Government intrusion into the real estate business has become the feel-good policy of choice for Hawaii state government. The proposed Turtle Bay acquisition is but one example of government meddling in the marketplace. Despite support by policymakers, such use of taxpayer dollars is unwarranted and wasteful.

There are a number of reasons why going on a land-buying spree won’t "keep the country... country." First, the state government can’t efficiently manage the 36 percent of Hawaii it already owns, illustrated by the poor condition of Hawaii’s boat harbors and road infrastructure. Like other state agencies, too many public resources are spent on project regulation and too little spent on effective planning. Most resources set aside by the state are held as neglected assets rather than well-managed public resources.

Secondly, state owned property means taxing all of Hawaii's people to maintain land only some will use. User fees are a more fair method of bringing in revenue.

Finally, the right of individuals -- not the government -- to own and use private property is one of America’s highest values and the foundation for economic growth. It is why the Constitution guarantees it.

Sadly, the Hawaii State Legislature fails to see the waste and problems that years of intrusive land practice has caused. Not only is such action ill conceived, but it fails to recognize prior failures and will not lead to the preservation of the “real Hawaii.”

Contrary to the arguments put forth by many of the opponents of Turtle Bay’s expansion, the choice is not between preservation or urbanization. Future development of Turtle Bay would not attract the industrialization that would necessitate the “parking structures and elevators” some observers fear. Developers realize the environment is an essential part of the equation, thus rationally would look to cooperate with those concerned about environmental issues.

Various coalitions claim that expanding the Turtle Bay resort will destroy the area’s quality of life. An article in the “Honolulu Weekly” listed various concerns, including: Kamehameha Highway's inability to support the traffic produced by such an expansion; water and sewers may be inadequate; and increased shoreline development may negatively impact the endangered monk seals and turtles. Like the vast number of people who may be receptive to these arguments, stakeholders see these concerns as priority to their entrepreneurial livelihood. It is in their fundamental interest to preserve the “country feel," not the other way around.

According to Pacific Business News, purchasing the 850 acres could cost as much as $500 million. Additionally, Hawaii Senate Bill 2423 has authorized the governor to proceed with purchasing or condemning the property. While it may be politically expedient to support the Turtle Bay acquisition under the false guise of environmental protection, in reality, the government’s acquisition of Turtle Bay will do little more than force a half-billion dollar burden on the state’s taxpayers at a time when they can least afford it. 

-GIR-

Justin Rouzaud is a Senior at Hawaii Pacific University studying International Relations. Over the summer he has been a Policy Research Intern at the Grassroot Institute.