The Atlantic Cities magazine published a condensed analysis of seven main reasons that explain why U.S infrastructure project cost more than elsewhere. They are:
1. Davis-Bacon Laws: Passed in 1931, the Davis-Bacon Act mandates that laborers for federal public works projects receive local prevailing wages. (+22%)
2. Project Labor Agreements: In 2009, President Obama signed an executive order mandating that contractors for federal projects exceeding $25 million sign Project Labor Agreements, which guarantee the hiring of union workers. (+13~15%)
3. ‘Buy America’ Provision: For decades, this provision has discouraged projects from being built with manufactured goods made outside the U.S. Obama strengthened it in the 2009 stimulus package to include projects besides just highways. (+10~500%)*
4. Lengthy Environmental Reviews. (+10~25%)*
5. Transportation Alternatives Program: Everyone can agree that walking trails, complete streets, historic renovations, landscaping, and bike lanes are public goods, but should they be paid for with highway fund money? This is the current policy of the FHWA. (+5~20%)*
6. Administrative Costs: Currently, U.S. transportation revenue is like a boomerang, going from the states to Washington and back. Naturally, this process adds bureaucratic costs. (+10%)*
7. Toll Bans: Although tolls exist along some stretches of interstate, they are generally not permitted by the federal government. This has stripped the government of a key revenue source that could be used for repairs, and for cheaper borrowing. (+10~50%)*

Now, also in Hawai’i, we deal with added costs as applied to materials and labor. More fodder or wood for our fire….??/

So what is Chows magic number in wins to get him his 4th season? Lots of people say Sheraton Bowl or bust. I’m thinking if he wins 4 games, game attendance stays at 20,000 and the team doesn’t get blown out, that will be enough for BJ to justify the 4th season. Oh yeah, the lack of buyout money will also play a factor.

My view of Chow has always been he’s not the type of coach who’s looking for a quick turn around or maybe not even capable of doing it. Prior to his hiring I posted if Chow is hired people will have to be patient – 3 to 4 years patient. My thinking was he wasn’t going to build on what was already here but he’ll tear everything down and start from scratch. Thought he’d need a minimum of 3 but more likely 4 recruiting classes to get enough of his type of players in.

What the outside view of Chow is not the same as mine. The biggest areas of improvement do not show up in his record and can’t be quantified as of yet. The strength and conditioning program is way better as evidence by Ewaliko. He’s getting more of the better recruits to stay home while bringing Mainland recruits that have the measurables for their position. The two year Mission recruits will soon be coming in to contribute.

Chow is making progress but too slowly for most. I’ve maintained that Chow is making progress in increments that in the long run will be a stable base for others to build on. I hope Chow can show enough improvement in the record book to buy him the time he needs.