November 2006 | Small Business News
Small Business Views
By Sam Slom, President and Executive Director of Small Business Hawaii
Be sure to make your vote count on November 7. There are many candidates who support small business (see PAYCHECKS HAWAII endorsements on p. 3); many who will harm us. Vote wisely.
The massive 6.7 earthquake on Sunday, October 15 was a communications failure by government - and HECO. Kudos to KSSK. We don't need a government radio outlet.
Republican Governor Linda Lingle and Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona will be re-elected easily. Anyone who saw the "debate" between the Governor and Democrat challenger and former State Senator Randy Iwase on October 6 had to be awestruck with the Governor's ability to discuss issues and to list the many business and economic accomplishments during the past four years in stark contrast to a no-program, no agenda, link to President Bush attack by the challenger.
Watch for former State Senator Bob Hogue (R) to pull out an upset victory against former Lt. Governor Maizie Hirono (D) for the 2nd District Congressional seat. Prediction: The State House will have a new Speaker and the Senate a new President in '07.
It is really a shame and disservice to the voters and taxpayers that so many candidates refuse to debate or appear in public. They should not be rewarded for hiding.
The state rip-off of the so-called recycling beverage container tax continues with individuals and non-profits getting short-sheeted by the state subsidized recyclers. Hawaii Kai leads the way with surly employees who don't care they cheat children by weighing, not counting, the containers turned in for the 5¢ rebate. Mililani is a close second. The state should not allow this to continue but they do because they benefit financially from this tax. It should be repealed in 2007.
Got $25 million? Hawaii businessman Jay Shidler did, gave it to UH, and UH promptly renamed the School of Business after him. Usually they wait until you flatline; money changes everything. Good for Jay.
A new tax on your computer? The City and State are both exploring taxing you for the eventual disposal of your computer.
The refusal to issue a Certificate of Need to a privately financed new hospital in Kihei, Maui, by the state (SHPDA), is a further example of barrier to entry and rolling over for the state subsidized Maui Memorial Hospital. Real losers are the residents of Kihei who need and would support the needed facility.
American Savings, a subsidiary of Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc., is still under the federal investigating microscope for an alleged cover-up of misappropriation of funds. More court action expected this month.
Kevin Andrews, Rosette Steel, subject of a proposed $10 million state backed SPRB during the 2006 Legislature, filed chapter 11 bankruptcy last month.
The "Broken Trust" forum (July 5) DVD may be ordered from SBH @ $25 by members and $40 for non-members. Call Darlyn (808-396-1724) for more information.
Peter Matsumoto, SBH Director and successful financial advisor, lets us know that his new business name is Premier Business Services (formerly Century Small Business Services. Same great services and staff.
The Halloween Party arranged by HawaiiReporter and supported by SBH for the children in the Next Step Homeless Shelter on October 28 was a success thanks to the generosity of many small businesses.
The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii celebrates its 4th annual meeting and awards program, Saturday, November 11 at the Hale Koa Hotel. The George Washington award will go to Attorney, author and law professor, Randy Roth. Special guest speaker will be the Wall Street Journal's John Fund. For info and details, contact Malia at 306-3161.
Former islander, Angie Williams, organizing a US Dept. of the Interior, "Islands Business Forum," November 13 - 14 at the Waikiki Mariott. Don't miss it. See page 6.
Member Calvin Griffin, 1080 radio host & veterans advocate, appointed State Adjutant, American Legion, is organizing a veterans Get Out The Vote Rally at the Capitol, Saturday, Nov. 4, 10 -12. Phone, 551-3701.
JS Services' chief, Jack Schneider, elected President of the International Executives Association in Seattle in October.
Matt Muccio (Techniques of Hawaii) and Jesse James (Jesse James Seminars) doing a great job organizing monthly SBH Pau Hana. Oct. 12 at American Carpet One was terrific and next: Thursday, November 9, 5:30 - 7:30 pm at Furniture Plus Design.
SBH Sunrise November 30 features Star-Bulletin humor columnist and author, Charles Memminger. His new book, "Hey, Waiter, There's an Umbrella in My Drink." Laugh with him. Reservation form on page 8.
Save Wednesday, January 10, 2007: SBH's 31st Annual Business Conference.
Check: www.smallbusinesshawaii.com.
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