Your latest economic message "Highlighting Hawaii's Economic Challenges and Opportunities" delivered yesterday at the Hilton Hawaiian Village so mystified me that I am sending this friendly hint. The issues that you choose to engage in are far-sighted and therefore tentative.

You are failing to deal with the realities of what is happening with small businesses in our fragile Hawaiian economy.

The severe and deep impacts of the petroleum “shortage” are created by politicians and regulations. Oil is only a commodity. It is reprehensible that U.S. is dependent on Venezuela who can mine its petrol reserves beyond our nation’s producers opportunities?

Ethanol is inefficient and “fuel for food” drives up food prices up along with starvation and hunger.

The hype of global warming is skewed and threatens the survival of national and international economies.

Every industry is adversely impacted by volatile oil prices. The people of Hawaii are most vulnerable due to our remote location and transportation costs.

Before you can take care of the future, you must take care of the present.

Your legacy depends on choosing your perspective. Please direct your efforts to solving the daily aspects of energy costs today affecting the quality of life of people and businesses in Hawaii.

Dale Evans is the Chairman and President of Charley's Taxi & Limousine in Honolulu, Hawaii. Reach her at mailto:dale@charleystaxi.com

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