Small Business News
June 2005 | Online Edition
Small Business Views
By Sam Slom, President and Executive Director of Small Business Hawaii
The final days of the 2005 Legislature were marked by arrogance, a Senate power struggle, ethical violations and intimidation; not improvement of Hawaii’s business climate or a reduction in our tax es.
The sellout of small business and the taxpayers by the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii (once again), or more precisely, the excutive committee, in the final days of the 2005 Legislature on the GET tax increase issue, is a lesson that should be learned by business in Hawaii. This “voice of business” is shrill and non-representative of private, independent, non-government regulated small businesses. SBH has always been consistent in its opposition to increased taxes and burdens on business.
Small Business Hawaii is leading the effort to rebuild a small business coalition that listens to businesses. “Business Standing for Business,” will be kicked off at a special luncheon, Tuesday, June 28 from 10 am to 2 pm at the Hale Koa Hotel in Waikiki. Labor Director Befitel, DCCA head Recktenwald and DBED chief Liu will be on a panel at 10:30; the Governor will speak at noon. You need to be there. Reservation form at this link.
There was no workers’ compensation reform during the legislative session but there was one bad bill that passed, SB 1808, which hopefully the Governor will veto at the June 28 luncheon. We hope the Governor will also veto SB 1352, a bill that would destroy government management’s ability to manage.
The only improvement in workers’ compensation came from beneficial changes in administrative rules by Director Nelson Befitel, not legislation, but SB 1808 would eliminate these improvements.
SBH is still hopeful that the Governor will veto HB 1309, but has taken the fight against the 12.5% GET tax increase to the City Council. Members are asked to help with testimony. Call SBH at 396-1724 for assistance or email sbh@lava.net. Act by June 6!
Sean Hao in the Advertiser, writes DBED loans were 68% delinquent as of June 30, 2004, or a total of nearly $5 million.
Forbes magazine moved Honolulu up 10 places to number 103 (out of 150) “Best Places” to do business. With a better legislature we can crack the top 50.
Congrats to Ron Heller, appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, to the state Tax Review Commission.
Students from Moanalua and Waianae high took top honors in the 2005 High School Marketing and Business Plan competititons.
Don Wakeman is officially the CEO of member ProService.
Hawaiian Telcom is the new name for Verizon, acquired by the Carlyle Group.
Member Aloha Petroleum close to finally settling deal to acquire 18 former ARCO gas stations this month. The stations will be operated as “Mahalo” stations after FTC approval.
Ala Moana Hotel promoted Mark Braz as executive chef and Bernadette “Bernie” Worley the new catering sales manager.
The Waianae Mall was sold to California’s 3D Investments for a reported $19 million.
The Honolulu Weekly newspaper bought the Big Island’s Hawaii Island Journal.
The Queen Street merchants threatened by loss of parking and business by the HCDA and the state are fighting back with support from Councilmember Rod Tam— and SBH.
Emmis Broadcasting putting both KHON-TV 2 (Fox) and KGMB-TV (CBS 9) for sale. SBH should buy one so we can get decent business and government tv reporting here.
Honolulu Star-Bulletin business and investigative reporters, Rick Daysog and Rob Perez both left the paper for The Honolulu Advertiser. Prediction: the SB will become a tabloid sized paper more like its sister publication MidWeek in the not too distant future.
Former small business woman turned politician turned small businesswoman, Mindy Jaffe, has a new company: Can of Worms, for eco friendly mulch and gardens.
Paul Vierling, small business owner of PMS Consultancy, was tapped by Governor Lingle to fill a Windward O’ahu state Board of Education seat vacated by Laura Thielen, now a planning advisor with the Governor.
Finding a doctor—especially an obgyn—is becoming more difficult with the legislature’s failure to act to mitigate the malpractice insurance catastrophe faced by MDs here.
The Donald (as in Trump) announced plans to build a luxury (do we have any others?) condo in Waikiki.
Join us at the June 30 SBH Sunrise at the Pineapple Room (Ala Moana Macy’s) to enjoy motivational speaker, Pam Chambers. Click here for the reservation form.
Join SBH today and don’t forget to regularly check out our website online at www.smallbusinesshawaii.com for the most updated employer alerts and events.
|
