohibit alcohol on the beach. I used to bring my six-pack and my cigars and relax at the beach. Now if I do that, I’m breaking the law. But it would be OK if I attend an event that I need to pay for my beer? Something doesn’t seem right.
>> Do you need booze to have a good time? What an example for our children. And any time you allow drinking you’re inviting trouble, unless you believe those who drink alcohol are all responsible drinkers.
>> If they’re going to allow this, the city should just repeal the ban on drinking at public beaches. Let everyone enjoy the beach with a little booze.
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“‘Idol’ Segundo exits KHON to be KITV weather anchor” Star-Advertiser, Jan. 6:
>> Jordan is a great guy, who does a lot of volunteer work for the community. Congratulations!
>> Maybe they can make him sing the weather report.
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“The end of sugar in Hawaii” Star-Advertiser, Jan. 7:
>> Growing a commodity crop in the most isolated land mass on the face of the Earth, in a state that has one of the highest land, energy, labor, water, transportation and tax costs is completely unfeasible. It’s a sad day for the workers but it was inevitable.
>> Regardless of the profit or loss from sugar operations, Alexander & Baldwin Inc., as a landowner looking into the future, understands there is far more money to be made from developing the land for homes or commercial operations. Revenues from farming it for sugar, even under the best-case scenario, still pale in comparison to developing the land for Maui’s growth.
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“Aloha Stadium turf cleared for Pro Bowl” Star-Advertiser, Jan. 7:
>> This just goes to show that the whole women’s soccer fiasco was a charade. Nice to see that real athletes don’t shy away from doing their job.
>> It’s not a “charade.” Soccer and American football are totally different sports, with fields of differing dimensions and requirements. The U.S. Women’s National Team didn’t cancel its matches at other arenas with turf that was suitable for soccer. They also didn’t stop training, practicing and playing while in Hawaii.
