The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1900-09-03
A COSTLY INNOVATION.

The Hilo Tribune discusses the NUM-
cipai idea from the usual Hilo stand
point which is that Honolulu wants the
present system of centralized govern
ment TO continue so that she may use
up the greater part of the Island reven-
ues in providing public utilities for her
self.
The statement is far from just In
the first place, if Honolulu were set
apart from the rest of the group in the
political subdi vision of a city, she
would be able without let or hindrance.
TO consume nearly one-half the taxes
which. under the present government,
are paid by all the Islands. OF a total
amount OF 81, O6s 117.27 raised in 1899 ex-
elusive OF custom house and postal re-
ceipts, Honolulu paid nearly half mil
lion dollars, to wit: SiS6, 86l.32 This
sum would answer very well for the
pressing public needs of 1900. but where
would Hilo get off when last years
total contribution in taxes of the big
island Of Hawaii was only $2S2, s5s.1S?
How far would that amount go, II fair
ly distributed over the Island, towards
meeting the expensive wants which the
Rainy City has conjured up? And sup
Gals to pay out of it-what then?
We must remind the Tribune that a
considerable class of voters here, FAR
from thinking that Honolulu profits by
the present system, wants TO cut Hilo
OF so that no Legislature can intervene
and tax this city for Hilo improve
ments. The coming Legislature, having
the whole thing in its hands. may give
~ - Il,
tons. In that case Honolulu might
e. have to stand by and see part of its
half million go TO the other end Of the
Island group, as has been the case in
the past. This feeling prevails in many
quarters and il is accentuated among
those who desire to handle City and
County patronage. Even people who
like the Advertiser, oppose the munich
pal idea, might well favor separation
on the ground that Honolulu could
make more by It, were they not morally
sure that the cost of two more sets OF
governing officials in each subdivided
locality would be so great as to finally
plunge the Islands into as deep a debt
as the organic law will permit il 10
incur.
A million dollars does not so far
Wnen poDuCianS get a1ter IL ana OF
all devices to undermine public treas.
uries the municipal Jimmy is the surest
1t Is In cities that the steals are made
II is there that the demand for reform
is most incessant and the thievery OF
Purchasers the most open and defiant
We could not sustain Territorial Coun-
~ and City governmental systems on
the revenue we now have. The thing
would be impossible. 1t is even doubt
full that we can keep up the Territorial
end with such a sum. Hence swollen
taxes must follow any change from the
present system-and for WHAT
Hilo explains that it is that she may
get the use Of her own money. Is there
not an easier and better way to reach
such a result? No one, in Honolulu
would object to an agreement upon a
Legislative appropriation for Hilo prof
ects embracing a sum equal 10 the tar
contribution of that place for the cur
rent year. 1t would be vastly cheaper
to do that than to erect two superflu-
Gus forms of government in the Islands
though we believe that Hilo, after q
years experience with the plan, would
prefer to take chances with the genera
pot