Something big is out there… I don’t know what it is, but it’ll get bigger unless we do something about it now. Sounds like the premise for a horror script (and five sequels) but it’s actually a plea, an overture to the 2026 Hawai`i legislature, convening next week amid heightened uncertainty related to a dearth of federal funding, tourism concerns, local economic malaise, besieged non-profits, and more.
That “something” could be a project, capital improvement, or repair work, with inevitable solutions proposed, studied, committee-d, and then invariably stalled or ignored. Like what? Oh… where to begin? H3? An O`ahu leeward side bypass road? Leaky pools and other problems plaguing our State Capitol (goodness, right below legislators’ feet!)? Repair work for an aging Aloha Stadium (2018) and a laissez faire attitude for a new structure? HNL airport upgrades and upkeep? The TMT? Building reform bills? Hawai`i Convention Center water leakage and aging infrastructure needs? UH-Mānoa building maintenance? Legislative ethics reform, including conflicts of interest?
Just a partial list to ponder. Local legislative non-action is like slow water torture as projects annually get kicked down the road, leading to bigger problems that invariably require increased funding. Being penny wise can lead to being pound foolish; witness the enormous amounts of money now being spent on above-referenced, long-deferred maintenance projects. Ah, bumbai…
Yes, it always comes down to money: what’s available, where are priorities, and what’s in the best interests of elected officials’ home voter base so they don’t look bad on social media (and can get re-elected). We pontificate support of tourism, but then stand by idly as the Convention Center leaks, thus ensuring self-sabotage. Officials assembled daily in their legislative home for years without addressing water dripping onto vital, historical records and electrical equipment two floors below- for 55 years- before finally acting out of sheer desperation, which will require inconvenient relocation.
Hope springs eternal. Maybe issues nudged to the “next session” will be acted upon (with real timelines) in 2026. “Oh, yeh” projects cost the state lots more when officials procrastinate, obfuscate, deliberate, and ignore. Sure, someone’s pet project will need to be pushed back or simply lose momentum (for now). That’s governance.
Keep track, fair voters, for 2026 is an election year for every state house rep and half of our state senators. Stay focused, committed, attentive, and involved. Just like we should ask our elected officials.
Think about it…