The Maui news. [volume] (Wailuku, Maui, H.I.) 1900-current, 1921-02-18
FOX SELF

Just why the territorial legislature should decide how much OF the
money which a county raises by taxation should be spent tor any partl-
cular purpose is not quite clear except on the assumption that county
officials are incompetent or are incapable of exercising reason
ably good Judgment, not to be trusted to handle the affairs of the
county. The government pays the salary OF the judges but the county
pays the other expenses OF the court. Surely the persons deputed by
the taxpayers OF the county to care for the local government are bet
ter posted as to needs than can be a legislative body drawn from all parts
OF the Islands. Circumstances may arise which require a greater eN-
pendture one year than another. 1T appears only right that the coun-
y officials, the board OF supervisors, should be III a position to meet
the emergency.
County government appears to have regarded as a dangerous ex-
pertinent in Hawaii but little by little this or that has been taken from
me territorial jurisdiction and given to the county. In 20 doing such
peculiar situations have been created as a county paying its own expenses
and yet being told by the territory what and now much such expenses
may be. In some OF the counties those entrusted with the handling OF
county affairs have not yet succeeded i'll convincing the voters that they
are to be trusted is men OF affairs. For that reason 1t IS difficult to secure
enlarged powers Tor the county government
Maui appears to have confidence Ill its county government and to
be ready to enlarge the powers OF the local government to make them
adequate tor the handling of local affairs. In short, Maui appears to
be ready to assume home rule.
Thus 1t appears that Tor Maui to secure the form OF government
it desires it may be necessary to grant to this county powers and rights
of self government that other counties are not yet ready for, according
to the views OF the voters and taxpayers of such counties. AS a result
1t is likely to become necessary TO make a considerable amount OF the
legislation which Maui wants at this time special legislation.
Another subject than the courts is the matter OF the county dong
work for itself When. the supervisors are convinced that bids from con-
tractors are too high. Without doubt the requirement to let to the lower
est bidder was originally designed to bring about competition and reduce
costs. On Maui 1t does not operate in that way. There are compar1-
lively few contractors 81 competition is less evident. Time after time
the bids are Tar in excess OF the engineers estimates. The county has
proved its ability to save the taXpayrs large sums OF money IN road and
bridge construction. Again 1t is not evident why Maui should be per
mted to build its own roads and bridges and yet not to undertake con-
suucton work of other nature when contractors bids are too high.
A proposal to give all the counties such power would be sure to
meet with strong opposition from contractors OF Honolulu and prob
ably those OF the Countyo OF Hawaii. So it seems that to give this couny
the power sought there must be special legislation for Maui County.
In other words, Maui is reaching out tor home rule while it is a ques-
ton whether the rest of Hawaii is ready for it and this is no small com
piment to the Maui county government.