Governor thanks two Maui legislators

The Maui News
Sunday, February 1, 2009

Editorial

While facing the Maui Chamber of Commerce, Gov. Linda Lingle reached across the aisle to thank two Democrats in the Legislature - Sen. J. Kalani English and Rep. Joe Souki.

To a receptive audience at the chamber's annual governor's luncheon, Lingle outlined an economic stimulus plan and said the senator from Upcountry, East Maui, Lanai and Molokai, and the representative from the Kahakuloa-Wailuku-Waikapu 9th District helped craft the $4.2 billion construction package. Maui's share of the package is $578.9 million spread over 36 highway projects.

The governor said the help she received from English and Souki was a prime example of the kind of bipartisan work needed, especially at a time when the state is facing ever-mounting tax-revenue shortages. They chair the Legislature's transportation committees - English in the Senate and Souki in the House.

The highway plan is a six-year proposal to be paid for, in part, by a 10-cent-a-gallon increase in the state fuel tax, a hike in the vehicle weight tax and a higher rental vehicle surcharge. Before anyone gets up in arms, the taxes would go into effect only after the state experiences two consecutive quarters - six months - of 1 percent job growth.

Getting the projects under way will mean an increase in the flow of cash. Contractors will be paying employees who will be spending in the community. The projects will also involve buying materials and fuel for equipment, which might also be rented from local businesses. And, don't forget that general excise taxes will be paid every time anyone purchases anything in the supply chain.

The governor said businesses bidding on the projects could do their part by being careful in figuring their bids, and if they lose, just go on to the next project. She noted history has shown that companies appealing the awarding of contracts can add months or years to getting projects under way.

The Lingle-English-Souki plan is a good one and received a deservedly warm reception from the members of the Maui Chamber of Commerce.

Editorials reflect the opinion of the publisher.

Original article URL: http://www.mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/514368.html

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