LONG-TERM COSTS NOT WORTH HASTY BENEFITS

Regarding your April 24 article "Hawai'i income tax increases aimed at state's richest," I'd like to share my concern about the Legislature's proposal.

Raising taxes on the wealthy is a politically safe way to grab a few quick dollars from a small but well-off section of society.

But the short-term benefits do not merit the long-term costs.

More importantly, legislators are ignoring the fact that more than 27,000 of Hawai'i small business owners file all their combined income as personal. This qualifies them as "wealthy" in the eyes of Democrat legislators, when in fact they are the bedrock of Hawai'i residents who are working daily to ensure our economy continues growing.

They are the job creators of our community, and imposing extra burdens on their already heavy load would be the straw that breaks the backs of many Hawai'i small business owners.

The more money we take from our residents and small businesses now, the harder it will be for the state as a whole to quickly and robustly rebound.

I fear we are only thinking one step ahead when the problem requires a more substantial solution.

FIREWORKS BAN

HEALTH, SAFETY FOR ALL STILL ON THE AGENDA

At least four measures related to fireworks were introduced in the 2009 Legislature — from a simple task force to a total ban, and from an increase in fees for permits to a surcharge on fireworks importers and retailers. None were approved.

Who is against the regulation of fireworks? The police and fire departments, health-care workers and organizations such as the American Lung Association have consistently supported a total ban. Cultural groups are OK with it, with some exceptions made for religious ceremonies.

It's not just the air we breathe that gets low marks. Some research has indicated that even short exposure to loud noises can damage the hearing of young children. Fires and accidents causing loss of fingers or eye damage are common results of fireworks use. Asthmatics and those with pulmonary disease must isolate themselves to avoid respiratory difficulties.

It's not right to allow the few to cause the many to suffer the yearly onslaught, which not only occurs on New Year's Eve but days before and after.

We have a responsibility to protect the health and safety of our residents. Let's hope we do better next session.

ELDER CARE

SAFETY NET NEEDS AID FROM RAINY DAY FUND

The state wisely established a rainy-day fund to maintain essential services for public health and safety — a safety net for bad economic times. The time has come to use this fund for its intended purpose.

The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), established in Hilo last year with money from the federal and county governments, is part of the safety net.

It's a one-stop shop for information on long-term care planning, counseling, assessment, costs and services. Big Island residents need the ADRC to help cut through the complexity of long-term care planning, especially as the demand for elder care services increases in the years ahead.

The state is in a position to support this important project with money from the rainy day fund.

Let's hope our legislators and governor pass SB 1679 and release the funds needed to keep it up and running.

LEGISLATIVE SESSION

MANY GOOD BILLS DESERVE MENTION

Most media coverage this legislative session has focused on the negotiations and politicking surrounding the budget and related fiscal matters. This is appropriate and understandable.

Lost in the shuffle, however, are a number of lower-profile measures that collectively enhance public health and safety, improve government efficiency and save taxpayers money.

As of Friday, May 1, Gov. Lingle has signed 39 bills into law.

In many cases, these bills were drafted by experienced department employees seeking to improve the way state government operates and better serve Hawai'i taxpayers.

Act 7 strengthens health and environmental protections relating to the delivery of petroleum to underground storage tanks.

Act 16 improves security at state harbors by allowing the Department of Transportation to adopt rules to protect public safety and enhance security.

Act 36 increases access to basic dental care for vulnerable populations such as the mentally ill and the elderly. This is just a partial list of the bills proposed by the administration.

While the session ends on May 7, the governor has until July 14 to sign, veto or allow remaining bills passed by the Legislature to become law without her signature. During this time, the administration will be carefully reviewing each bill and seeking public input.

TECH INVESTMENTS

UNDERMINING ACTS ONLY HURTS ECONOMY

To those legislators engaging in self-congratulations over your efforts to manage the state budget by undermining Act 221/Act 215 investments in technology: Do not be surprised if you fail to realize your targeted savings because you have actually reduced the horsepower, fuel efficiency and speed of what was the best economic engine in Hawai'i — the emerging science and technology industry — at a time when our island economy most needs revitalizing.

You have chosen to yield to your biases, blind spots and needs for political cover, instead of listening to the most relevant data on investment and return on investment for Hawai'i and following an innovation-driven blueprint for economic recovery.

Our dedicated scientists, technicians and contract workers can still point to our more forward-looking congressional delegation and audaciously hopeful new president for true champions of investment in green growth, sustainability and high-quality jobs.

Perhaps our 2009 graduates will still choose "fight" over "flight" and somehow remain in Hawai'i to help develop renewable energy, creative entertainment, aquaculture, defense — and a cure for the next pandemic.

Please walk in the shoes of local tech workers, students and consumers, who must make tough budget decisions every day.