West Hawaii Today has posted a survey asking this question:
“The county will get $35 million in federal stimulus funds to complete the first phase of the mid level road. This shows:”
The overwhelming majority (79%) feel that “The county now has proved it has no excuse for failing to build other long-promised roads like Alii Highway because it can act, when forced to do so.”
I agree with this statement. There is no reason in my mind why the county can’t aggressively construct other long promised West Hawaii roads if they can do it for the mid-level road.
The Department of Environmental Management’s proposal to levy a waste disposal fee has other consequences. It is very likely additional manpower will be needed at the transfer stations to collect this fee. On top of that, this will expose these employees to thieves who want to steal that money. Thus, the cost of collecting this fee will likely outstrip the revenue generated.
Lastly, I hope the governor, business interests, and the legislature can reach a consensus to head off an economically devastating increase in the unemployment insurance tax next year.
