Letters for Sunday, July 5, 2009

• Mahalo Kaua‘i

• Mahalo Kaua‘i

‘Putting the pieces together’ requires collaboration

Coco Zickos’ front-page article that focused on Rep. Mina Morita’s comments on HB 1271 (“Putting the pieces together,” The Garden Island, June 28) aroused the following thoughts:

Is there hope that in “putting the pieces together” that there will be a collaborative effort between the public and private sectors? She is quoted as saying, “What we’re striving for, policy-wise, is a long-term solution and commitment that requires leadership, sustained political will … and that’s what we’re trying to achieve.”

I interpret that to mean that the public sector must do its part. But wait! What about those who may feel that government might “mean well” but there are those who perceive that “too much government involvement” will lead to higher taxes, bureaucratic requirements and slowdowns, and well-intended but unwelcome intrusion on what should be the domain of the free enterprise system?

Morita openly states, “… but no amount of legislation can accomplish the well-being of society, it really takes people power to keep us on track,” she added, addressing the continued need for public support.

That’s the key.

I see this as a clear indication that a balance must be struck to keep things on track. Clearly, we have gone beyond labeling ourselves as liberals or conservatives in determining and realizing that a little bit of both is the essence of compromise. It is in our willingness to work out our differences in how to approach and define our working relationships that’s been the way we’ve made any headway in getting things done.

Impossible? Don’t we have sweet and sour recipes to tease and satisfy our tastebuds? Isn’t their the ying and yang in the intricacies of the relationships and attitudes that we have? Have not grayed areas been realized from positions and perceptions that are either totally black or white?

The article concludes with a statement that Morita articulates: “Our own security depends on change on our energy regime.” How more insightful can she be? Isn’t it plain and simple that she is telling us that we can no longer be dependent on imported fossil fuel to hold us captive to the energy and transportation demands of the status quo? Along with other governmental officials and the stakeholders in the private sector, the very same observations and comments are being made. We’ve come a long way.

Clearly and positively, the collaborative efforts from the public and private sectors must prevail. Yes, there will be competition in determining who has the best option, the best plan, the most affordable, the most practical, etc. And yes, we will continue to argue.

 But, in the process, we must realize the extent to which we have all become “instantly knowledgeable” because we are in the midst of the Age of Information. In other words, the systems are available for the masses to access information and to deliver points of view at a global level with such speed and volume and in so many technologically varied delivery systems that have been heretofore impossible to do. So, we can more easily find out who’s shooting the bull, and there are ways of getting the word out that can manifest itself at the touch of a finger.

Consequently, accountability is of prime importance. It is no longer acceptable to use bureaucratic delays for the demand of reasonable explanations because the information can be readily accessed and/or distributed. The public sector, however, must maintain due diligence in providing the formats and frameworks for societal inter-action.

Simultaneously, collaborative efforts will require best management practices and the delivery of time lines and benchmarks that private enterprise offers because “time is money” and the competitive edge of being “first in line” as well as competent, capable, and consistent are all part of the “supply and demand” requirements in the market place.

 So, I think we have our work cut out for ourselves. Those who continue to remain on the sidelines to complain will have to take things as they come. Those who choose to participate in the process to become proactively engaged and involved in the process of change already know the whole song: lyrics, melody line, the rhythm, the arrangement and the orchestration.

 “To dream the impossible dream…” That’s one of the ways accomplishments are attained.

 Jose Bulatao Jr., Kekaha

Mahalo Kaua‘i

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the ‘Ohana Glover Honsador at halfway bridge.

I was fortunate to see the everyday operations there. They are truly a large part of Kaua‘i’s economy. They have been very good friends of mine for a very long time and I would like to express my gratitude to them. 

I would also like to thank the contractors of Kaua‘i for the work they have given me and the crew.

I would like to also thank all of my friends for their support they have given me. It’s been the best medicine that I have received so far. 

Also, I would like to thank the Lihikai Ohana for their support.

Richard Basulto, Kapa‘a