BILL STILL ALIVE, TIME IS NOW TO PASS IT

HB 444, the civil unions bill, is still alive and can be brought to the Senate floor for a full discussion and vote. Earlier in the session 18 senators supported HB 444; however, it is currently deadlocked in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Advocates are working diligently to get the word out that civil unions can become law this session. There are petition drives, articles, letters to the editor, print and radio ads and television shows to get the word out to the larger community.

This important piece of human- and civil-rights legislation is supported by a wide cross-section of our community including civic groups, Hawaiian associations, the progressive religious community, businesses, academics, parents and thousands of individuals across Hawai'i nei.

It is time for us, the diverse community of straight people who already enjoy these rights, to stand up for the rights denied to others.

Now is the time to pass civil unions legislation. We can make it happen. We must insist that equal protection be provided to all loving and committed couples. This is one of the most important human- and civil-rights issues of our time.

ENERGY

POWER PLANT BAN A CRITICAL STEP FORWARD

Sunday's rally in support of banning the construction of new fossil fuel-burning power plants in Hawai'i is indicative of the community support to move forward aggressively to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and imported coal.

If the Legislature passes such a ban, it would set us on a firm course toward energy security and independence. Our state would also send the strongest message to the nation and the world that Hawai'i is serious about achieving our Hawai'i Clean Energy Initiative goal: An economy powered by at least 70 percent clean energy by 2030.

Currently, Hawai'i is the most oil-dependent state in the nation, relying on imported fossil fuels and coal for approximately 92 percent of our electricity needs despite the abundance of renewable resources in our state. This has put Hawai'i in a precarious position, with our energy security and economic well-being dictated by volatile oil prices and whims of foreign governments.

Good progress toward our energy goals has been made over the past few years by my administration in conjunction with the state Legislature. Passing the ban would set the clearest possible course forward. It will help us achieve energy security and independence. The result will be stable and lower energy costs, keeping billions of dollars circulating at home and a diversified economy with good "green-collar" jobs for the residents of Hawai'i.

SPECIES RECOVERY

$14.3 MILLION AN ESTIMATED COST

In response to the column "Money for crows? What about people?" (David Shapiro, April 22), I feel compelled to clarify some misconceptions. The column stated that "The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced it will spend $14.3 million over the next five years on habitat management and other programs to protect the 'alala." In fact, the $14.3 million is an estimated cost to implement all recovery actions described in the plan over the next five years with no guarantee that Congress will appropriate all, or part, of the funding necessary to implement the plan.

With more than 400 listed species in Hawai'i, our responsibility to recover species from the brink of extinction is a monumental task. We put much thought and time into ensuring that the limited funds we receive (last year $4.7 million) are spent effectively for "on-the-ground" recovery projects throughout the Pacific Islands.

The protection and recovery of Hawai'i's endangered species is essential for the species' survival and the health of natural ecosystems. Money spent on species recovery also benefits people by providing jobs, improving living conditions, and increasing tourism, which translates to increased revenue for the public and private sectors.

THEBOAT

FERRY IS ENJOYABLE, JUST NEEDS LITTLE HELP

I agree wholeheartedly with Shari Kimokeo (Letters, April 17) that TheBoat service should be fixed, not sunk. My visiting daughter and I were thrilled by the bouncing ride as we attacked the waves. We embarked at Kalaeloa, entered and passed the snack bar where she got coffee, then proceeded to the front row of the deck. The ride home was smooth and uneventful but we chatted with crew. They often see whales.

We almost missed it because we went past the turnoff, but realized we must have and went back. Better signage is needed. Parking was no problem. I expect most people came on one of the four buses. We took the ride because the counter lady at the post office told us she took her visitors there — the best and cheapest four hours of entertainment there is. Advertisement would be great, but word of mouth is best. Riders should promote it, as Shari did.

EDUCATION BUDGET

SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS APPRECIATED

The state House and Senate recently agreed to use federal stimulus money for public education instead of following Gov. Lingle's proposal to use $90 million to close this year's statewide budget deficit. This decision may allow the DOE to offset some general fund cuts slated in the biennium budget.

Yesterday's Advertiser article, "Lawmakers restore DOE spending cuts," included my comment:

"It helps us use the flexibility that was intended to be there with the passage of the stabilization funds. For us, this is really a way to continue doing what we're doing."

"To continue doing what we're doing," means the DOE will carry through with its plan to reorganize and downsize our state and district offices while implementing necessary school reforms to improve student achievement and learning in the classroom.

The Legislature is scheduled to adjourn on May 7 and will transmit the state budget bill to the governor. At this point in the legislative session and pending the next report from the Council on Revenues scheduled for the end of May, many fiscal hurdles remain.

During these tough economic times, we appreciate the public's continued support for our schools and students.