Small Business News
December 2004 | Online Edition
Legislative Session to Test Will of the Governor and Business
The 2005 Hawaii State Legislature convenes its annual 60- working day session Wednesday, Janary 19, 2005. It will conclude the first week of May.
With the stinging General Election Republican losses in the House—the GOP lost a net 5 seats and now accounts for only 10 of the 51 seats— and no gains in the Senate (5 of 25 seats), the majority party Democrats can have their way with the minority—and the taxpayers. New tax initiatives, more business regulation and special funds will most likely be in order with neither the Governor no Republican lawmakers able to stop the Democrat juggernaut. There is no veto proof legislature.
Issues still hanging and in need of repair is workers’ compensation reform, prepaid health care premium reform and regulatory relief for small business.
The Senate reorganized its committee structure increasing the number of committees from 13 to 15. Added were a separate Higher Education committee and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee. The “Media” was added to the Arts, Science & Technology Committee. New Senators include Clayton Hee and Clarence Nishihara, both Democrats, replacing Melody Aduja and Cal Kawamoto.
Robert Bunda remains the Senate President and Calvin Say the Speaker of the House.
It will be a tough session and one that more than ever will require small business involvement. More details next month. As always, Small Business Hawaii will keep the business community up to date with all happenings at the State Capitol.
SELECT THIS LINK FOR THE HAWAII STATE LEGISLATURE WEBSITE
SBH Welcomes New Member Services Exec Tomma Irvine
Small Business Hawaii welcomes new independent membersip services executive Tomma Irvine. Tomma has extensive sales experience in Hawaii including most recently, HVTV and MWR4U-TV and previously with Relizon in sales.
A Hawaii Kai resident, Tomma loves opera and sales! She is also a community leader having served as an executive with MS and the Exchange Club.She will be calling on existing SBH members for their referrals, and on potential new members of Hawaii’s most effective small business advocacy organization.
We welcome Tomma and know you will too. You’ll also see her at our upcoming forums, conferences, and other member networking events.You can reach Tomma at (808) 292-1234.
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