The 2006 Hawai'i Legislature opens today with the usual measure of expectations and challenges. But there is something on the table this year that has rarely been seen: a hefty budget surplus that begs to be spent or returned to the taxpayers.

This surplus, now approaching $600 million, will dominate every conversation this year. Before lawmakers become too giddy, it would be well to remember that it wasn't that long ago when the state faced economic stagnation. Such a day, almost inevitably, will come again. So what to do with this temporary embarrassment of riches?

One idea, which apparently has appeal both to Gov. Linda Lingle and Senate President Robert Bunda, is to return a substantial chunk of the surplus to the taxpayers. Responsibly, both are talking about tax relief plans that focus on those on the lower end of the income spectrum.

But a lot of taxpayers — and not just the rich — are saying they would forgo a couple of hundred bucks in tax relief if the money is wisely spent (or better yet, invested) in areas that will sustain our social and economic health for years to come.

Our list in this category would include: