The historic override of Governor Ben Cayetano's veto of the age of consent legislation (passed unanimously in both the House and Senate earlier) on July 10 - the only override in 44 years - reestablished the Legislature as an independent body. State Senator Fred Hemmings' efforts and 19 Republicans in the House, along with citizen efforts spearheaded by Kelly Rosati of Hawaii Family Forum, deserve much of the credit but it was a bipartisan effort. See story on page 2.

State law provides that elected officials may continue to enjoy salary, benefits and perks even after convicted of a felony until actual sentencing. Councilmember Andy Mirikitani, convicted on all six federal indictments (fraud, theft, money laundering, etc.) in July may not be sentenced til December. Meanwhile, he has his office, staff, benefits, $42,000 salary and even after his sentencing, will still get his pension and free medical care for life. This compounds the original crime. Lawmakers will look into changing this law in the 2002 Session. Mirikitani was convicted for a scheme to extract cash from aides in exchange for salary bonuses. The total amount involved was about $6,500. He violated campaign spending laws as well. He could face up to 65 years in prison. Compare with Mayor Harris' housing official, Michael Kahapea who swindled millions of dollars and lived it up in Las Vegas. No action yet.

Many business people forced to change their cell numbers and service with the August 15 demise of Hawaiian Wireless. Check out the new SBH/Sprint member discount.

Some public schools opened in late July, others Aug. 1, and still teacher pay - cause of a 13-day strike earlier this year - is unresolved.

Fake rocks used at Hanauma Bay are a real legacy for the Mayor Harris Administration. The court challenge to the City's charging to use the public beach - and discriminating against those from the Mainland - is subject of a court suit. The Outdoor Circle, protectors of scenery without signage, is in a beef with the City who enforces sign ordinances - except when it comes to lucrative vending machines on City properties. The City nets about $20K a week from the machines and refuses to cover the soda advertising signs on its own machines to the consternation of the Circle.

The state purchase from Bishop Estate of Ka Iwi (Queen's Beach) shoreline in June for $12.8 million (original demand was $80 million) has divided the community on the issue of building parking lots on the pristine coastline.

Adrian T. Moore, Exec of the Reason Public Policy Institute in Los Angeles really knows his stuff - and everything about privatization. He keynoted SBH's July 19 Privatization Networking Forum, spoke to the Tax Foundation of Hawaii's annual luncheon, was on KHVH with Rick Hamada, met with the Advertiser editorial board and the UH economics department during a whirlwind 48-hour tour arranged by Cliff Slater. Moore succeeded Lynn Scarlett president of Reason. Scarlet, a past SBH annual conference keynoter, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate July 12 as Assistant Secty. for Policy, Management, and Budget of the Department of the Interior. It's a testament to Reason's involvement in important national issues. Reason founder, Robert Poole serves as acting president while Trustees conclude a search for a new president.

SBH contributed to the publication of a revised brochure by the Tax Foundation: "The Tax Burden of the Aloha Family," a must read by all Hawaii taxpayers. Free from SBH.

The Hawaii ACLU, selective defenders of the First Amendment, voted in June to deny a venue for a debate in Honolulu in 2003 between Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and ACLU national president Nadine Stossel. A similar debate earlier this year was with Justice Antonin Scalia. African-American ACLU board members lobbied hard to disallow Thomas his free speech rights. It caused embarrassment nationally and the local ACLU reconsidered. On a split vote they reversed themselves. Then they were put under a "gag order" by the national not to talk about their actions. Hypocrisy lives!

The US House last month voted to block $1 million in compensation to China to cover "costs" stemming from the downing of a U.S. aircraft in April. The vote was 424-6 against giving bucks to the communists. One of the six votes for was Hawaii's Patsy Mink (D).

Looking more like State Rep. Ed Case will run for Gov and Sen. Colleen Hanabusa for U.S. House. Reapportionment (now being redrawn) will determine several key decisions.

State Hospital continues to have escapes (they should install revolving doors). Bruce Anderson described a recent escapee as "very dangerous" in January but "not considered dangerous" in July. He's the problem.

Be sure to join me at SBH events featuring Orson Swindle and Linda Lingle.

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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