Governor Linda Lingle, quoted in a story in today’s Honolulu Star-Bulletin:

“It puts the Legislature in a very difficult position next session,” Lingle said, “because if that arbitrator comes up with a settlement — whether I agree to it or not — I have to submit it to the Legislature and then they will be put in a position, in an election year, of having to raise taxes in order to pay for this binding arbitration settlement.“

This seems to cut to the heart of the matter. Both the governor and the legislature know that getting through this current recession with the least long-term damage will require another tax increase, most likely via the general excise tax, since a big chunk of that is paid by visitors.

But each wants to be able to blame the other for pushing ahead with the tax hike.

Lingle, at least in this isolated quote, sounds like she might want the arbitrator to take the union position so that she can disclaim any responsibility while putting the tax issue directly in front of the legislature. As she says, in an election year, no less.

It’s a familiar political game of musical chairs, in which the one without a seat when the music stops is stuck calling for a tax boost.

It’s Sunday, I’m a bit slow today, so I’ll let it go to the dogs. Kaaawa Morning Dogs, that is.

There are some new faces in this photo gallery. This is Skate, who lives at the other end of our little road. Click on his picture to see today’s whole batch.