For the first time in Hawaii history, a governor has staged a public protest. Gov. Linda Lingle is protesting the Legislature's budget for raising taxes while eliminating economic stimulus projects. Early on, Lingle said she would veto any tax increases. The Legislature plans to override her veto.

Democrats don't like a Republican telling them what to do, and actually have the gall to criticize the governor for being unwilling to do the political horse trading too often a part of government. Lingle's approach was based on reason; the Legislature's on political expedience.

The governor used the Internet, radio and a public veto ceremony at the Capitol to get pressure put on lawmakers by business leaders and the general public. Both would end up paying the bill for the Legislature's inability to see beyond the immediate.

"Contrary to what the governor says, I don't believe there's this widespread opposition," said Randy Perreira. Of course he'd say something like that. Perreira is the executive director of the Hawaii Government Employees Association. The white-collar HGEA and the blue-collar United Public Workers unions represent thousands of state and county employees.

There's no doubt the Legislature began its work on the budget with two main targets: sagging state revenue and shielding government workers from the kinds of financial pressures faced every day by other Hawaii families. The government worker bloc can make or break politicians, even at the expense of the common good.

Gov. Lingle wants a healthy economy, which requires a general cash flow. Taxes divert the flow into the state's coffers. Raising taxes paid by tourists could turn the flow into a trickle.

The governor's protest is unlikely to generate the pressure needed to convince Democrat leaders, but she might rally enough pressure to sway a handful of lawmakers. It would take just two brave representatives and three courageous senators to change their votes from yes to no to prevent the two-thirds majority needed to override the governor's veto.

* Editorials reflect the opinion of the publisher.