Those who opposed the constitutional amendment to improve our schools argued that it was too vague because it used the euphemism “surcharge” instead of “tax,” and the Hawaii Supreme Court has now agreed (“Question invalidated,” Star-Advertiser, Oct. 20). Fair enough. But opponents invariably say they too want higher teacher salaries and other needed education improvements, but that it can be done in other ways. Well, “other ways” also is a euphemism for taxes.

The citizens of Hawaii will have to decide whether we still want to raise badly needed funds for our schools. If so, should we target a property tax on the mostly out-state people who own second homes in Hawaii and now enjoy some of the lowest property taxes in the nation? Or would we rather raise the general excise or income tax that are mostly paid by ourselves — including teachers? The choice seems obvious.

Jack Ashby

Hawaii Kai

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