Small Business News
December 2005 | Online Edition
Small Business Views
By Sam Slom, President and Executive Director of Small Business Hawaii
NFIB’s Bette Tatum retires this month after a 25-year plus career helping small business in Hawaii. Mahalo!
Governor Linda Lingle acknowledged (on KHVH radio) she, and the Republican Party of Hawaii, have no plans to “take off the gloves” (put on?) against state Democrats during the next campaign and that her first priority is re-election, not expansion of Republicans in the House, Senate or Congress.
State Rep. Galen Fox (R-23 Waikiki) announced on October 31 (Halloween) he was resigning from the legislature because of an arrest and conviction for a misdemeanor sexual abuse charge on a UAL flight to Los Angeles 10 months ago. Fox maintains his innocence, but stepped down for the good of his district, Waikiki, which he has represented effectively for nearly a decade. He resigned effective December 1. What a loss.
Former State Representative Kina‘u Boyd Kamali‘i passed away on Oct. 28. Kamali‘i served in the State House of Representatives from 1974 to 1982 and from 1984 to 1986, representing the Ala Moana-Waikiki district and served as minority leader and minority floor leader. She also served on the Office of Hawaiian Affairs board of trustees.
The late Sen. Mary George, a model of ethics, had the Kailua Beach Park pavilion dedicated to her last month. Remember when Mary (76) foiled a 32 year-old mugger?
Aiea-Pearl City Business Association lunch in October hosted a panel of legislators talking about various issues. Sen. Donna Mercado Kim said she was thinking of starting a small business, but after looking into all that it would cost to take on such a venture, she decided against it. Hmmm, how interesting that our own lawmakers want nothing to do with all the business rules here.
Gas cap continues as a major deterrent to a good Hawaii investment climate and guarantees us higher prices—50¢ – 60¢ per gallon more than the U.S. average.
Gene Shofner, campus college chair of University College, Hawaii Campus of University of Phoenix, making waves by replacing free market instructors.
Mahalo to California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger who fought—and lost—four initiatives to curtail union power, more big government spending, and an attempt to hold educators accountable. He had the guts to put his name and career on the line. His Concon amendments failed November 8.
The SuperFerry passed another hurdle — financial — and is on track for service in 2007. Political environmentalists still trying to scuttle the ship in the courts.
Rep. Brian Schatz and Sierra enviro bud Jeff Mikulina, vow to introduce legislation to force retail stores to take back bottles and cans. State still making $15 million-plus windfall on the failed bottle tax.
Federal judge David Ezra dismissed a lawsuit against the state gas cap filed by two Big Island gasoline dealers, Dixon Service, Inc., and Ken’s Service Station, Inc. Bah!
The State Tax Department will hold year end tax prep workshops December 6 (Oahu); December 12 (Maui); December 14 (Kona) and December 15 (Hilo). Details: 734-9211.
New interisland carrier, Mesa Airlines, may get off the ground by next year.
Unions nationally are throwing in the towel on retirement benefits for their members to keep current dues coming. GM and the union agreed to cut benefits to 750,000 workers — and retirees.
The IZ album, (the late Israel Kamakawiwo’ole) “Facing Future,” went platinum (1,000,000 copies sold) in October; congrats to Mountain Apple’s Jon de Mello.
Grassroot Institute annual awards banquet November 4 honored George Washington awardees Sandra & Bill Burgess, and “Unsung Hero” Bob Watada, former Chair of the Campaign Spending Commission.
Ba-Le Sandwiches & Bakery donated proceeds from their grand re-opening in Dillingham to the UH College of Business Administration in November. Trung Lam is manager of the Dillingham branch.
It’s official: 39¢ 1st class stamp 1/06.
Congratulations to Delorese Gregoire, and Winners’ Camp, celebrating their 20th anniversary on December 17. Support WC!
Make sure you come to the SBH Holiday Pau Hana Party at Tiki’s Grill & Bar, Tuesday, December 20, 5:00 – 8 pm.
See you Thursday, December 29 at the SBH Sunrise (Pineapple Room at Ala Moana Macy’s) to hear about “Hawaii’s Restaurant Industry, Minimum Wage & Tip Credits” from Gyotaku’s Tom Jones.
The 30th SBH Annual Business Conference is Wednesday, January 11, 2006 at the Ala Moana Hotel. Reservation on p. 4.
Don’t forget to check our website at www.smallbusinesshawaii.com for updated employer alerts and event schedule.
Happy Holidays to all!!
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