01-02-2021, 09:02 PM
Here are two sets of numbers:
2019:
Gov. David Ige said Monday that the state has “spent about $15 million in trying to provide safe and secure access for Maunakea” as the blockade of Maunakea Access Road by protesters of the Thirty Meter Telescope project has entered its sixth month.
https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/201...ea-access/
2020:
As part of the proposal, UH-Hilo is facing a $5.7 million loss (for operating expenses), while the UH Community Colleges will see a proposed $23 million budgetary reduction.
https://www.westhawaiitoday.com/2020/12/...r-uh-hilo/
Of course many factors play into the state budget and expenditures. COVID-19 had a serious affect on state income tax intake. But if the $15 million hadn't been spent last year on police and stoplights at Mauna Kea Access Road, there would be $15 million more available. The state budget is a zero sum game, when money is wasted in one area, another area suffers. One could argue education suffered a loss from a crisis in 2019 and another in 2020. Make of it what you will.
2019:
Gov. David Ige said Monday that the state has “spent about $15 million in trying to provide safe and secure access for Maunakea” as the blockade of Maunakea Access Road by protesters of the Thirty Meter Telescope project has entered its sixth month.
https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/201...ea-access/
2020:
As part of the proposal, UH-Hilo is facing a $5.7 million loss (for operating expenses), while the UH Community Colleges will see a proposed $23 million budgetary reduction.
https://www.westhawaiitoday.com/2020/12/...r-uh-hilo/
Of course many factors play into the state budget and expenditures. COVID-19 had a serious affect on state income tax intake. But if the $15 million hadn't been spent last year on police and stoplights at Mauna Kea Access Road, there would be $15 million more available. The state budget is a zero sum game, when money is wasted in one area, another area suffers. One could argue education suffered a loss from a crisis in 2019 and another in 2020. Make of it what you will.
"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