Does the state need to spend $1.9 million to buy its own executive airplane? Democrats think so. SB 1977 is scheduled for a hearing in the Transportation Committee by Senator Kalani English this coming Wednesday, February 7. The bill was introduced "by request" through Senator Colleen Hanabusa's office. Senator English thought the bill is part of the Governor's package. It's not. The Governor's office through the State Department of Transportation will probably oppose the bill as indicated in today's Star Bulletin article.
Should the state pursue this wasteful expenditure, about the only kind of plane that it can purchase new would be some sort of prop plane like the Cessna 208 Caravan pictured above. Pacific Wings, the local air commuter flies a fleet of these. They are apparently very nice planes and can go to all airports throughout the islands. The plane does not have the range to fly to the mainland. For that, the state would have to buy a more expensive jet aircraft.
The state does not need an executive airplane for the Governor and other officials including State Legislators. Hawaii has enough commercial airlines to take these officials to the various airports located around the islands. The funds could be used to address more pressing state transportation needs like improving airport and harbor infrastructure and maintaining our roads.
It is best that SB 1977 die in committee.
UPDATE 2-8-07: The Senate transportation committee killed this bill on Feb. 7. It was introduced on the behalf of Rep. John Riki Karamatsu.
Photo credit: "Idetama" at Flickr.com.
3 comments:
I was under the impression that the Hawai'i Air National Guard provided flight service for the Governor and selected others.
I guess those legislators don't like mixing with the common people.
Legislators and the Governor usually take scheduled commercial flights when travelling interisland and abroad. In emergency situations, the Governor has used the Hawaii Air National Guard or at least a branch of the armed forces that has the right type of aircraft... usually a Blackhawk helicopter.
Speaking of Pacific Wings, has anyone seen this:
http://www.mauinews.com/story.aspx?id=27451
Once again, the state's amallest airline is generating big headlines and revelations about state government. Now they have former attorney Marjore Bronster (of Bishop Estate fame) on the team. God save the Lingle Administration from Bronster the Monster!
Love them or hate them, those guys at Pacific Wings are willing to put their money where their mouth is, and they usually win. Gotta respect that.
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