Commentary from Senator Sakamoto

January 11, 2007

Public Opinion Survey Results

In October 2006, the Hawaii Business Roundtable and the Pacific Resource Partnership released the findings of a statewide public opinion survey they sponsored. 1 The survey yielded three major findings: (1) reducing illegal drug use rose to the top of public concern, (2) providing funds to public schools remained near the top, and (3) the majority favored investing the tax surplus in public education over a one time cash rebate. 

In the 2007 session, supporting public education will be one of the Legislature's top priorities.  The survey found that 84 percent regarded repairing school facilities a priority.  We will continue to press for funds needed to eliminate our public schools' longstanding repair and maintenance backlog.  We will also press for legislation that will reduce illegal drug use everywhere, but especially in our public schools.  We will seek to use the anticipated tax surplus wisely and prudently for the long-term benefit of the State of Hawaii.  Our schools, our teachers, and more importantly, our students, are among the best places where we can invest taxpayers' money. 

1 Eric Philips, "Hawaii voters turn their attention to social issues," Pacific Business News (October 9, 2006).