The testimony below was presented to the state House of Representatives Committee on Public Safety & Military Affairs at the Hawaii State Capitol on HCR 251 requesting the establishment of a nonprofit visitor center at Halawa Landing, that will serve as a gateway for all of the historic sites of Pearl Harbor. The hearing was held on Thursday, March 24, 2005, at 9:15 a.m.
This resolution is truly egregious. Our being a minority, disadvantaged small business, it troubles me to witness again and more of government's heavy-hand against private enterprise, especially to attack the motives and intentions of Patrick T. Brent.
I know Patrick Brent to be a real American Patriot. Patrick was meant to do this project. His long and strong dedication and support of the Marines and the military up to now has prepared him for this unique enterprise. He is also a very, very honorable man with very high principles and character. He is a creative genius.
We have a lot of questions about the intent and meaning of this resolution.
Why are you interfering with a federal privatization effort?
The U.S. Navy undertook a privatization effort in order too proceed with an extensive development at Pearl Harbor and Ford Island, using private instead of public funds.
The U.S. Navy made a presentation to Hawaii's tourist industry several years ago, showing plans for residence, hotel, recreation, and tourist development of lands in the Pearl Harbor environs. Plans are in the works for a permanent Pearl Harbor Visitor Center structure, which the proponents of this resolution apparently intend to duplicate.
The preambles to this resolution clearly set forth the circumstances of the Navy's award of lease contracts.
Is this a "sacred memorial" or anti-competition issue?
Thus having no legal standing, the proponents of this resolution undertake a political agenda, shamefully playing on emotions to drive this contractor out of business.
They ask for the Legislature's blessing -- in the form of protection from competition -- with hopes to raise the money to construct and replace the current developer from "donations."
What's really happening here?
This is not a government-subsidized project, this is a private enterprise putting up its own development funds. All developments and construction sites have temporary structures. This happens to be a rest and comfort (R&R) station with a 40s "look."
I question the legitimacy of the Hawaii House of Representatives to take sides and undo a private agreement with the U.S. Navy.
Dale Evans is the president of Charley's Taxi and the 2003 Small Business Person of the Year for Small Business Hawaii.
HawaiiReporter.com reports the real news, and prints all editorials submitted, even if they do not represent the viewpoint of the editors, as long as they are written clearly. Send editorials to mailto:Malia@HawaiiReporter.com
