What Is Needed To Cut Down On Corruption In Hawaiʻi?
Good governance is a pillar of any thriving society. It leads to prosperity, development and stability. However, achieving this goal is not an easy task. Corruption and other ills that undermine good governance are the single most formidable impediment to development in the country.
In this blog, we will discuss the various ways in which corruption can be reduced in Hawaiʻi. Some of the ways that will be discussed include increasing transparency in government, improving public accountability, and enhancing ethical standards.
What is corruption?
Corruption is the misuse of public power for private gain. It can take many forms, including bribery, extortion, cronyism, nepotism, and patronage. Corruption undermines democracy and the rule of law, erodes trust in government, and stifles economic growth.
There is no easy fix for corruption. But there are steps that Hawaiʻi can take to reduce it. These include:
- Strengthening ethical standards for public officials.
- Increasing transparency in government.
- Enhancing accountability mechanisms.
- Supporting civil society organizations that monitor government integrity.
- Promoting integrity within the private sector.
- Implementing effective anti-corruption laws and enforcement mechanisms.
- Educating the public about the dangers of corruption and how to report it.
The Cause of Corruption in Hawaiʻi
There are many causes of corruption in Hawaiʻi. One cause is the lack of transparency and accountability in government. This leads to a lack of public trust in government and allows corruption to flourish.
Another cause of corruption in Hawaiʻi is the influence of special interests. Special interests often have undue influence over elected officials and can lead to corrupt practices.
Additionally, corruption in Hawaiʻi is the lack of competition in elections. This often leads to incumbents being reelected without any real challenge and leads to a complacency that can allow corruption to take root.
These are just some of the causes of corruption in Hawaii. To truly cut down on corruption, we need to address all of these causes head on. Only then can we hope to make progress in combating this serious problem.
There are many ways to cut down on corruption in Hawaii, but it will take a concerted effort from everyone to make a difference. Here are some things we can do to help:
- Speak up when you see or hear about corrupt practices. Corruption thrives in silence, so don’t be afraid to speak up and call it out.
- Support organizations that are fighting corruption. There are many great organizations doing work to combat corruption in Hawaii. Consider supporting their efforts financially or with your time and talents.
- We must move to diffuse the power of any one in office. The state Attorney General, Sheriffs, Office of Elections and Ethics Commissioners all should stand for election, not be appointed by the Governor. The overconcentration of power in the Governor’s office adds to the potential coverup of crimes.
- We need to review criminal laws associated with fundraising corruption and consequent punishments.Corrupt officials must pay the price of their misdeeds.
- Vote for candidates who have a proven track record of fighting corruption. When we vote for officials who are committed to cleaning up corruption, we send a strong message that this is an issue that matters to us.
- The legislature must relook at internal ethics investigations, including adding independent
investigators. The Hawaiʻi Attorney General’s office must improve its special investigations. - We should also consider term limits for the legislature. Permanent politicians are more interested in maintaining power than doing the work of the people.
- Educate yourself and others about corruption. The more we understand about how corruption works, the easier it will be to identify and root it out. Talk to your friends and family about the issue and encourage them to do the same.
- Stay informed and engaged. Corruption is a complex issue, but by staying informed and engaged, we can all play a role in making Hawaii a cleaner, more honest place to live.
Conclusion
There’s no doubt that corruption is a problem in Hawaiʻi. But what can be done to cut down on it? For one thing, Hawaiʻi needs to increase transparency and accountability in government. We also need to strengthen our laws against bribery and conflicts of interest, and make sure those laws are enforced. Finally, we need to educate the public about what corruption is and how it hurts our state. Only by working together can we hope to reduce corruption in Hawaiʻi.
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Vote for Gary Cordery for Governor 2022
Gary Cordery is a servant leader. Hawai’i needs a governor who is willing to fight for the people: someone who honors others first, pursues the truth, and protects the liberty of all.