10-16-2019, 03:02 AM
Banana republic here we come!
https://www.staradvertiser.com/2019/10/1...s-leaders/
Hawaii often gets rapped as being unfriendly to business over regulations, taxes and litigation. Now a new layer to this perception may be forming as activists inhibit construction of three development projects.
“It’s a very big concern for us,†said Gino Soquena, executive director of the Hawaii Building and Construction Trades Council. “It’s sad to say, but it sends a bad message to people about doing business in Hawaii.â€
Soquena, whose organization represents 15 local construction trade unions, said members had concerns that the so-far unresolved occupation of a road leading to the summit of Mauna Kea by opponents of the planned $1.4 billion Thirty Meter Telescope would embolden others to disrupt upcoming controversial, though legally permitted, construction projects.
“That’s exactly what we thought,†he said.
...
Sherry Menor-McNamara, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, said the rule of law isn’t being respected or followed, and this can negatively affect business investments and the economy here.
“It’s important that we have certainty and stability,†she said.
State Rep. Sean Quinlan, whose district includes Kahuku, said concerns in the business community aren’t irrational because government doesn’t seem to have a solution on how to allow permitted work to proceed.
“I think the business community is right to feel a little unsettled at this time,†he said. “What does it say about the rule of law in Hawaii?â€
https://www.staradvertiser.com/2019/10/1...s-leaders/
Hawaii often gets rapped as being unfriendly to business over regulations, taxes and litigation. Now a new layer to this perception may be forming as activists inhibit construction of three development projects.
“It’s a very big concern for us,†said Gino Soquena, executive director of the Hawaii Building and Construction Trades Council. “It’s sad to say, but it sends a bad message to people about doing business in Hawaii.â€
Soquena, whose organization represents 15 local construction trade unions, said members had concerns that the so-far unresolved occupation of a road leading to the summit of Mauna Kea by opponents of the planned $1.4 billion Thirty Meter Telescope would embolden others to disrupt upcoming controversial, though legally permitted, construction projects.
“That’s exactly what we thought,†he said.
...
Sherry Menor-McNamara, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, said the rule of law isn’t being respected or followed, and this can negatively affect business investments and the economy here.
“It’s important that we have certainty and stability,†she said.
State Rep. Sean Quinlan, whose district includes Kahuku, said concerns in the business community aren’t irrational because government doesn’t seem to have a solution on how to allow permitted work to proceed.
“I think the business community is right to feel a little unsettled at this time,†he said. “What does it say about the rule of law in Hawaii?â€