[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 140 (Wednesday, October 2, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1906]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATIONS TO JONI KONISHI, WINNER IN THE HAWAII CARPENTERS UNION 
                        VOTE 1996 ESSAY CONTEST

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PATSY T. MINK

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 2, 1996

  Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Joni 
Konishi of Kapaa, HI, a winner in the Hawaii Carpenters Union ``Vote 
'96--Works for Us'' essay contest. Joni, a student at Kapaa High 
School, was the winner in the 15-to-18 age category. She is the 
daughter of unit 4 member Keith Konishi.
  The Hawaii Carpenters Union contest asked each contestant to write an 
essay about the importance of voting. As one of the judges in this 
contest, I was pleased to see the many outstanding entries from 
Hawaii's students. Joni and all the winners must be commended for their 
efforts. I am pleased to submit Joni's essay for printing in the 
Congressional Record.

                         Vote 96--Works for Us

       As a territory to the United States, Hawaii had no rights 
     in voting for the leaders of this country. But, on August 21, 
     1959, Hawaii became the fiftieth state to join the union. 
     From then on the people of Hawaii have had the right to vote 
     for the leaders of their communities and country, unlike the 
     people of Russia. We are fortunate that the government of our 
     country is run democratically. Therefore we should take 
     advantage of this right, and help make a difference in our 
     communities and country. Voting is important to our union 
     family politically, socially, and economically.
       It is important politically for the union family to vote 
     because politics are very important in Hawaii. The officials 
     who are in office will be determining the futures of the 
     people of the state not only politically, but socially and 
     economically too. The democrat party consists mainly of 
     people from the middle class. Therefore, they would be 
     supporting the needs and wants of these people. The democrat 
     party believes in welfare, social security, Medicare, 
     creating jobs for the people, lowering taxes for the middle 
     class, and also a low tariff. The elements of the democrat 
     party are the same as the needs of the union family. 
     Therefore, a vote from a union family for the democrat party 
     would enable the leaders of the state and country to be one-
     step closer to recognizing their needs.
       Not only is voting important politically, but also 
     socially. Voting would be important to the union family 
     socially because of benefits like welfare and social 
     security. Social security enables the elders of the community 
     to collect funds after they are of ages to retire and would 
     not be working. Taking that away from the elders would be 
     making it hard for them to live relaxing and carefree lives 
     if they had to worry about money, even after working hard all 
     of their life. Welfare is a benefit that many people live off 
     of. Some individuals are unable to make enough money to 
     support their families, or are unable to work due to a 
     disability. These people shouldn't be punished for what is 
     not their fault. All these people need is a little help and 
     they'll be able to support their families. Voting for the 
     right person into office would be giving them all of these 
     benefits that will help make their lives easier.
       The most important factor in the voting of union members 
     would be economical. Having the right officials would be 
     promoting the economy of Hawaii. The economy of Hawaii has 
     gotten so bad that many of the locals have had to move to the 
     mainland because there are more job opportunities there. The 
     economy could increase by creating more jobs for the people 
     of Hawaii. Construction is the second biggest industry in the 
     state, yet the unemployment rate of Hawaii is going sky-high 
     due to the many jobless carpenters. The union needs to vote 
     in an official who would be willing to create more jobs for 
     them. Creating jobs could also include finding work sites 
     that need to be renovated, like Coco Palms on Kauai. The more 
     jobs created, the less the government would be giving away 
     funds in unemployment. The decreasing economy causes the 
     people in Hawaii not to have money to spend on necessities. 
     With the people not spending money in the community, many 
     businesses close down and the competition in the island gets 
     less. Therefore the prices rise because there is no one else 
     to compare price and items with. The closing down of 
     businesses also creates more unemployment. A union member 
     vote could help the economy if the combined vote can get the 
     right person in office.
       Voting is important to our union family because of the 
     political, social, and economic problems that it can help 
     solve in the community, and also within the country. Having a 
     vote in the electing of these leaders can help aid many of 
     the issues that the members of the union want to address. One 
     of the main issues being the unemployment of many members. 
     Therefore, choosing the right leaders into office will make 
     our dreams into reality.

                          ____________________