By State Sen. J. Kalani English
6/17/2008 5:16:02 PM
One key aspect of maintaining relationships is the regular and responsible observation of commitments. If I say I will be at a certain place at a given time, I should expect that others will rely on my promise. If you promise that you will do something for me, you can assume that I will base some of my decisions on your assertion. That is the way reasonable adults behave.
We all know that.
Matters get more complicated when the commitments are unspoken, and made not by individuals, but organizations. How much can we reasonably expect when a corporation or government entity has control over a key aspect of our lives, even though they have made no express promises about it? I think we should be able to expect a lot, especially if we are talking about something as fundamental as access to water.
On May 30, Molokai Properties, Ltd. announced that since they have ceased operations on the island, they will no longer provide water and wastewater services to Kaluakoi and Maunaloa beginning in August. The company knows that their decision could result in a termination of those services to Molokai residents.
In essence, Molokai Properties has taken the position that they can simply stop providing services that are essential to residents' health and welfare, despite the fact that they once operated in and relied upon that community for support.
Whatever they might say about their right to conduct business as they see fit and make decisions that affect their bottom line, as a part of the Molokai community, they need to recognize that they bear a responsibility to avoid actions that could have a devastating effect on people's lives.
The Public Utilities Commission agrees. In a recent letter responding to Molokai Properties' "notice" that it terminate water and wastewater services, the commission informed the company that...
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