Democratic socialism may not be necessarily bad; but many people may be concerned, e.g. how (state) government can generate more money for social service and people’s welfare.
In that, boosting our economy in Hawaii way, not too dependent on fed for our financial support, may be crucial.
In other words, we may need to find ways to correctly raise necessary taxes, (if any), while maximizing in having support from fed.
Simply, if we can boost our economy in balanced ways, then we would be able to increase much more of our (state) government tax revenues for social welfare, redistributing our wealth, properly and in the correct and better way.
Aloha.

Energy Reform?

Two days ago, I met a man who suggested having nuclear power plant; since he said we have continuous presence of nuclear submarines here in Hawaii and one submarine can sufficiently provide energy that whole island can use.

It may not be a bad idea.

(We can also think of utilizing our natural energies like solar, wind, and water. And, we should study what may be more feasible, esp. costeffectively.)

If nuclear power (plant), then, the first thing I can think of is “safety”. But, having constant presence of military and nuclear equipments may not give an added risk to us.

There may be other factors we may have to think; among other things,

If so, HECO may need to change, although they may not like the idea. But, e.g. if we can give them significant management rights and support on the prospective nuclear plant, then they may accept the idea.

Reduction in energy costs are very imperative in boosting our economy, esp. if we bring manufacturing sectors for balanced growth.

More studies and conversations with fed and people related in the industry may be necessary.

Aloha.

How about more freedom, but more controlled freedom?

Ever since the statehood in 1959, Hawaii have enjoyed economic prosperity but, probably much unevenly, e.g. due to ever shrinking middle class.

One reason may be due to our heavy depedence on Fed.

From Fed’s stand point, Hawaii might have played a significant role, e.g. in its strategic and georaphical importance. And, Tourism.
But, in return, we might have relied too much on their help, e.g. government funding.

However, our many local politicians might have been focusing more into local (micro?) issues than participating in macro economic policy issues involving Hawaii, leaving them more to Fed. As a result, we might have lost our control, esp. in economy.

As much as we rely on Fed financially, we may need to develop our own way to economic independence.
Simply, we need to control and grow our own economy in Hawaii way, e.g. especially due to geopraphic location.

As long as we can and try to follow and communicate with Fed, we should have all freedom to grow our economy in our own way.

I call it more controlled freedom (on economy); e.g. more diversified economy and for sustainabilty.

(And, we should be self sufficient or sustainable, in case we become isolated e.g. due to some emergencies in the mainland.)

We have population of 1.5 million; and, it may grow more. We need balanced economic growth and sustainability.

In that, bringing manufacturing jobs and sectors to Hawaii economy should be good and necessary; although there may be some compromise, expected in natural environment. (Please, remember Priorities; choice of better evil?..)

Aloha.

Note: E.g. We may need to utilize our maritime transportations more efficiently, e.g. bringing back interisland ferries, for the purpose of promoting and/or revitalizing our economy thru more frequent traffic and balanced utilization of the lands as well as redistribution of polulation and wealth.

If elected as Governor, one of my primary focuses may need to be on balanced growth in economy. In that, diversification of the economy, e.g. bringing in manufacturing industry, may be necessary.

I know it is a controversial issue; but some compromise in natural environment may be necessary, while not neglecting in searching for alternatives or other options; but at least to reach the goal of our self-sustainability. (I know it may sound silly or insulting; but probable negative impact on environment, due to e.g. bringing manufacturing industry, may not be as much, thanks to our geographic location, which is in the middle of the ocean; as long as we can try to help maintain current level of our natural environment, e.g. for tourism.)

But, unless we diversify and improve our economy, and not relying too much on federal government, our future may not be bright. And, fundamentally, our sociopolitical issues and corruptions may also be correlated to this fact.

Let us work on improving and diversifying our economy for balanced growth.

Aloha.

Keywords: Diversification and balanced growth, Inter-dependence with Fed.