Select an option below to continue reading this premium story.
Already a Honolulu Star-Advertiser subscriber? Log in now to continue reading.
A fundamental element of free enterprise is pricing based on “what the market will bear.” Free enterprise enables the freedom to do business and set your rates of charge. It also includes a “check and balance” to prevent overcharging. If you overcharge, the competition will lower their price and win. If it is grossly overpriced, no one will be able to afford it.
Our legislators do not appear to understand this basic concept. Subsidies of any sort undermine and defeat this essential check on inflated pricing. Subsidizing the housing costs for government employees will benefit a few with the result of keeping housing prices inflated for all. It penalizes all nongovernment workers by keeping housing prices high. Subsidies in housing break the check-and-balance component of free enterprise.
Charles Hill
Kailua
EXPRESS YOURSELF
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser welcomes all opinions. Want your voice to be heard? Submit a letter to the editor.
>> Write us: We welcome letters up to 150 words, and guest columns of 500-600 words. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and length. Include your name, address and daytime phone number.
>> Mail: Letters to the Editor, Honolulu Star-Advertiser 7 Waterfront Plaza, 500 Ala Moana, Suite #7-500 Honolulu, HI 96813
>> Contact: 529-4831 (phone), letters@staradvertiser.com, staradvertiser.com/editorial/submit-letter