I could spend a whole column on each of these topics, but let’s go with snippets, so then you can philosophize, ponder, and/or pontificate the rest of the week. Please enjoy and run free…
In yet another example of local inaction resulting (apparently) in action, the upcoming federal budget may ultimately decide the fate of Hawai`i Island’s Thirty Meter Telescope, where we’ve seen an impasse for years. The National Science Foundation has indicated it cannot fund multiple billion-dollar telescopes, and has decided that the TMT will be sacrificed as part of the administration’s plans to shave four billion from NSF’s nine billion dollar budget.
With the on-going stalemate on this mountainous issue, it’s a wonder that financial and scientific partners Japan, India, China, and Canada haven’t pulled out as the tone of U.S. international policies keeps shifting…
The state of Hawai`i has, proportionately, the highest number of people 85+ years old of any state. A new study indicates that our cost of living and lack of healthcare resources (including facilities) make for a problematic future for the aged, resulting in inevitable responsibilities defaulting to upcoming generations having to help care for the elderly. A UH study noted that Hawaii’s 85+ population has doubled in the past 20 years, and the report states that 100% of our nursing facilities have reported deficiencies.
Local elders will continue to become a larger percentage of our total population as people live longer lives here, and as younger folk opt to move elsewhere (see- economy, housing, jobs, costs). We need more long- and short-term care facilities and healthcare workers, plus increased health service options, including stronger multi-ethnic cultural awareness)…
And then there’s HNL airport. The so-called modernization plan has been going on for so long that it’s now middle-aged. Revitalized Terminal 1 lacks vendors and warmth; a food vendor told me he can’t justify signing long-term agreements without knowing logistical plans, like which airlines are going to be situated where, and when. Airlines are the key, but their plans (understandably) change suddenly due to economic realities.
Good luck predicting airline pricing, lift and load factors, visitor demand, fuel inconsistencies, et al., as these industry factors change more often than flight schedules. Dirty bathrooms, non-working escalators, long lines, stagnant air, yellow tape, cones, mid-day baggage area overcrowding- these HNL logistical and hygienic concerns drift endlessly… like unclaimed baggage going round and round on a carousel.
Think about it…