Ewa Neighborhood Board
No. 23, January 13, 1999
Legislature Opens January 19th:
Our liberties and pocketbooks will again be at risk when the Legislative Session begins on January 19th. The two main issues will be the economy and education.
Economy
The other
Republicans and I remain focused on cutting tax rates (income and GET) to
stimulate the economy. In every state where tax rates have been cut, tax
collections increase as the economic pie grows larger. When economy and tax
revenues grow, there will be more money available for education. Hawaii Council
on Revenues (economists) testified before the House Finance Committee last week
that our past tax reductions are beginning to have a real effect on the
economy, and that we need to stay the course – that is not increase tax rates.
We were told emphatically that the State cannot renege on these tax cuts - it
would be front page of the Wall Street Journal and every business and trade
publication. Although the cuts received minimal media attention, cancelling them
would get major attention. Our prior changes to reduce taxes sent a clear
message to business and outside investors - that Hawaii is open for business.
We must stick to that message. The money people save on taxes is being
recirculated through the economy and benefits all of us.
Education
PTSAs/PTSOs
have been frustrated and annoyed by having to file and pay the GET on funds
they raise and spend to support the public schools.
Solution - exempt PTSA/PTSO income from the GET if all funds go to DOE for the public schools. The tax all goes to the state – under this bill it would all go to DOE, rather than to the Department of Taxation.
School
maintenance – we have let our capital assets deteriorate by not appropriating
sufficient funds for routine preventative maintenance and repair.
Solution – dedicate a special fund
for school maintenance and repairs.
Now 1% of CIP
(Capital Improvement Project) goes to the art in public places fund. Instead, I
propose putting one-half of this amount (1/2 of 1% of CIP) into a school repair
special fund for five years. In addition, taxpayers will be allowed to
designate a portion of their taxes to be put in the school repair fund and only
used to maintain our schools. This checkoff of tax dollars for a specific
purpose is similar to the existing checkoff to support public financing of
political campaigns. I think taxpayers will like being able to designate their
tax dollars be spent to repair the schools. Your taxes will neither increase
nor decrease if you decide to dedicate money to the school repair fund.
Other Legislative Issues:
Fireworks
There is still a bill pending in conference committee that I support which would give the Counties the power to regulate fireworks. I strongly support shifting responsibilities from the State to the Counties when a statewide solution is not necessary. So far only eleven people have contacted me about fireworks: 9 in favor of a ban, 1 opposed, and 1 for a ban with exception for festivals. My cuurent opinion is that kids should be able to use sparklers and fountains.
Environment
I am submitting a bill to regulate the wasteful practice of shark finning. We need to use most if not all of any resource we harvest.
Village Park and Royal Kunia contamination. It appears there may not be any current soil, water or air contamination. However, there is no dispute that the untreated water supply is contaminated, and that people drank contaminated water for several years before wells were closed and water treatment began. The drinking water is now filtered and is safe. What is clearly needed is a comprehensive health survey of past and present residents of Village Park and Royal Kunia to see if they are more or less healthy than the population at large.
Kapolei Library
Good news! The Governor has adopted the approach I advocated to use existing appropriations to start the project. The proposed Supplemental Budget requests the additional $2 million in CIP (capital improvement project) funds to supplement the $8.4 million we appropriated in 1998. These funds are necessary to complete phase I. Copies of correspondence are attached.
Kapolei High School
Kapolei High School will open this fall for ninth graders, which will help reduce the student load at Campbell High School. Students from the Kapolei complex already attending Campbell will remain there. We already have money to build phase I (neighborhood buildings for 9th and 10th graders). I have met with the Governor, the Department of Education, and the Department of Accounting and General Services, to ensure we have the means available to get the money in 2001 and 2002 for phase II (11th and 12th grade neighborhoods).
Civil Service Modernization
Our civil service system was designed in the early 1900's. We need to modernize and create a system that can handle todays and tomorrows job functions and classifications. A flexible responsive civil service that meets the needs of the public can be achieved without hurting workers.
Prisons
Currently there is a debate as to whether we should send more prisoners and tax dollars to the mainland, or build more prisons here to keep those dollars at home to stimulate Hawaii's economy.
Ewa-Kapolei-Makakilo Vision Team:
The next meeting is Saturday, January 15, 2000, noon to 1 p.m. in the Mayor's Conference Room, Honolulu Hale, 3d floor, 530 South King Street. A copy of the notice is attached.
Kapolei/Campbell Complex Principals
Meeting:
On January 12th I meet with all the school principals from the Campbell and Kapolei school complexes to get their input regarding needed legislation and budget items.
Kalaeloa Regional Park Planning
Committee:
The first meeting was on December 7th. After the meeting I wrote Mayor Harris and recommended that someone from the Department of Parks and Recreation should attend future meetings. A copy of my letter and his response is attached. We need to let the Mayor know that the Department of Parks and Recreation is barely able to maintain existing parks, much less take on additional parklands.
Ewa Beach Community Fund:
Attached is an application packet for Ewa Beach Community Fund grants. The deadline is February 15, 2000. You can contact Steven Kaneshiro of the Hawaii Community Foundation at 566-5537.
Waiola Sports Complex/Central Oahu
Regional Park:
Today I attended the groundbreaking for this 269 acre park. Phase I should be completed by the end of this year and will add a large number of softball, baseball and soccer fields to our community. I have been involved in planning this park for many years and was gratified to see construction starting.
Kapolei Judiciary Complex:
Attached is a letter from the Court Administrator on the status of the Kapolei Judiciary Complex.
Release of Construction Funds:
Attached are two letters from Governor Cayetano regarding the release of construction funds for drainage improvements to Fort Weaver Road at Renton Road. As you know, I have supported this project for years and am pleased that we are finally getting the problem resolved. The other project is for improvements to Kunia Road and the Kunia Interchange.
Voice of the Majority:
Each Saturday morning at 7 a.m. I host a radio show on KWAI called "Voice of the Majority." Listen to 1080 on the am dial and feel free to call 524-1080 and talk to me on the air.