Small Business News
January 2005 | Online Edition
Small Business Views
By Sam Slom, President and Executive Director of Small Business Hawaii
It is a New Year and as usual, small business folk are extra positive. 2005 in Hawaii should be good for all of us. The Lingle-Aiona Administration has given us an improved business climate and numerous accomplishments during their first two years. When we do better, Hawaii and all its people do better. So, in this Chinese Year of the Rooster we look forward to success and profit, not just survival.
We still need to repair the workers’ compensation systen and Hawaii’s Prepaid Health Act during the upcoming Legislative session. SBH will be present at the opening of the 23rd State Legislature on January 19 and will keep you posted on business issues through the Session until May 5.
Buiness people should be excited about our new Mayor; Mufi Hannemann will keep his campaign promises, and while small business will not always be in agreement or support of every issue, we wish him well and know he will work with the Governor (first time that has happened) and listen to us.
Former Mayor Jeremy Harris’ book (fiction) cost the taxpayers $75,000 ($15 each for the 5,000 copies published) for his puff piece. If the $19.95 books are all sold, the money will be repaid to the City general fund
Aloha Petroleum, Ltd. has named Bob Maynard as the firm’s new president and CEO. Maynard served as Aloha’s VP and CFO. He succeeds the late Tom Malone. Tom Grimes was appointed vp and CFO. Best of luck to both men.
Travel Weekly has named Hawaii “Best Overall Destination,” and Maui the “Best Destination in Hawaii,” in its 2004 Readers Choice Awards. “Best Wholesaler to Hawaii” was Pleasant Holidays.
The SBH 29th conference, Wednesday, January 12, 8 am – 2 pm at the Ala Moana Hotel is jammin’ and you and your friends better be there. Governor Linda Lingle, FTC’s Orson Swindle, U.S. Rep. Ed Case, Peter Carlisle, Mark Recktenwald and others want you there. See reservation on at this link.
No SBH Sunrise this month but we will resume on Thursday, February 24 at the Pineapple Room (Macy’s Ala Moana) with a dynamic speaker and lots of networking.
Sorry to lose Susie Weisbrod—moving to Colorado—our wonderful sales and social (Pau Hana) arranger. Good luck Susie!
Welcome to new SBH staffer, Darlyn Evangilista.
Dale Evans and Walt Harvey have joined the volunteer (unpaid) SBH Board of Directors and David Muldoon retired (mahalo for all his past contributions).
Member Dr. Mark Stitham, M.D., an experienced doctor and accomplished thespian (stage, TV, etc.) appeared on the hit ABC-TV filmed-in-Hawaii series, “Lost” on December 8, 2004. He played... a doctor.
Another hats off to the organizers and promoters of the annual Honolulu Marathon held in December. This event, the sixth largest marathon in the world, brings in $90 – $100 million in local and visitor expenditures, and an estimated 75,000-100,000 visitors. Unlike the Pro Bowl and other sporting events that yield less than 1/5 that amount, the Marathon neither asks for nor receives any taxpayer subsidy funds.
Oh no, first it was KC Drive-Inn and then after 52 years and little advance warning, Wisteria closed December 30, Both landmark eateries were owned by the Asato family. Where will politicos gather on Oahu with Columbia Inn and now Wisteria gone? LikeLike Drive Inn?
And if you’re flying American Airlines next month better bring you own musubi; no more “free” meals on board. Other airlines expected to follow suit shortly.
Furnitureland (CS Wo) and HomeLand are also history as of the end of last year.
J.P. Schmidt, Hawaii’s good-guy Insurance Commissioner, has prohibited HMAA, HMSA and Kaiser from including “discretionary clauses” in their medical contracts. These clauses allowed providers to “interpret” certain benefits—usually to the detriment of consumer premium payers.
The new “E” busses Jeremy Harris foisted on the public before his departure, at a cost of $750,000 each, for use on the BRT, have been running on empty—while other routes have people waiting and waiting for a bus. These same people promise you a “smart card” instead of cash; from a company who has no experience in providing such a service but who was a good campaign contributor to Mayor Harris. Spokesman for this project is Deputy Dept. of Transportation Services, Bob Fishman (remember him)?
SBH is assisting the small businesses along Queen Street threatened with eviction because of Victoria Ward’s expansion and desire for parking and improvements.
Don’t forget to regularly check our website at www.smallbusinesshawaii.com.
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