Posted on: Saturday, May 23, 2009
Lack of smarts off roads as well
By David Shapiro
Our road smarts took a national dissing as we begin our "flASHback" on the week's news that amused and confused:
Hawai'i drivers are among the least knowledgeable in the nation, an insurance study said. We're not even smart enough to realize we don't have to keep electing people who give us the highest taxes and the crummiest roads.
Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona said local Republicans lost ground in 2008 because they abandoned their core principles. That and they ran no candidates in 28 legislative races.
The Republican National Committee will hold its winter meeting in balmy Honolulu. Good for them. Just because they're out in the political cold doesn't mean they have to take it literally.
A Maui judge said the state can't legally use new voting machines in 2010 elections. Who needs fancy machines? With the low turnout we get, we can vote by a show of hands.
Legislators swiped $9 million to balance the budget from a fund to pay for emergency cell phone calls. What are the chances you'll get an answer if you dial 911 to report the theft?
Senior centers on O'ahu are cutting programs and may close after the Legislature slashed funding. One last time with feeling: We're sure the kupuna are happy to sit home with nothing to do so legislators can enjoy their big pay raises.
The City Council's Budget Committee approved a $175 tax credit to offset property tax increases, then delayed curbside recycling to offset the cost of the tax credit. Are they writing a budget or hiding a pea?
The Honolulu Police Commission said candidates to replace Chief Boisse Correa will have to pass tests including managing a mock disaster. Too bad they didn't start the process before the Legislature adjourned so applicants could work with a real disaster.
Police launched their annual Click It Or Ticket campaign against seatbelt violations. Cops have come to see it as their spring break from fighting real crime.
Few people are using HMSA's Online Care initiative that lets patients visit doctors by computer. It just hurts too much to insert the mouse to take your temperature.
And the quote of the week ... from Gov. Linda Lingle to feuding Republicans at the state convention: "For those of you who want to focus attention on where we disagree, I ask you to give it a rest for awhile." Fat chance they'll give up the only fun the GOP has left.
