Why join/pay dues to Small Business Hawaii? I get this question more often now that for the first time in 23 years SBH no longer has an array of medical benefits. (It was the decision of the carriers, not SBH). SBH founded by Lex Brodie in 1975, pioneered medical and other benefits for small businesses, but more than benefits, SBH has always been there to fight for the smallest of firms, to lower the costs of doing business, to network, solve business problems, make referrals, testify at the Legislature and work to improve the business climate - and our community. SBH needs your membership and support. SBH survives on dues (unchanged since 1990!) and donations, accepts no tax money, and consists entirely of business owners. Please join or renew and attend our functions. Hopefully, you need SBH.

Union bosses' mouths were on the Capitol floor with the historic passage of the privatization measure and single union employee health plan coverage at the end of the 2001 Legislative Session. It was their first major defeat-ever. Credit must go to bipartisan efforts, and personal lobbying efforts of Governor Ben Cayetano (who we often criticize); something he had not done previously.

Postage rates up again July 1. As usual, business is hardest hit. Isn't it time to completely privatize or sell the postal system?

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) meeting in Honolulu, June 7-11 cost taxpayers about $5 million for security and focused almost entirely on protesters. There was even live TV coverage of the expected 5,000 man march which turned out to be closer to 400 people plus union diehards. Protesters flew in from the Philippines and the Mainland and got coverage far beyond their points of contention-several of which are valid. One person complained ADB is concerned only with global corporations, the rich, and not with the "low class." There were paid TV commercials urging everyone to be nice to the foreign bankers, including local radio and TV celebrities and Dennis "Bumpy" Kanahele, Hawaiian sovereignty activist who became an instant ADB insider. There was no live coverage of any actual business or economic meetings and the media seemed disappointed that no disruption, violence, or terrorism erupted.

Local 5, the hotel union, following on the heels of a 3-week strike by HSTA and UHPA teachers and professors, threatened to walk at the start of the ADB meeting. The union, administered in trust from the Mainland because ex president Tony Rutledge and current head Eric Gill continue to fight and slander each other, had leverage and won a short term contract banning privatization and outsourcing of jobs; a major union goal. However, the union won't be as strong in the future.

The world premiere of the $135 million "Pearl Harbor" Disney flick June 21 was criticized for being on nuke carrier Stennis here.

The Legislature made June 1 officially "June Day" (it still is a communist celebration throughout much of the world). Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) celebrated by spending more than $200,000 of taxpayer money to send lei of aloha to key destination cities. Most orchids came from Thailand, not Hawaii. Further, if Hawaii is serious about promoting an image of eco-tourism, business tourism, and techno-tourism - and as a wag on KHVH suggested, "protest tourism" - a better use of the tax money should have been made.

A Kam Napier, managing editor of Honolulu magazine and SBH's awardee for "Outstanding Editorial Writer" in 2000, wrote a blockbuster cover story on the "Death of Public (Government) Schools" in June. Read it!

On June 17, State Rep. Bob McDermott 32nd District Oahu Republican announced for the U.S. House (2nd District) race in 2002.

Janet Reno for Governor of Florida? Right, and she'll have Cuban-American support. SBH is trying to get Florida Secretary of State Katherine Harris to speak here in January.

Hawaii's lowest-in-the-nation "age of consent" was raised from 14 to 16 but doesn't imply consent for government mismanagement.

Former AG Margery Bronster hired at $200 an hour by the Maui Council to further investigate former Juneor Linda Lingle on the Makawao housing development completed nearly 4 years ago. Just in time for next year's Gov's race; Bronster did the same in '98.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 8-0 on June 14 against the distribution of marijuana for medical purposes (specifically, "clubs" in California). It should not affect Hawaii's law enacted in 2000 by a 13-12 Senate vote. This is a very emotional issue-unless you have a loved one suffering through unrelenting pain.

Statistics show that in Hawaii more people involved in auto accidents fall asleep while driving (3%) than the national average (1%). More people here also fall asleep during legislative sessions and political campaigns.

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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