Feed me, taxpayers
by Keli'i Akina, Ph.D., President / CEO, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii
A terrifying monster stalks the streets of Oahu. And every time we think its reign of terror could be coming to an end, it wakes up hungry for more.
I’m talking, of course, about the Honolulu rail.
The rail monster’s caretakers, otherwise known as the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, have promised time and again that it was almost done feasting — all while revising cost estimates and waiving off delays and other issues. They also foolishly vowed that the federal government could help sustain the monster to ease the burden on local taxpayers.
Well, HART seems to have fallen victim again to the monster’s powers, which possess a strange and mystical ability to persuade the unwary to keep feeding it.
How else do we explain the news that a subcommittee on managing the monster has recommended spending nearly $5 billion to grow two new tentacles — one to Ala Moana Center and the other to Ka Makana Aliʻi shopping center in Kapolei?
I remember when the rail monster was born on our shores long ago. Many thought it seemed harmless at first. Some were even excited and expected it to be a helpful creature that could improve life for the people who live here.
Much like the town leaders in a horror film, our lawmakers promised that we would be able to feed and take care of the creature. They estimated it wouldn’t take more than a minimal contribution from the people.
But they were wrong.
The monster quickly became insatiable. It grew and grew, gobbling up tax dollars as the years rolled by. The alleged need to feed the monster has burdened everyone in Hawaii, adding to our already high cost of living.
How long can we keep this up? Where will we find the money for more extensions, much less the inevitable delays and cost overruns that will accompany them?
The monster’s apologists are already hoping that state lawmakers are as captured by its siren song as they are — and that they’re similarly willing to upend the budget or raise taxes to meet the monster’s gluttonous demands.
This is the problem with monsters. Try to placate them, and you only end up with a bigger problem in the end. Let’s hope the Legislature doesn’t fall into the trap of extending this never-ending boondoggle.
That would be very spooky indeed. Happy Halloween!
E hana kākou! (Let’s work together!)
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