Public Administration Grade for the State of Hawaii

Today I returned from a 10-day trip to the State of Hawaii to celebrate a two-year wedding anniversary with my wife. This was a return trip for me, as I lived in Hawaii (on the island of Oahu) from 2001 until December 2003. Now frequenting some previous stomping grounds of my earlier years with the perspective of a MPA student, I must give a grade to the State and how they are handling serious issues.

Problem 1: Graffiti. I was literally shocked at the increase of graffiti that is plaguing the island of Oahu, especially the metropolitan area around the City of Honolulu. At nearly every corner I was greeted by layers of primer on public and private walls, building, and utility equipment; it was almost like a patchwork quilt from hell. Ironically, on top of all these patchworks of primer, freshly applied tags defiantly mocked the attempts of the municipality to curb the grotesque appearance of territorial graffiti. One corner I drove past every morning would be covered with graffiti, only to be painted over by noon, then reapplied with graffiti that evening. Rather than being on the offensive, the City of Honolulu is on the defensive, simply covering up (in a rather poor manner) the effects of graffiti. At first thought, the measures Arizona has taken to curb graffiti could assist this City greatly, but any type of intervention would help right about now. If the State of Hawaii fails to curb this aspect of urban blight quickly and efficiently, they may see a deeper decrease in tourism than they are already experiencing from a slumping global economy. Grade: F.

Problem 2: Budget Shortfall. Like most states in the Union, the State of Hawaii is not exempt from a ghastly state budget shortfall. Their shortfall is to the tune of $915 million dollars, which is creating quite a stir amongst citizens and bureaucrats alike. Also, like other states, the rate of home foreclosures are affecting the amount of capital the government can obtain through property taxes. So, in order to obtain the needed funds to balance the state budget, the legislature is looking at raising taxes, but the people digress from such ideas. The people of Hawaii do not want additional pressures placed upon them in an economy where the price-of-living is already through the roof (who really wants to pay $5 for a gallon of milk?). So the legislature is looking at other measures to gradually raise money in the forms of additional taxes and fees on the tourism industry. On services from hotel room to rental cars, the state would raise taxes and fees in order to obtain the monies with little affect on the residents of Hawaii, or so they think. Why the legislature thinks placing greater burden upon the tourists who drive the bulk of their economy is a wise idea is beyond me. In conjunction with the first problem and a slumping global economy, Hawaii is already seeing less tourists frequenting their island paradises. If the legislature does increase the price of people to visit their islands they will more than likely see an even greater drop in tourism than they are already experiencing. Regardless of the price of living, the people of Hawaii are not exempt from sacrifice in stabilizing their state budget. Some legislatures have been looking at raising sales taxes, vehicle registration fees, and even toll roads. Whatever the legislature seeks to resolve this problem, neither the people of Hawaii or the tourists to their islands should bear all the weight. Grade: D.

Problem 3: Crime and Drugs. This was also an issue when I lived in the state of Hawaii, but the problem is becoming even more serious. I was told nearly everyday from concerned locals and business owners to not leave any valuables in my rental car when I would leave it. You may think 'valuables' equates to wallet, purse, electronic devices, or luggage. This is true, but you may wish to expand your vocabulary to anything of value. Even such things as clothing and food will be taken from rental cars, as the ever-increasing demand for drugs will drive individuals to gain funds by any means necessary. ICE or methamphetamine is the drug-of-choice in Hawaii, and for anyone who knows the short- and long-term affects of this drug should know of the ramifications this will have on society. I did notice a greater presence of police forces in the public, which was assuring, but in the north shore and other remote parts of the State there was minimal police coverage (where many of the drugs are produced). Hawaii is, however, fighting a good fight. The community is also behind officials in seeking to halt the use of ICE in their communities, but they will need to implement stricter penalties and community education programs to effectively fight both drug use and the crime associated with it. Grade: -C.

I don't mean to be critical of the State of Hawaii because I love the history and culture of the people and land. However, officials are being presented with real 'mainland' issues and are seeking to solve them in an 'island' fashion. There can be no laid-back pursuit of solving these problems, and officials will need to make serious decisions which will inevitably change the way their State is maintained and run. Overall, the people would be wise to revisit their State Motto: Ua Mau Ke Ea O Ka Aina I Ka Pono (The Life of the Land is Perpetuated in Righteousness). Righteousness is still needed, but a little common sense and resolve will go a long way, too.