Theoretically, in a two-party system of governance each exists naturally as either the policy-establishing majority or as the opposing minority. In this sense, opposition refers not to obstruction, but to the provision of alternatives — to the lifting of a voice of reason in the face of the potentially corrupting power of the majority. The main body must be held accountable for its actions.
It is patently absurd to imagine that in Hawaii we have had a steady hand substantial enough to hold the majority accountable any time in recent memory. Republicans currently have a micro-caucus of five elected members who opt muchmore often to vote in favor of the majority agenda than to propose sensible alternatives. Party leadership of late has enjoyed a tenure virtually vacant of any semblance of substance. To suggest that the Hawaii Republican Party is anywhere near capable of fulfilling the role of an opposing minority would be akin to have given Custer’s 7th Cavalry any odds whatsoever at Little Big Horn.
In light of Democratic Party dominance in Hawaii for over 60 years, Republi- cans have over time grown understandably increasingly disenchanted with the pros- pect of the heavy lifting that it will take to reverse that trend. But it is necessary — no, it is vital — that we engage now with everything that we can muster.
The lack of clearly articulated alternative ideas at the state Capitol has resulted in those formulating policy recognizing no moral conflict whatsoever in taxing us six ways to Sunday to compensate for their many unchecked short- comings. More than half of us live paycheck to pay- check and at the mercy of an unrivaled cost of living. The growing homeless problem continues to menace our neighborhoods and city streets. And can anyone say with a straight face that there has been any voice of reason to speak of guiding our out-of-control rail project?
Amid internal fracturing and self-soiling that has prevented the Hawaii Republican Party (HRP) from fulfilling its potential, there is a transition quietly taking place that will soon provide a beacon for change.
In March, Republican delegates met at the Honolulu County Conven- tion on Oahu to elect a new county chairman. Brett Kulbis has risen above the clamor and self-righteous- ness that has mired our party to, in a few short weeks, provide unprece- dented organization.
Voting districts on Oahu that up to the point of his election sat dormant and without leadership are now staffed with newly elected and energized district chairs who have in turn appointed new precinct officials.
Old and outdated avenues of communication have been re-opened and modernized. Oahu Republicans who historically have been provided no sense of direction will soon be able to consult a county GOP website for guidance. At the county level on Oahu, HRP is coming to life.
This past Saturday, Republicans convened on Kauai to elect new state executives and selected Col. Shirlene Ostrov as their party leader. It is imperative that Chairwoman Ostrov answer the call for urgent action to revive a party on life support.
Just as Oahu’s Chairman Kulbis has provided us reason to rally behind him, so must she demonstrate cause for hope that viable candidates for the legislature will be recruited and supported by the party as a whole.
Time marches on toward the 2018 election cycle, and only time will tell if we are destined through new leadership to achieve our goal of beginning the journey toward becoming a viable opposition party — or if we are to be left to wallow in continued insignificance.
