Conclusion

        The unions, plaintiff's lawyers, banks, large landowners, environmentalists, certain social service groups and government itself are  among the institutions that have been most successful at lobbying and political action in Hawaii.  Business, large and small, has not being as successful because, frankly, they don't work at it as hard, as systematically, or with the sophistication that other institutions have put into the political aspects of life in Hawaii.  If that is going to change, business has to develop better strategies  to meet the conditions of life as they exist.  Business groups must look to their own interests and act accordingly but they must also do much more to bring in others, not in business, to support the effort.  For example every labor leader in Hawaii who is not brain dead understands that without a vibrant economy, without business success, the unions and workers suffer and fail.  Labor has to be brought to the table -- and it wants to be.  Neither business or labor can afford to be wedded to any political party or ideology that can't win politically.  Achieving political success means making more and larger investments in political action and in local lobbying than  heretofore; and, it means being pragmatic and objective about what is and is not "possible."

     Finally, it means staying involved for the long haul with the sure wisdom that the solid goals and unshakable persistence, building a balance political/legislative agenda is like building a great level playing field.  No on will build that level playing  field for business, but  business itself.  Paradoxically, unless business reaches beyond itself nothing can be achieved.  Although you must depend upon yourself, your must open your  tent to  all who seek its shelter.  Can you do what needs to be done?  Will you?
     Start now.