If you run a nonprofit organization or are a business owner on Kaua‘i, what would be the top issues you think our state legislators should address in the 2013 session? This was the question Kaua‘i Planning & Action Alliance posed
If you run a nonprofit organization or are a business owner on Kaua‘i, what would be the top issues you think our state legislators should address in the 2013 session?
This was the question Kaua‘i Planning & Action Alliance posed to its membership this month, in preparation for an upcoming meeting with state legislators.
The responses from our members were insightful and highlight the key challenges faced on Kaua‘i.
Not surprisingly, topping the list of priorities was the economy and the issues related to the island’s economic health.
The major concerns were how to stabilize the economy and create a more business-friendly environment in the state in order to increase economic diversity and stimulate investment in job creation.
But not just any jobs will do.
An emphasis is needed on creating living wage jobs, so workers don’t need to work two or more jobs to raise families.
A family with two adults and two children would need to have combined hourly earnings of at least $22.56 per hour to have a living wage on Kaua‘i.
Coupled with these issues is what many considered to be the linchpin of economic strength — a well-educated and prepared workforce.
“A strong public education system that produces a well-educated, globally competitive, civically responsible populace is foundational to the well-being of our community,” one member said. “We seem to have not come to grips with how to support our public education system, which includes strengthening families so that all children will be in the classroom ready, able, and eager to learn.”
There was also considerable support for assisting out-of-school time programs, such as afterschool programs for young people and youth development programs, to reinforce in-school learning and build life skills.
“Without work opportunities paying sufficiently for a good life on Kaua‘i we will lose people. Without a workforce that is prepared to be skilled, productive and valuable to employers, we will not create work opportunities. The two sides of the coin must both be dealt with in balance,” another member said.
What is the benefit to the state in providing support and incentives for education and economic reform?
“More tax revenues to fund the other important functions and services of government,” said a third member.
The second priority area was sustainability, with special emphasis on increasing renewable energy, producing foods locally and protecting the environment.
As one member said, “Successful efforts towards achieving sustainability in our communities would address many of the areas seen as requiring attention — particularly the vulnerability we have with our imported food supply and petroleum requirements.”
But how do we determine how to achieve sustainability?
“A clear vision for Hawai‘i’s sustainability is needed, such as what does it mean, is it realistic and attainable, what hard choices do we have to make now to make us more economically viable, resilient and self-sufficient.”
The Legislature can play a pivotal role in helping to set a clear vision for the state’s sustainability and supporting policies and programs that lead us in a positive direction.
The third priority area identified by KPAA members covered health, mental health, human services and housing.
Services need to keep pace with our aging population. There has to be a safety net available to those in need. We need to expand efforts to encourage healthy lifestyles.
While these priorities were gathered to share with our state legislators, many issues are also relevant to our County Council and county administration.
Let them know what your priorities are.
And be sure to vote in the General Election so you are well represented in addressing these important priorities.
• Diane Zachary is president and CEO of Kaua‘i Planning & Action Alliance. She can be reached at kpaa@kauainetwork.org
