Common solutions

The Molokai Times
Monday, September 8, 2008

By Sen. J. Kalani English

Recently, the Hawaii Legislature and the Office Depot Foundation got together to provide backpacks containing school supplies to students in Maunaloa. Every student got one, and they sincerely appreciated the gesture.

The purpose of providing the backpacks was not just to give the students free stuff, although we all know that everyone likes a nice surprise. The real reason for the backpacks was to ensure that every student had the supplies required to make their learning experience easier and more fulfilling. At this stage, nobody can reasonably question the importance of education in preparing the next generation for its collective future. School supplies are a good investment, and the Office Depot Foundation deserves a lot of credit for stepping up.

One of the remarkable things to me is how often we find that partnerships between the public and private sectors are the best — and maybe only — way to accomplish what we really need to do. Certainly, the Office Depot Foundation could have prepared and distributed the supplies. Undoubtedly, the state government could have set aside the money to buy the goods and passed them on to the kids. But it was working together that both the state and the Office Depot Foundation got the greatest effect for the amount of effort involved.

Given that success, I can't help but wonder why the same kind of solutions seem to be evading us in addressing the Molokai water situation.

I understand that Molokai Properties does not want to operate the water facilities on Molokai anymore, and I understand that as a profit-making entity, it is in their best interest to stop doing things that do not bring in enough income to offset costs. I also understand that the state doesn't want this white elephant on its doorstep either. From their point of view, it is a costly headache with no upside other than meeting their obligation to provide our citizens with the necessities of life.

And yet, looking around the country, I see an analogous situation with heating oil on the mainland. In a place like Maine, Minnesota or Alaska, the oil that provides heat to many homes is not a luxury. Still, with oil prices rising, the absolute need for heating oil does not reduce the growing burden it places on families' pocketbooks.

In many mainland cities, state and local government, non-profit agencies, and utility companies themselves provide subsidies to ensure that families in need are not deprived of heat. Certainly, the solutions are not easy — for example, the Alaska legislature has debated whether they should follow a rebate plan proposed by the governor (yes, that governor) or a subsidy plan put forth by the legislature. The important thing is that when the political smoke clears, families will benefit.

On Molokai today, the demand for water and the issues surrounding its availability are no less pressing than the requirement of heat in the Alaskan winter: you can't escape the need with pure thoughts or good intentions. The solution will likewise call for a combination of county, state, and private action. It's time for everyone involved to admit that, stop pointing fingers, and get the job done.

Original article URL: http://www.molokaitimes.com/articles/898152637.asp

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