Economic solutions come in all sizes

The issue: Two state legislators suggest a plan to help the economy, the unemployed and public health.

Honolulu Star-Bulletin
Editorials
Thursday, October 18, 2001

A plan from two state legislators to hire the unemployed to tackle public health and environmental problems presents a glimmer of hope in the ever-darkening outlook for Hawaii's economy. With the state's economic director saying the current crisis is the worst ever and human service agencies predicting severe strains on their abilities to provide aid, the proposal reflects the vision necessary to save Hawaii from an economic hell.

Sen. J. Kalani English, who was stricken with dengue in August, and Rep. Brian Schatz, fashioned their idea from President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Civilian Conservation Corps; during the Depression it put the unemployed to work on public projects. They would put the jobless to work eradicating the mosquitoes carrying dengue fever. The workers would also go after other hazards, such as miconia plants threatening Hawaii's watersheds. It would fill two needs: creating jobs and preserving public well-being.

English and Schatz see generating jobs for about 450 people at a modest cost of about $1.5 million. Although the work would be temporary, every job created in Hawaii is vital, given the prediction from Seiji Naya, director of the state's economic development agency, that as many as 25,000 could be unemployed if tourism declines by 30 percent through the end of the year. Naya, at a meeting with legislators, said visitor numbers are already down to 70 to 80 percent of normal and the state could lose $1 billion in income.

At the same time, social service agencies have told legislators that the growing numbers of needy residents are straining their resources. The Hawaii Foodbank, Aloha United Way and groups that provide homeless shelters described grim futures for those in need if the government doesn't provide some help.

To keep the economy moving, Governor Cayetano has suggested big construction projects, such as a medical school, and renovations of state buildings, especially public schools. With revenues shrinking, however, he and lawmakers must examine each idea to get the maximum benefit from every dollar. If a school cafeteria needs a new roof, a Hawaii-owned company should be first in line for the contract--and soon.

As they begin a special session next week, it is crucial that lawmakers bear in mind in that solutions don't necessarily have to come in multi-million-dollar packages. Rather, fixes could be like the one proposed by Schatz and English.

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