It’s been more than a week since the Council embarrassed itself by failing to take action on the plastic bag reduction bill. Public disappointment with the Council is now more vocal than before and this most recent debacle increases the downward spiral of shrunken credibility with the Council that began with last summer’s re-organization fiasco. Instead of bemoaning the obvious misfortune the County will face in the aftermath of this decision, I’d like to address an even more insidious consequence of the Council’s refusal to tackle issues of this nature.
My concern has nothing to do with the specifics of the plastic bag effort. The issue is much more fundamental; an utter failure to take charge, to lead our County, to define policy in the best interests of the people of our island. Consider some of the plastic bag discussion in Council. Almost every Council member at one time or another admitted plastic bags were a “pollution problem for our island.” Further, most admitted that the issue would “eventually have to be addressed.” A few noted the bill’s sponsor was “on the right track” but couldn’t support the effort due to concerns regarding the cost to the consumers. Despite the fact that at worst the proposal offered in Bill 193 could be considered ‘cost neutral’ in the short term and, most certainly, ‘cost effective’ over an extended period of time, one can only wonder whatever happened to any thought of the cost to our environment? Our shortsightedness I fear will cost us all dearly in the not too distant future and will burden our keiki even more as they wrestle with our foot-dragging on this and other environmental issues. That is a cost to us the consumers – that taxpayers.
Despite the Council attempt not to appear too adverse to a measure with which most members probably agree in principle and despite the spin-control of the administration requesting a more comprehensive measure rather than Bill 193, not one amendment was offered in the two years this issue has been on the Council table. Effective leadership demands much more than simple opposition. Responsible leaders propose alternatives. I can accept that our office does not hold a monopoly on all good ideas. However, no one can accept a complete dearth of options. If you disagree, then offer a reasonable substitute. The public, the taxpayers, you and me should accept nothing less.
The other disappointing aspect of this issue for me involves those saying one thing but not being ready (or willing?) to match commitment with one’s public statements. We all support the ain’a, of course, but all too often when faced with a pro-active measure to take action, some retreat because of politics or special interests and others seek ways to procrastinate and delay. I recognize these decisions are not always easy. I recognize that some important backers might be upset. Good leadership does make exceptions when the best interests of the public are at stake and without alienating one’s base of support. Competent management accepts that on occasion one can’t please everyone all the time. Here was an opportunity to advance the public interest with an issue already agreed upon by Maui and Kauai officials and with much more stringent legislation on this topic discussed at State level. We simply didn’t have the “you-know-what” to move ahead.
This is a statement on the leadership aspects of the plastic bag reduction bill. This particular issue is over, but the results of the County’s lack of leadership may linger and spill over to other more important issues. The economic difficulties the County faces will generate another and more serious ‘leadership-related’ crisis. We face hard choices in trying to balance the budget. The Mayor is on the proverbial ‘right track’ as far as retaining our transit accommodation tax. However, the real ‘crunch’ will occur if we lose even a portion of that traditional revenue source. Do we have the ability to make the difficult decisions in those circumstances? Are we ready to consider the prospect of property tax increases or reductions in staff or eliminating previous ‘budgetary sacred cows’ or imposing a sales tax on County residents (as is rumored by some of our State representatives)? Hopefully we can make those tough decisions if necessary. But based on past behavior, a spectator might be somewhat skeptical.
(Councilman Pete Hoffmann represents District 9 on the Hawaii County Council)
