The first-in-the nation total statewide educational shutdown from elementary to college, began April 5, and ended April 23 after 19 days. Settlement was prompted by federal court (Judge David Ezra) intervention because of special education Felix v. Cayetano handicapped students being denied services. The impact of the strike was felt throughout Hawaii's economy including small business. National media coverage further damaged the state's image. Lost in all of this were 183,000 public school students (and their parents) who were economic hostages and pawns in a political struggle between the state and unions. Settlement terms were not available at press time but teachers will not receive the 22% increase sought. The Hawaii State Teacher Union (HSTA) was determined to strike after a 98% vote, printing of thousands of signs, welcoming union organizers from the Mainland and publishing a detailed booklet on prolonged strike strategies. The University of Hawaii faculty strike ended April 17 after 13 days. It was easy to support teachers who wantedãand deservedãbetter pay, and better working conditions, but harder to separate them from the power and money grabbing union which won a 17% settlement in 1997, built a multimillion dollar new headquarters and worked against all major educational decentralization and reform efforts while supporting nearly all Democrats, including Gov. Ben Cayetano ã twice. Cayetano this time was HSTA's enemy and the union printed up shirts for teachers saying, "Ben: Two Strikes, No Balls." (Some UH faculty were more succinct with their signs: "F--- Ben!") In actuality, Cayetano tried to hold the line against overly rich pay and benefit increases, with little public support. The Governor argued the state could pay the increases this year, but what happens next? Especially if the Asian and Japanese economic spiral and energy crisis continue? Cayetano was vilified while there was plenty of blame for the avoidable strike. As time when on, more people began to gravitate to his position. HSTA leadership does not heed the wishes of its membership, so it was business as usual when negotiators Joan Husted and Karen Ginoza saluted House Democrats, ignoring Republicans, and at a rally at Kapiolani Park, gave an early endorsement to Democrat Honolulu Mayor Jeremy Harris while snubbing GOP's Linda Lingle and refusing to let her speak. Lingle was the rank and file teachers choice for Gov in 1998. Fred Hemmings called on Ginoza to resign because of her "betrayal of teachers and children."

Harris announced, to no one's surprise, he would resign next July to run for Governor. He criticized Cayetano for handling of education. Harris wants to be the new "education Governor," though he never mentioned education before. He jumped in at the end of the strike to provide "free" food (Zippy's chili, rice and a hot dog) to "poor" kids. "Free" meals cost $5,000; he then gave $1 million in tax stipends for "visioning" projects to Neighborhood Boards.

The Asian Development Bank meets in Honolulu May 7 -11. Local law enforcement will spend more than $1 million on "security" against imported protesters. ACLU and others decry infringement of free speech and assembly.

AIG Hawaii Insurance is adding business, home and life to its auto insurance but no health coverage as yet. Small biz needs it now.

A recall effort of Councilwoman Rene Mansho began with businesswoman Haunani Acohido of Asiann's who felt she was wronged.

State Senator Cal Kawamoto, "Father (Grandfather?) of Hawaii's Seat belt, Helmet and Child Seat" laws was fined $78 recently for not having his seat belt on. He paid cheerfully.

Just how separated today's Democrats are from old party roots was evident when Sen. Avery Chumbley suggested adjourning on a rising motion in respect for recently deceased Sakae Takahashi, AJA vet, architect of the Democrat party, and 20-year legislator. The new Floor Leader said the motion wasn't on his script and didn't know "Mr. Sakae."

All work and bad bills make lawmakers dull: The "annual" House-Senate Basketball Game at UH's Klum gym was won in triple overtime by the Senate 38-37. Stars were Senators Matt Matsunaga (D) and Bob Hogue (R) and Rep. Brian Schatz (D). "Inspection of the Greens," had the Senate golf team beating the House, led by Sen. Lorraine Inouye (D).

Rep. Charles Djou (R) and Senators Les Ihara (D) Fred Hemmings (R), Brian Taniguchi (D), and Robert Bunda (D) credited with finally opening the budget worksheets process and getting fiscal information on line.

Potential candidates expected to challenge Patsy Mink (D) in 2002 include: Rep. Bob McDermott (R), Sen. Colleen Hanabusa (D) and Kauai Mayor Maryanne Kusaka (R).

After 4 years of disastrous losses, and poor management, Pacific Century Financial will again becomeã Bank of Hawaii.

Celebrate Small Business Week this month!

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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