Governor Unveils Initiatives to Combat Identity Theft

On November 28, Governor Linda Lingle unveiled four initiatives to fight the growing problem of identity theft in Hawaii. Her Administration will propose them to the Legislature when it convenes January 18.

The following is a brief summary of the proposals:

Credit Freeze The Identity Theft Protection Act of 2006 will protect Hawaii consumers who are victims of identity theft by allowing victims to place a security freeze on their credit reports. The security freeze will prohibit credit reporting agencies from releasing any information to unauthorized parties without the consumer’s expressed consent. This freeze will help prevent identity thieves from continuing to secure credit in a victim’s name.

Security Breach Notification The Security Breach Notification Act of 2006 will help stem the growing plague of identity theft by requiring that individuals whose personal information has been compromised by an unauthorized security breach be notified of the breach.

Disposal of Personal Information The bill protects against unauthorized access or use of the information after it is disposed of and ensures that confidential information, when no longer needed, is destroyed. The Records Disposal Act of 2006 will protect the people of Hawaii by requiring that businesses establish security procedures to maintain the confidentiality and integrity of their customers’ personal data.

Social Security Number Protection The Social Security Protection Act of 2006 will minimize the abuses associated with the use of a Social Security number by restricting its use as an identifier. The proposal would prohibit in certain circumstances: (1) the communication of Social Security Numbers (SSN) to the general public; (2) the printing of SSNs on an identification card or in mailings to customers; or (3) the transmission of their customers’ SSNs to third parties without the customers’ written consent.

Some of these proposals have been enacted in other states.

Identity theft is the number one concern among consumers contacting the Federal Trade Commission, and it is the fastest growing crime today. According to the FTC, Hawaii cases of identity theft shot up 188% from 2001 to 2004, resulting in millions of dollars of losses to consumers.

Hottest Network Event Coming!

Member Joe Lopez of ITEX Hawaii has been busy working on the hottest Networking event ever brought to Hawaii! Come and network with Hawaii ‘s Small Business elite!

The event will be held Thursday, January 12, 2006, from 5:45 to 8:30 pm at the Ocean Club in Restaurant Row (500 Ala Moana Blvd.)

SBH is pleased to invite you and your colleagues to the ITEX & Small Business Hawaii Networking Event. At this 5 Minute Networking™ event you will have the opportunity to meet up to 20 individuals, one-on-one, in 5 minute increments. In a 5 minute meeting with another individual, you can describe your respective businesses, exchange business cards, and pass on referrals. When you hear the crystal bell ring, its time to move to another table and meet someone new. Our theme and first question you should ask each other is. “How can we help each other?”

ITEX is using 5 Minute Networking™ Event Facilitation Software to ensure optimal results. When registering for this event, you will be able to specify whom you would like to meet. The 5 Minute Networking™ software also keeps track of all introductions and arranges for you to meet a maximum number of new people at every 5 Minute Networking™ event. After the event, you will be able to logon to the 5 Minute Networking® website (www.5MinuteNetworking.com) and view the contact details for everyone you met at this event, as well as any other 5 Minute Networking® events you have attended.

Cost for the event is $49—$39 for SBH members. Please follow this link to register: http://tinyurl.com/btt7y.

Contact Joe for more information at 808-262-6930 or 808-833-4839; e: traderjoe@hawaii.rr.com.

Postage Higher This Month

Beginning January 8, 2006, the cost of first class postage increases from 37¢ to 39¢ for a 1 oz. First-Class letter. 2 ounce First-Class will go from 60¢ to 63¢. The postcard rate will go up by a penny to 24¢. The first pound of priority mail increases from the current $3.85 to $4.05.

Other changes will be made as well.

Last year was the first year in a long time that the USPS didn’t post a loss, so, the response is to raise rates. Prediction: more people will be using email and computer-based technologies.

More information at www.usps.com.

January 2006 SB News Front Page

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Copyright 2006 Small Business Hawaii. Last update: January 4, 2006