By Keli‘i Akina
Usually, when we say that “government” is responsible for the high price of housing in Hawaii, we are talking about bureaucracy: the rules, regulations, permits and barriers in general that make it difficult, time-consuming and expensive to build homes.
But there is another side to the government’s role in the housing crisis, and it consistently frustrates attempts to reduce the bureaucratic burden on housing.
I’m talking, of course, about politics
The politics of housing includes self-advancement, election fears, special interests, land, money, government funds, property rights, NIMBYism (“not in my backyard” objections), socio-cultural issues and economic factors.
On one level, you can sympathize with politicians who are trying to navigate this mess. There is a strong public sentiment that “something” must be done to bring down the cost of housing in Hawaii. But most practical reforms require upsetting a potentially powerful groups of voters or donors.
That is probably why attempts at fixing the housing crisis usually end up dying on the vine while efforts to scapegoat different groups for high housing prices are legislatively successful.
From the viewpoint of politicians, it doesn’t really matter if their policy “solutions” might be ineffective. It only matters that they don’t get any negative publicity or lose any votes.
The result is exactly what we have in Hawaii: a lot of talk about lowering the cost of housing, but very little effective reform.
Consider two recent county proposals: Honolulu’s Bill 10 and Maui’s Bill 107.
Bill 10 is a flawed but promising proposal that seeks to encourage housing by revising Oahu’s land-use laws. The Grassroot Institute’s testimony on Bill 10 praised its long-overdue effort to reduce regulation on accessory dwelling units and allow more housing in business districts.
Unfortunately, Bill 10 appears to have stalled this week, a victim of the political season and the pressures of the upcoming election.
Maui’s Bill 107, on the other hand, was a poorly conceived effort to address the housing crisis by lowering the price cap on affordable homes.
It is a basic principle of economics that price caps increase scarcity. The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, along with homebuilders and community activists, warned that the proposal would create disincentives for housing construction, further slow the growth of housing and contribute to higher home prices. Bill 107 also included vague language about subsidies that would have an unknown effect on the county budget.
Everything about Bill 107 indicated a need for caution and further thought. Yet, it was pushed to the finish line with little time for reflection. The Maui County Council passed Bill 107 last week and Mayor Mike Victorino signed it into law just days later. Why the rush?
Once again, the upcoming election is a likely factor.
In other words, one bill that could have made a difference in creating more housing was killed, while a bill that is certain to deepen the crisis was pushed through. And all because of politics.
So what do we do? How can we achieve real change if politicians are so easily persuaded to look for scapegoats, pass bad laws or abandon good ones? The answer is twofold.
First, we need to show strong grassroots support for reform. Our lawmakers need to know that the people want to see less regulation, streamlined approvals and fewer barriers to new housing.
There are some policymakers who are willing to take a stand on housing reform regardless of the political winds, but most need to see that their constituents care about these issues and expect action.
Second, we need to hold our lawmakers accountable, not just at the ballot box, but throughout their terms. We have to remind them of their promises and speak out when these proposals come up at the Legislature or county councils.
Politicians have a lot of different voices in their ears when it comes to addressing the housing crisis. We must ensure that the needs of ordinary Hawaii families aren’t drowned out by the chorus of political interests involved. We must get the politics out of housing and make Hawaii more affordable for everyone.
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Keli‘i Akina is president and CEO of Grassroot Institute of Hawaii.
LOWA’s Innox Pro GTX Lo–the ultimate hybrid hiking/street shoe
For all of us, who spent time cloistered during the last several years, the silver lining was having the time to get into a regular fitness habit.
For me that meant walks around Kapiolani Park or a hike with the doggy up the Mau’umae trail.
And what could be better than walking? It’s not only wonderful exercise but as the immortal Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung said, just putting one foot in front of the other is great therapy.
Of course, in doing so, it helps to have good quality shoes on your feet.
That’s where LOWA comes in. I’ve become a big fan of this German manufacturer of high-end hiking boots and athletic shoes for quite a while.
There are several reasons for this.
European Quality
Everyone knows that the quality of German design and manufacturing is second to none.
In addition to finely engineered cars, optics, etc., they also make some of the best hiking shoes in the world.
I’m partial to “crossover” or in LOWA’s terms “All Terrain Sport” shoes. They can serve both as serious “trail wear” or for everyday use.
The second reason why I like LOWA products stems from pure bias.
Full disclosure: I have dual German/American citizenship, so the made-in-Germany aspect is a no-brainer.
Origins
Founded by a Bavarian cobbler named Lorenz Wagner, the firm has been around since 1923. Herr Wagner was onto something because nearly 100 years later, LOWA is a worldwide brand that annually sells over 2 million pairs of boots and shoes in over 40 countries.
The company is still based in Wagner’s home village of Jetzendorf, in Bavaria which is about an hour north of Munich (and a little over an hour from where my grandmother was born, in Ulm).
The manufacturing for the shoe which is the subject of this review happens to be in a town called Továrenská in Slovakia. No, this particular model is not made in Germany but you can be sure some guy named Fritz or Rolf is overseeing quality control. (LOWA also manufactures products Italy, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Czech Republic).
Why not manufacture in a low-cost Asian factory? Despite bottom line considerations, there are good reasons why LOWA keeps its manufacturing in Europe.
Keeping the technology close to home:
Manufacturing and designing high-quality footwear is, as LOWA states on their website, “a complex process that requires a high degree of handicraft.” By having factories close by, they can maintain a tight relationship between the production facilities and the R&D at the mother ship in Jetzendorf.
Case in point: If the company needs to produce a brand-new prototype, management is only a few hours away. Much easier, especially in this day and age, than jumping on an airplane to China.
Keeping things green:
LOWA’s biggest market is Europe. Thus proximity to the manufacturing plants reduces both shipping costs and reduces emissions.
Value chain proposition:
LOWA is a highly integrated company. According to their website, nearly 95 percent of production capacities are covered by wholly owned LOWA subsidiaries. In this current era of broken supply chains, precise control of materials and production is a huge asset.
A True Hybrid
The Innox Pro GTX Lo, like its predecessor the Innox Pro Lo, is a cross between a running shoe, a trail running shoe and a hiking boot. Thus, in theory, you get the best of all possible worlds with this product.
Marketing hype?
Not really.
For starters, the shoe is both stable and flexible on all types of terrain. It’s also really light (360 grams or .78 lb).
The shoes are constructed with a synthetic, mesh fabric upper that entails a “PU” or polyurethane frame for durability, shock-absorption and stability. LOWA says that they are one of the few outdoor footwear companies that manufacture 90% of their line using polyurethane (PU) midsoles vs. EVA midsoles—an older, less sophisticated technology.
PU absorbs shock, supports and rebounds well and is more durable. LOWA claims a PU midsole also offers excellent support, lasts 2-5 times longer than a comparable EVA midsole and, is less toxic to manufacture.
The Pro GTX Lo also uses waterproof/breathable GORE-TEX lining to protect feet from the elements. The earlier model I tested did not have a Gore-Tex lining. This was not a big issue on Oahu, where I live, because it’s dry most of the year and I don’t encounter much off the road muck. However, in Fiji where I spend a great deal of time, there’s more precipitation and waterproof shoes with GORE-TEX are very desirable.
Some argue that a GORE-TEX lining, while in theory is “breathable”, it’s going to make your feet feel sweatier than a non GORE-TEX lining. I’ve used both the non-GORE-TEX lined Innox Pro Lo and LOWA’s Gorgon GTX, which is GORE-TEX lined, extensively. To be frank, I don’t see that much of a difference in every day use.
One other point: LOWA proclaims that the shoes are “vegan friendly”—zero animal products on your feet. (No one can accuse LOWA of not being attuned to the zeitgeist).
Sole Survivor
Another excellent quality is the sole, which seems to be “grippy” in a variety of terrain. Whether you’re in the Costco parking lot or romping up the 1,048 steps of Koko Head Crater Stairs, this shoe can handle it.
The sole has really deep lugs which serve two purposes. The lugs give you great purchase yet are spaced out enough that they kick out small stones and mud so you don’t end up taking it with you. The sole has wonderful arch support while at the same time is flexible like a running shoe. It also has stability in the mid sole, akin to a hiking shoe. The toe is reinforced to protect you, which is a good thing.
When you first try it on, the one thing you can’t help but note is how comfortable it is. The first time you slip into a pair you’ll feel right at home. You don’t generally find it in an inexpensive shoe. Come to think of it, I’ve never found it in a cheap shoe.
It’s so comfortable that in fact you can make it an everyday shoe. They are ideal for long hikes on relatively easy treks. (For a serious trail you’re going to need boots. Lowa makes a variety of boots as well).
Aesthetics are great too. Mine was Graphite/Blue but you can also get Olive, Navy Lime or Black/Grey.
Other reviewers seem to like it as well. Its design got kudos from BACKPACKER’s gear tester (April 2020), which stated “….impressive rebound…” adding, “I didn’t have that achy-tired feeling at the end of the day.”
Price is $200 on the LOWA and REI sites but Zappo’s has them for $175. The bottom line–a less expensive shoe is not going to have the capabilities, much less durability or comfort of this Teutonic hybrid.