tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5495236174238358146.post2194050821291286056..comments2023-06-21T03:21:23.506-07:00Comments on Fix Oahu!: Reject the “Jobs” Justification for Transportation ProjectsPanos Prevedouroshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04252016102314067888noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5495236174238358146.post-35989786309587939682011-02-22T05:50:26.736-08:002011-02-22T05:50:26.736-08:00Panos D. Prevedouros, Ph.D, Thank you for highligh...Panos D. Prevedouros, Ph.D, Thank you for highlighting the truth about the concept of Jobs being the solution for Hawaii's Transportation infrastructure. This is not the solution reorganization is the better option at this time. But, such action requires true leadership and a legislature willing to make the hard decision that Mr. Poole and I share - reorganize the entire DOT as an independent Port Authority, and declare the entire State of Hawaii as a "Free Trade Zone". <br /><br />Removal of the DOT's means of production, currently associated with or by other State Department, Contracting/Procurement, Human Resources, Budget/Fiscal, and most of all Entrepreneurship/Management and Leadership. <br /><br />Currently, DOT revenues are considered "Special Funded", but its revenues etc. are manipulated to create surplus's or deficit's. Removal of the entire DOT structure will show representatives where/what the largest problems are in the Sate.<br /><br />As a "Port Authority" the new organization can be structured in a manner that represents all parties concerned. But, more importantly the funds that the Department generates are reinvested in a truly business like manner which will lead to creativity, efficiency, and and infrastructure that can take full advantage of Hawaii's designation as a "Free Trade Zone". Under such a designation, Port Allen could be our Port of entry for goods and services in/out bound to Asia, Hilo the Port of entry for in/out bound goods/services destine for the mainland. <br /><br />While the good or service is improved or turned into the finished product that can be labeled "Made in Hawaii or the USA". Improvements of the good/service can take place at any of the Islands because they can move freely between the Islands where the local expertise can be taken advantage of. Finally, the term Free on Board (FOB) will save shipping costs for both sender and receiver.<br /><br />The idea has been floated several times, however are killed in committee because the DOT is considered the "Cash Cow" of the legislature. <br /><br />Historically, Port Authorities are usually created when they become considered a major liability, which is becoming the case today and infrastructure that cannot be maintained properly. Because the DOT funds are being used to make our budget problems seem less than they are. Or, legislative approval of its CIP program is based on Jobs (short term) and/or are used as a feather in a legislatures cap. However, the reality is these projects do not improve the infrastructure, because the projects are installed to soon or too late and do not follow a current Master Plan, serving as Hawaii's vision for the future and updated as changes in a travelers needs or new technology occur.<br /><br />Sincerely, <br />Mr. Skinner, A.A.E., PhD, MBA, MSAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com