Recent studies have shown the cost of living in Hawaii is almost 30 percent above the national average. Rising costs are a burden not only for those who have moved here recently, but also for the families and residents who have been here for years. Gov. Linda Lingle's administration has proposed a rebate of $100 per exemption for families with incomes less than $100,000 and $25 for those who make more than that benchmark. Hard-working residents and families in Hawaii deserve the chance to spend the money they have worked hard for. Everyone has their own needs and agendas and, if given a choice with their money, could fairly distribute it to further those needs. I know that if I had an extra $100, it would help greatly with financial burdens such as rent and groceries. If there are people who want the Legislature to manage their money instead of themselves, allow them to donate their refund back to the government, but give the rest of us a chance to receive a rebate that is not only well deserved, but one that can help vaccinate our financial diseases.

Sean Brunette is a junior at Hawaii Pacific University, majoring in international Studies. He is originally from Rochester, NY. He has studied abroad in France and New York.

A Fresh Perspective is a project of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii. Submit proposed articles to grassroot@hawaii.rr.com.