04-12-2018, 04:28 PM
If the observatories have to pay 20% rent to OHA
It seems there is a disconnect concerning how non-profits operate, and the difference between operating costs, profits, and in-kind exchanges. Yes, the observatories cost millions, even billions of dollars to build, but generally that money is from multiple sources, it's pooled from universities and other partners to reach the total amount required for the project.
Some people see dollar signs, and believe where there is money, there must be even more money. But sometimes it's simply not possible for a business, or non-profit, or volunteer organization to come up with an additional 20% for rent, or a bribe, on top of their other yearly operating costs, and the entity simply ceases to exist. Watching these gut and replace bills move through the Hawaii house and senate, that tactic appears to be their exact intention. The sponsors don't care whether they 1) receive rent or 2) raise observatory operational costs so high it will make it impossible for them to exist. They're happy with either outcome. For them it's a bizarro win-win. For the 75% of the Hawaiian people who wish to see astronomy as a viable activity in the state, it's lose-lose.
Thanks for nothing state reps and senators. That's what these bills offer. Nothing.
“Fiction reveals truth that reality obscures.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
It seems there is a disconnect concerning how non-profits operate, and the difference between operating costs, profits, and in-kind exchanges. Yes, the observatories cost millions, even billions of dollars to build, but generally that money is from multiple sources, it's pooled from universities and other partners to reach the total amount required for the project.
Some people see dollar signs, and believe where there is money, there must be even more money. But sometimes it's simply not possible for a business, or non-profit, or volunteer organization to come up with an additional 20% for rent, or a bribe, on top of their other yearly operating costs, and the entity simply ceases to exist. Watching these gut and replace bills move through the Hawaii house and senate, that tactic appears to be their exact intention. The sponsors don't care whether they 1) receive rent or 2) raise observatory operational costs so high it will make it impossible for them to exist. They're happy with either outcome. For them it's a bizarro win-win. For the 75% of the Hawaiian people who wish to see astronomy as a viable activity in the state, it's lose-lose.
Thanks for nothing state reps and senators. That's what these bills offer. Nothing.
“Fiction reveals truth that reality obscures.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
"I'm at that stage in life where I stay out of discussions. Even if you say 1+1=5, you're right - have fun." - Keanu Reeves