Lawmaker proposes Bellagio-like fountains at State Capitol

Rep. Romy Cachola says it would save money in the long run by making the State Capitol a tourist attraction and removing high maintenance costs for the current reflecting pool.

Source: Lawmaker proposes Bellagio-like fountains at State Capitol | KHON2 (http://www.khon2.com/2016/01/25/lawmaker-proposes-bellagio-like-fountains-at-state-capitol/).

Accessed on 26 January 2016, 06:43 hrs, UTC.

Reporter: Manolo Morales.

Comment:

Hawaii State Representative Romy Cachola has introduced HB 1988 to convert the algae-infested reflection pond at the State Capitol “into dancing fountains with bright lights and music.” Cachola contends that a repurposed reflecting pool with some of the dazzle of Las Vegas will attract visitors and “will save money in the long run”, because, in addition to making the capitol a tourist attraction, it will also clean up the pond, which the state maintains with a fund appropriation of $68,000 per year. Hawaii State Senator Sam Slom criticized the Bellagio-like makeover idea, calling it “a waste of time and money.” Personally, this is one of the worst examples of legislation I’ve ever found. If Cachola wants to save money on the algae-infested pond, why not fill it in and create a Hawaii-themed garden or erect a statue of a prominent Hawaiian King or Queen? Aren’t there more important legislative issues than this? How about finding a solution to homelessness, stopping the outbreak of dengue fever on Hawaii Island, or making this state truly food and energy self-sufficient? What do you think?

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