The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1885-12-19

ABOUT ROADS, BRIDGES AND REVENUE.

ABOUT ROADS, BRIDGES AND REVENUE. |
The storm has rendered the roads
almost impossible in places, and every
where caused discomfort 1t is perhaps
fortunate that there is little heavy
traffic upon them, for in their present
condition the surface is not capable of
resisting any great pressure. As it is,
when a change of weather takes place
the combined action of the sun and
wind will soon restore them to their
normal state. This, it must be admitted,
is by no means Il satisfactory one. In
nearly every street the rOadbed is full of
holes, and where these do not exist,
the sides are usually higher than the
center, thus preventing surface water
draining Off 1t would take large sum
doubtless to make the roads and
thoroughfares in and around Honolulu
what they should be, but we think some
thing might be done at comparatively
small expense to improve their condi-
ton. Prison labor might be employed
in this work under competent super
vision working to some general plan.
We are aware that there is not much
money available for such purpose, and
that the popular demands for street inn
provement, if complied with even to a
moderate extent, would necessitate ex-
penditure greatly in excess of appropria
ton, but for the work suggested by us
there need not be any very serious oat-
lay. In short, We mean that the money
necessarily expended from time to time
should give the best possible results.
When the Legislature meets doubtless
the necessity of the city in this respect
will be duly considered, but we cannot
hope for any great relief in that quarter
unless the revenue proves to be far
more elastic than it gives evidence of
being up to this date. The Customs
revenue is not likely to increase greatly
next year, and the total assessed taxes
in 1885 do not much exceed the totals
for either of the two previous years. The
money difficulty is therefore a continu-
inc one; and it should also be borne in
mind that the taxpayers on other islands,
and in the outlying districts of Oahu, COM
plain that they are compelled to con-
tribute unduly to the cost of street re-
pairs in Honolulu, which they think
should be borne upon local rates.
The need for better roads and bridges
i'm the country is admitted by all, and it
is desirable as far rs possible to perfect
Il nj f,..,t rnI
That very substantial work has been
done in this direction is undOubted, but
it all falls very far short of what might
be accomplished with a sufficiency OF
money. This will at once appear when
the fact is stated that the total tax upon
the real estate of the Kingdom as per
assessment of 1885, is only $115, 1886 81 {;
personal property, $13S, 442 %; road tax,
$62 1876; vehicles of all kinds, $l0,376.
The total assessed taxes of the year, IN
Guiding the school tax, is $432, $50 21.
Now it must be evident to any lntelll-
gent person that this revenue, added TO
customs receipts of about $3.50, 900, II so
much, does not leave any very wide
margin for roads and bridges after pro-
viding for all other public services,
for it should be borne in mind that ex-
penditures which in nearly all other
countries are provided for out of local
funds are here borne upon the general
revenues of the State.
Now that general election is APP
preaching it is well for taxpayers to take
heed of these points. The country is
growing steadily in wealth and popula-
ton, but somehow the revenue does not
appear to respond to these satisfactory
conditions. Either the assessment is
too low or Il great deal of taxable prop
ertv is concealed and escapes assessment.
That there are tax-shirkcrs, just as there
are opium smugglers, is undoubted, and
we venture to say that the greatest Of
tenders i'm both cases are found to be
among the same class; but that only
renders it more difficult to deal with the
matter. Those who conceal taxable
property OF whatever kind or description
will oppose tooth-and-nail any PROPOSE
ton to increase the tax levy, while those
who make honest returns will be found
ready and willing to contribute to such
extent a. may be necessary to carry on