Hawaii already is the most expensive state to live in. It is the second highest-taxed state. It has the fourth highest gasoline tax, estimated at more than 60 cents per gallon. It has the fifth worst roads, even though we have the smallest road system with about 9,600 miles.

What these numbers should tell a reasonable person is that we don’t have a lack of available funds issue, we have a gross mismanagement of funds issue — just like the rail transit project.

And who will end up paying the most under this proposed new tax (“State seeks public feedback on drivers paying by the mile,” Star-Advertiser, March 13)? Those who can least afford it, who drive furthest to go to work and school, who live in Nanakuli, Waianae, the North Shore and Waimanalo.

Why should we believe if the new road usage tax is approved, the money actually will be used to do what it’s supposed to do? Who’s providing the oversight and auditing to ensure it is?

Gary Stark

Ewa Beach

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