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Hawaii Governor Faces 'Good vs. Good' Choices in 2025

On Politics: For Green, it’s not really between good or bad choice, but which good choice to make

In the ever-evolving landscape of Hawaii politics, Governor Josh Green finds himself at a unique crossroads as he navigates the complexities of governance in 2025. Unlike the archetypal political dilemmas that pit starkly contrasting options against one another—good versus bad, progress versus regression—Green's current predicament is refreshingly different. It's not about avoiding pitfalls or mitigating disasters; rather, it's about selecting from a menu of promising pathways, each laden with potential benefits for the Aloha State. This scenario underscores a maturing political environment in Hawaii, where years of strategic planning and economic recovery have positioned the state to make proactive, forward-thinking decisions rather than reactive ones. As Green approaches the midpoint of what could be a defining term, the choices before him highlight the fruits of his administration's labor, transforming what might have been crises into opportunities for enhancement.

At the heart of this narrative is Green's handling of Hawaii's economic resurgence post-pandemic and post-wildfires. The Maui fires of 2023 left an indelible mark, but under Green's leadership, the state has not only rebuilt but innovated. Federal aid, coupled with state initiatives, has bolstered infrastructure, tourism, and renewable energy sectors. Now, in 2025, Green faces a surplus in the state budget—a rarity in recent history—that allows for ambitious investments. The question isn't whether to cut essential services or raise taxes to balance the books; it's which high-impact projects to prioritize. Should the funds go toward expanding affordable housing programs, which have already shown promise in addressing the homelessness crisis exacerbated by high living costs? Or should they fuel further advancements in green energy, building on Hawaii's goal to be 100% renewable by 2045? Both options are "good" in the sense that they align with core Democratic values and public demands, yet choosing one inevitably means deferring the other, at least temporarily.

Green's background as a physician has always informed his policy-making, emphasizing health and well-being as foundational to prosperity. This perspective shines through in his approach to healthcare expansion. With federal subsidies from the American Rescue Plan still flowing and a robust state economy, Hawaii is poised to enhance its Medicaid program or invest in mental health services, particularly for those affected by natural disasters. The choice here is between broadening access to preventive care, which could reduce long-term costs and improve quality of life, or focusing on specialized programs for Native Hawaiian communities, addressing historical inequities. Both paths promise measurable improvements in public health metrics, but Green's decision will signal his priorities in equity versus universality. Political analysts note that this isn't a zero-sum game; it's about sequencing. Green's administration has already laid groundwork through partnerships with organizations like the Queen's Health System, making either choice viable and effective.

Education represents another arena where Green's options are enviably positive. Hawaii's public schools have seen incremental improvements in test scores and graduation rates, thanks to targeted funding increases during his tenure. Now, with additional resources available, the governor must decide between bolstering STEM programs to prepare students for a tech-driven economy or expanding vocational training tied to sustainable industries like agriculture and tourism. The former could position Hawaii as a Pacific hub for innovation, attracting talent and investment from the mainland and Asia. The latter addresses immediate workforce needs, particularly in rural areas where job opportunities are scarce. Educators and unions praise both directions, noting that Green's commitment to education funding—up 15% since he took office—has created a stable foundation. The dilemma, if it can be called that, is in allocating finite political capital and legislative bandwidth to champion one over the other in the upcoming session.

Environmental policy further exemplifies this theme of "good versus good." Hawaii's unique biodiversity and vulnerability to climate change make conservation a perpetual priority. Green's administration has advanced protections for marine reserves and forest restoration, earning accolades from environmental groups. Currently, he faces a choice between accelerating electric vehicle infrastructure to reduce carbon emissions or investing in coastal resilience projects to combat rising sea levels. Both initiatives enjoy broad support: EVs align with national trends under the Biden-Harris legacy, while coastal defenses are critical for communities like those on the North Shore. Data from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources indicates that either path could yield significant ecological dividends, with projections showing a 20-30% reduction in vulnerability metrics by 2030. Green's personal passion for sustainability, rooted in his medical ethos of preventive care for the planet, makes this a heartfelt decision rather than a purely political one.

On the economic front, tourism—Hawaii's lifeblood—presents yet another set of appealing options. Post-pandemic recovery has been robust, with visitor numbers approaching pre-2020 levels. Green must choose between promoting eco-tourism to preserve cultural and natural assets or diversifying into adventure and wellness tourism to capture emerging markets. The former could enhance Hawaii's global image as a responsible destination, potentially increasing per-visitor spending while minimizing environmental impact. The latter taps into post-COVID trends toward health-focused travel, boosting local economies in underserved islands like Molokai. Industry leaders, including the Hawaii Tourism Authority, report that both strategies could sustain growth without the over-tourism pitfalls of the past. Green's balanced approach, evident in his veto of certain development bills, ensures that whichever path he chooses, it will be grounded in community input and long-term viability.

Social issues add layers to Green's decision-making matrix. Housing affordability remains a top concern, with median home prices hovering near $1 million. The governor's options include expanding tax incentives for first-time buyers or accelerating public-private partnerships for mixed-income developments. Both have proven effective in pilot programs, reducing waitlists for subsidized housing by 25% in urban areas. Similarly, in criminal justice reform, Green can prioritize community policing enhancements or restorative justice programs for non-violent offenders. These choices reflect his progressive stance, aiming to build safer, more inclusive communities without resorting to punitive measures that have failed in the past.

Politically, this abundance of good choices positions Green favorably for potential re-election or higher office. Critics from the Republican side argue that indecision could lead to paralysis, but supporters counter that deliberation is a strength in a state as diverse as Hawaii. Green's approval ratings, consistently above 60%, suggest public trust in his judgment. As he consults with advisors, legislators, and constituents, the process itself fosters transparency and engagement, a hallmark of his leadership style.

In essence, Governor Josh Green's current political reality is a testament to effective governance. By steering Hawaii through crises and into stability, he has created a landscape where decisions are about optimization, not survival. This "which good choice" paradigm could serve as a model for other leaders, emphasizing preparation and vision over crisis management. As 2025 unfolds, the outcomes of these decisions will shape Hawaii's future, proving that sometimes, the hardest choices are the most rewarding. Whether in health, education, environment, or economy, Green's path forward is paved with promise, inviting the people of Hawaii to dream bigger and build bolder.

Read the Full Honolulu Star-Advertiser Article at:
[ https://www.staradvertiser.com/2025/08/03/editorial/on-politics/on-politics-for-green-its-not-really-between-good-or-bad-choice-but-which-good-choice-to-make/ ]