Editorials
Thursday, August 21, 1997THE battle over Windward Oahu water is heating up as Leeward Oahu interests respond to the state Water Commission's draft decision on the disposition of the water that has nurtured Leeward agriculture through the Waiahole Ditch. Under that proposed solution, Leeward Oahu landowners would receive 10.24 million gallons a day while 16.76 million gallons would remain in Windward Oahu. Of the Windward share, 6 million gallons would be guaranteed; another 10.76 million would remain in Windward streams as an "unpermitted" reserve, including 3.1 million earmarked for future agricultural use in Leeward Oahu. Water division
should be reconsideredThe Hawaii Farm Bureau blasted that proposal as representing "the total disregard of the interests of diversified agriculture" because it shortchanged Leeward farmers. The state departments of Agriculture and Land and Natural Resources are protesting. Amfac/JMB Hawaii, owner of the Waiahole Ditch, said the proposed division, by permitting too little water to flow through the ditch, would force it either to increase the rates it charges Leeward farmers or suspend much of the operation.
Governor Cayetano said the state would consider buying the ditch system because the division would not deliver enough water to the Leeward side, and "It's clear to me that the future of farming is in Leeward Oahu." Windward taro farmers and environmentalists take the opposite view, maintaining that all the water should stay on their side of the Koolaus to replenish streams and restore Kaneohe Bay.
This battle has been brewing for months, but is rapidly approaching a climax. The final decision could have major implications for the future of the island.
If the price of water sold to Leeward farmers is raised, it could drive some of them out of business. Cheap water is essential to the survival of agriculture. The closing of Oahu Sugar Co. has made thousands of acres of agricultural land available for diversified farming, but that could be lost to development if the farmers can't get the water they need.
The controversy has always hinged on a compromise between the conflicting demands of the Leeward and Windward side. The commission's plan to leave the way open for future increases in the allocation for the Leeward side seemed reasonable. But the reaction to the draft proposal indicates that the plan leans too heavily in Windward's favor. If the decision results in Amfac/JMB raising water rates, it will severely damage Leeward agriculture. The governor's concern is well taken.
LABOR was the clear winner of the 15-day strike by Teamsters employed at United Parcel Service. Despite enjoying $20-an-hour wages and generous benefits that most Americans would envy, the Teamsters were able to gain public sympathy by emphasizing the company's hiring of part-time workers in recent years. The agreement provides for wage and benefit gains but most important in public perception was the agreement to convert 10,000 part-time jobs to full-time. Teamsters victory
However, when Teamsters President Ron Carey, a former UPS driver, tried to paint UPS as a microcosm of American business -- "America needs a full-time job," he said -- he gained public sympathy but his broad brush was unfounded.
THE vision of Hawaii as a high-tech center has been slow to materialize despite efforts of the state over several years to provide startup assistance. The decision of Uniden Corp, a Japanese manufacturer of wireless telephones and satellite receivers, to establish a software development center here could provide the boost required to put Hawaii on the high-tech map. High tech in Hawaii
Rupert E. Phillips, CEO
John M. Flanagan, Editor & Publisher
David Shapiro, Managing Editor
Diane Yukihiro Chang, Senior Editor & Editorial Page Editor
Frank Bridgewater & Michael Rovner, Assistant Managing Editors
A.A. Smyser, Contributing Editor
