There is a scene in the indie movie "Thumbsucker" where the character with the titular affliction gets spiritual advice from his orthodontist — something about calling forth his spirit animal. Says the character, "Aren't you supposed to fix my teeth?"

Last week, Gov. Lingle's Economic Momentum Commission released a rambling document with proposals meant to maximize the current economic boom and stave off another downturn. It was supposed to be about tax initiatives, diversifying the economy, venture capital, that kind of stuff.

Tucked into the sprawling list of recommendations is state-sponsored training for parents on how to be parents and a Bible-based program through a Mainland company on dealing with troubled teenagers through Christian scripture.

Uh, aren't you supposed to fix the economy?

The text of the report describes one recommended program this way:

"10 week straightforward, scripture based action plans presented in this program offer parents hope and encourage them to take immediate steps toward the intervention process. Christian program offers step by step, no nonsense solutions for changing destructive adolescent behaviors. This program also has a built in support group component to offer parents emotional and practical support as they make difficult changes at home."

Great, fine, it probably works miracles, so to speak, for some families. But in a state commission about economic momentum, what the heck are they going on about this for?

Here's where the paragraph about separation of church and state should go. We all remember that one from Mrs. Saiki's U.S. history class, right?

Well, apparently not.

The title of this report the governor's Economic Momentum Committee put together is "A Holistic Approach to Sustaining Hawaii's Economy." That's probably not what the team set out to do when they first met this spring.

"Holistic" could go either way: On the one hand, it could mean focusing on the complete system as a whole; on the other, it could mean fruity tea and spirit animals. This one is a tad fruity.

It's great that there is attention paid to social needs and quality of life.

And, yes, cultivating a vibrant workforce does mean dealing with drug use. Nobody wants icehead Harry driving the bus.

But, gee, classes on how to live your life and raise your kids? Take-home CDs and sessions for parents on how to be parents? Bible study?

Look, if mama and daddy have solid jobs that pay the bills, that goes a long way toward being good parents of sturdy kids. This state commission shouldn't practice outside their field, especially if the teeth they're supposed to fix are still crooked.

Lee Cataluna's column runs Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Reach her at 535-8172 or lcataluna@honoluluadvertiser.com.