As predicted in this space, the first of Nestor Garcia‘s two lesson-teaching resolutions has just been deferred indefinitely.

Garcia didn’t object to the unanimous deferral because he wasn’t entirely serious when he suggested sewer and water users should be charged directly for repairs that benefit them. He was trying to make a point.

He said the general theme of his proposals is to remind people that “everybody needs to chip in.” Today was the first lesson, and another reso scheduled to be heard tomorrow would ask the administration to reconsider the plan to direct growth toward Kapolei and away from East Honolulu.

Garcia raised two examples to further illustrate his point.

Whichever community is selected to host the new landfill will “feel the sting of having to take in everybody else’s opala for the good of the greater community,” Garcia said.

As for the controversial rail project, Garcia said, “I hear concerns raised from those who don’t live on that side of the island … wondering why they have to pay for infrastructure that does not benefit them directly.”

The conversation took on a bit of a Kumbaya quality.

Romy Cachola said “We are all one family.” Tulsi Gabbard said ”We’re all kind of living on the same rock together.” Ann Kobayashi and Stanley Chang talked about how government ensures everyone shares the costs of a working society. You win some, you lose some. Many hands make light work. Et cetera.

“Let’s talk about disproportionate share and burden,” Garcia said, “and let’s be statesmanlike.”

(Photo by Flickr user Artotem)