Small Business News
April 2005 | Online Edition
Small Business Views
By Sam Slom, President and Executive Director of Small Business Hawaii
April marks tax payment month (ugh!) and National Small Business Week. The latter is more enjoyable so celebrate that you are still in business! SBA Awards lunch is Thursday April 19 at the Sheraton.
Glad to see that the membership of The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii has prevailed and turned the Chamber around on its rail position. Unlike Small Business Hawaii which has consistently opposed the rail (train to nowhere) and the tax increase to pay for it, the Chamber had testified publicly this year that it supported the tax increase if that’s what it takes to obtain government rail which it favors. Chamber membership objected strenuously during the past month—especially its small business members— and the Chamber changed its position (or took a formal position) in late March. In 1992 the Chamber also favored the rail and tax increase and suffered huge membership losses when it went against its membership then. The current rail push contains no plan, no routes, no total costs: only tremendous tax additions — $900 per family per year—and a blinding faith in a government run technology that at best will remove 3-4% of cars and drivers.
The Legislature is scheduled to end its regular session on May 6. There is no good news for business at present. Second bill crossover is April 12. As usual, the Session revolves around increases in taxes, more employer mandates and greater comp and benefits for unions. Minimum wage will most likely be raised to $7 beginning in July or next January. SBH will keep you posted.
Betty Markowski of Mac Made Easy was one of the sponsoring firms of the 2nd annual O’lelo Xchange student video contest in the schools and was at a Senate floor presentation March 18.
If you’re like me, you’re getting sick and tired of all the sidewalk construction to comply with the ADA requirements of 15 years ago. Work should have been done then. Traffic and fiscal disruption — estimated costs are $90,000,000 — are taking their toll.
The February 27 fire at the mall in Kahului destroyed long time Maui business Ah Fook’s.
Rick Hamada of KHVH radio talking about another protest of high taxes at the Big Square Building. It’s about time.
Cliff Slater will bring you up to date on the latest traffic options and mass transit shenanigans at the next SBH Sunrise, Thursday, April 28, 7am at the Pineapple Room.
A bill to ban eating cats or dogs, died at the Capitol; pigs and bunnies protested they were not included in the proposed ban.
The SuperFerry has been stalled by an unholy alliance of extremist environmental groups who joined forces with anti-competitive big business monopoly shippers and airlines. The public overwhelmingly wants the privately owned and operated ferry that will cut interisland air fares and allow residents to take their vehicles with them. The state needs to provide long overdue wharf infrastructure.
The ANWR Alaska drilling approval 51-49 in the U.S. Senate passed surprisingly because of Hawaii’s two votes — Akaka and Inouye. Environmentalists are hopping mad. Inouye always votes with his buddy Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) and vice versa, but Sen. Akaka’s vote was stunning to the special interests who spent $ thousands lobbying the good Senator.
SBH has joined President Bush’s effort to save and strengthen Social Security. A coalition has formed that will help amplify the message that the White House and Congressional leaders will be communicating. COMPASS (Coalition for the Modernization and Protection of America's Social Security) will enjoy the support of business leaders, center-right organizers, and think tank scholars.
Best headline of the moth: “State to Take Over Failing Schools.” These are all public schools already managed — and failing — by the state.
If anyone should be in jail it is former Mayor Jeremy Harris who looted the City & taxpayers to the tune of a $3 billion deficit. Now sewer rates (25% per year hike for 4 years), real property taxes (no relief and higher assessments), motor vehicle (to go up 50%) and other fees are headed up because of Harris’ malfeasance. City debt service is 20% of the $1.7 billion proposed budget.
Agricultural thefts have declined — especially on Oahu’s North Shore — ever since farmer Khamxath Baccam shot and killed a thief who stole his products last September. That lesson is more important than any 12 legislative speeches.
The new First Hawaiian Auto Show is on Oahu this month. I like those TV auto ads that show a car with something like, “...nicely equipped at $20,500; as shown, $39,425...”
Don’t forget to regularly check our website at www.smallbusinesshawaii.com for the most updated employer alerts and events.
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