Gary Rodrigues, who I dubbed, "the 26th State Senator" back in 1997, is facing a 43-count federal felony indictment for theft, fraud and money laundering. He pleaded "not guilty" in March and was still actively testifying (against privatization) at the Capitol. But there is a growing awareness that his power and threats of retribution are waning. Many people now believe, after dodging bullets for years, Rodrigues is headed for prison. Prodded by Senate Republicans, and followed by House GOP, Rodrigues stepped aside from the Judicial Selection Committee where he helped recommend state judges.

The "new" Honolulu Star-Bulletin has been "saved," but for how long? On March 16 it began printing two daily editions (a Sunday edition was scheduled for April 1- no fool!) from the presses of MidWeek in Kaneohe with an old and new staff at Restaurant Row corporate offices. Printing, telephone and distribution problems marred the first days of debut and accusations went back and forth from David Black, the new owner, the Hawaii Newspaper Agency, and the publisher of The Honolulu Advertiser, which added its own second daily edition (afternoon). Business is getting a break on advertising and subscription while the competition remains fierce. The SB layout is markedly different-the photographs are the sharpest in town-but can it last and do effective battle with Gannett's juggernaut? Time and advertisers will tell.

The vaunted "economic turnaround" in Hawaii has been shallow, selective and short-lived and is now threatened by national and international economic and energy problems. Most small businesses here never got a whiff of the improvement. Those that did are reporting slowing sales activity in 2001. Workers' Compensation premium hikes-especially for small businesses thrown into the state's HEMIC-and rising employer medical costs with diminishing provider choices, may drive more businesses out of business locally.

The 2000 Census data are being analyzed and show Hawaii's population slowed sharply during the past decade while Neighbor Islands' expansion was dramatic-especially Maui with a 27% gain (the state was only 10%) and Kihei in particular at more than 54%. More detailed data will be forthcoming but the early summaries show that reapportionment and redrawn political boundaries will have a major impact on the 2002 state elections. Hard to tell whether Republicans or Democrats will be the chief beneficiaries; will depend on who draws the lines and where.

There will be late night last minute maneuvering to head off a threatened teachers-and UH professors-strike set for April 5. (This would be the first double strike of its kind in America-another proud first for Hawaii!) The Governor-the state's negotiator-and the HSTA and UHPA unions were far apart and sharply attacking each other at the end of March. The self-proclaimed "education Governor," has not made many friends among educators - or lawmakers - recently, but many admire his dogged determination not to give away the store to union demands. Educational improvement takes more than money for salaries; there must be a fundamental shift and decentralization in how the government delivers education in addition to comparable wages, for any long-lasting reform.

New University of Hawaii President designee, Evan Dobelle most recently of Trinity College in Connecticut (Frank Fasi's old Alma Mater) is going to be exactly what UH needs: tough-minded, experienced (he was a Republican Mayor in Massachusetts, served Jimmy Carter as a Democrat and is now an "independent") and politically savvy with a keen focus. With a promised salary of $420,000 (current salary is $167,000) he will have independence to pursue real autonomy from politics at UH. He takes over July 2. Wish him well.

Ten of the nation's largest movie chains have filed for bankruptcy, movie ticket prices are up ($10-plus in NYC), attendance is down, 25% of America's population never goes to a movie, complaints rise about the violent and gratuitous sexual content of sleaze flicks, while more people buy their own home movie theatres or go to Blockbuster. So why is Honolulu bucking the trends? There will be more than 200 movie screens here by next month, a substantial growth rate in the past 5 years-16 new theatres at Victoria Ward Centre and a dozen more planned for Windward Mall. Honolulu residents love the movies, especially at shopping malls, the new family community centers. It helps numb the senses as to what is really going on here and how bad government mismanagement really is.

Walter Heen stepping down as head of the local Democrat Party after leading it through its worst years. He'll be replaced by ultra liberal labor attorney, Lorraine Akiba, who brought business-labor antagonism to a new high during her reign as state labor head. Hawaii U.S. Attorney Steve Alm, who resisted investigating Democrat voter fraud in '98, won't be reappointed by President Bush but will be rewarded with a state judgeship.

Taxes are due; woe is to you. Aloha!

Sam Slom is also a State Senator representing the 8th district in the East Oahu area.
His website can be accessed here: http://hotspotshawaii.com/sam/slom.html

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