Small Business News
July 2004 | Online Edition
My Congressinal Mission Statement | No Child Left Behind | New Tax Laws
Dalton Tanonaka to Make Congressional Run
My Congressional Mission Statement
by Dalton Tanonaka, Candidate for Congress
I am running to represent Hawaii's First Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Our country and state face many serious challenges. The President needs reasonable advice and solid support in winning the war on terror. Our Congress functions best with vigorous but sensible debate that results in what's best for our country regardless of party or politics.
Our state would be well served with voices in Washington that speak for all of us. And that is why I undertake this mission. My years of experience dealing with decision makers and business leaders from around the world form a real-life base of knowledge. My local roots keep me grounded and in touch with issues important to hard-working families. I will provide Hawaii with a balanced voice that would help our relationship with the President and both houses of Congress. I will work closely with Governor Linda Lingle and our entire Congressional delegation in making decisions that are best for the people. That I promise.
Despite global and close-to-home problems, I am optimistic about our future. Our country and state remain shining lights of hope for those who face struggles elsewhere. I plan to provide a voice in Congress that will speak well for Hawaii.
You can contact Dalton by email: Tanonaka@aol.com
No Child Left behind is Indeed Workable
By Rep. Guy Ontai
The federal No Child Left Behind law is designed to create a framework for educational reform, but Hawaii chooses its own course.
Every state in the nation has the flexibility to determine the skills students should learn in each grade level and to design the assessments that determine if students have acquired grade-level skills. This does not mean all students must learn at the same level. Rather, the law is intended to provide information to its citizens about whether students are receiving a grade-level education, or if they need more help.
To support our efforts, the federal Department of Education has provided increased flexibility along with accountability for results.
Criticisms that the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 is an "unfunded mandate" can be laid to rest. The General Accounting Office, the independent, investigative arm of Congress, as well as several other organizations that do not lobby the federal government for increased spending on education, recently confirmed that the law is workable.
In a recent report, the GAO found No Child Left Behind "did not meet the UMRA's (Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995) definition of a mandate because the requirements were a condition of federal financial assistance"; and "any costs incurred by state, local or tribal governments would result from complying."
No Child Left Behind is good for Hawai'i's students, but that doesn't mean it will be easy. Make no mistake and make no more excuses. This can be done.
Rep. Guy P. Ontai is the Republican representing the district of Mililani on Oahu and is a member of the Education Committee.
Tax Rate Changes & New Legislation
Two Hawaii tax rates have changed as of July 1, 2004.
The first is an increase in the State's cigarette tax from 6.5 cents to 7 cents per cigarette (increase passed in 2002 by Act 246). Packs with the old pink cigarette tax stamp affixed to them can continue to be sold by wholesalers/distributors and retailers alike under certain circumstances. The new tax stamps are blue and went on sale on June 1.
See Department of Taxation Announcement No. 2004-01, which is available at any district tax office, by calling our request line at 587-7572 (toll-free at 1-800-222-7572), and on our website at www.state.hi.us/tax.
The second is a 50% reduction in the fuel tax rates on alternative fuels including ethanol, methanol, and biodiesel fuels pursuant to Act 96, Session Laws of Hawaii 2004. Revised fuel tax forms were being reviewed as of the publication deadline.
Other recent legislation that you may be interested in include the following:
Act 89 – This measure generally conforms Hawaii law to the Internal Revenue Code as of December 31, 2003. Important provisions that Hawaii did NOT conform to include the 50% bonus depreciation and increase in the section 179 expense deduction from $25,000 to $100,000 for certain depreciable assets.
Act 97 – Clarifies that the renewable energy technologies tax credit is nonrefundable, though excess credit may be carried forward, and is available to partnerships, S corporations, estates, trusts, and financial institutions.
Act 113 – Beginning with payroll periods that begin on or after December 31, 2004, employers will be required to report and pay Hawaii taxes withheld from employees' wages weekly IF more than $40,000 in Hawaii taxes is withheld per year. The new due dates are either the following Wednesday or Friday depending on when the wages are paid. These payments also must be made via electronic funds transfer. Quarterly filing for employers withholding $5,000 or less per year and monthly filing for employers withholding $40,000 or less will continue unchanged.
The text of these Acts is available on the Legislature's website at www.capitol.hawaii.gov. Additional information will be posted on our website as it becomes available.
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