September 2006 | Small Business News
Small Business Views
By Sam Slom, President and Executive Director of Small Business Hawaii
Hawaii’s government leaders had snubbed celebrating Statehood Day (the third Friday in August) for nearly a decade, saying it was culturally insensitive to some activist political Native Hawaiian leaders. Small Business Hawaii took the reins this year and organized a successful 47th year celebration at Iolani Palace on August 18. Some people said we were “brave” and “courageous” to celebrate a “politically incorrect” event. Wow, we’ve come a long way since the days of happiness over being a part of the greatest, freest nation in the world. Some even criticized SBH for holding the event at Iolani Palace. But why not? That was where Statehood was proclaimed that August day in 1959 (several people who were there then came this year to remember). There was no separate State Capitol in those days (and through the 1960s); the Capitol was Iolani Palace. See story on page 5 and also read the HawaiiReporter.com stories about the disruptive protesters. But that is what freedom is all about and that was our message.
Hawaii’s taxpayers dodged one tax bullet: the State Department of Health reported in August that the percentage of returned recyclable cans and bottles fell below the 70% threshold and as a result the 1/2¢ increase in the bottle tax administration fee will not go into effect September 1 as scheduled. The state is sitting on more than $20 million in unreturned bottle deposits.
The September 23 Primary Election will have major implications for Hawaii’s future. The marquis race is for U.S. Senate between incumbent, 81-year old senator Daniel Akaka and 53-year old challenger, former state Representative and current Congressman, Ed Case. Both wrote their views on small business issues at this link.
Sadly, Jerry Coffee had to drop out of the U.S. Senate race. The Republican war hero and motivational speaker had a third heart attack in Texas in August and had to withdraw from the race.
The Governor and Human Services Director, Lillian Koller, proudly unveiled a new welfare “reform” program last month called, “Reward Work.” But not everyone is cheering. To some people, there was less reform and more taxpayer money to those on welfare. Yes, the objective is to get them off welfare but the incentive is keep your job, keep your income, keep additional tax perks. Stiffer federal work rules take effect Oct. 1.
Yikes! Hawaii led the Nation in the rate of inflation (5.6%) during the first six months of 2006. However, we remain one of the lowest in unemployment (3%).
Cingular now adding another fee, $5, for those of us who have old phones. I don’t want a camera, computer or iPod on my phone; I just want a reasonable, reliable, phone. My kids have all the other fancy features.
The Directors of the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) named Orlando R. “Dan” Davidson, former VP for development of Aina Nui Corp., as its new executive director.
American Savings, a subsidiary of Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc., was caught in an alleged bank cover-up by the FBI and the story was broken by HawaiiReporter. American Savings denies any wrongdoing. This is a federally chartered, not state chartered bank, so expect real potential penalties. And notice how more frequently HR is beating the major dailies and TV with major stories with only a staff of two!
The thief who stole about $250,000 of copper from his employer — copper theft is rampant in Hawaii from highway street lighting to the State Supreme Court Building —and only got a year in jail had an attorney who said in court that it is a lot less serious stealing from your employer than from the (state) government. Hah!
The Federal Court overruled Maryland’s health care employee law aimed at Wal-Mart stores in the state. The court ruled that the federal ERISA law supercedes all state laws relating to health, insurance and retirement statutes. Hawaii’s 1974 Prepaid Healthcare Act had to obtain an ERISA exemption. The Maryland law was a thinly veiled union attack on non-union Wal-Mart.
SBH Sunrise on September 28 features Honolulu’s Deputy prosecutor, Chris Van Marter. He will discuss white collar crimes, stolen copper and other materials from small businesses.
Join us Saturday, September 9 for SBH’s 30th anniversary at the Ala Moana Hotel, Garden Lanai (5 – 9 pm). It will be a blast with lots of surprises and memories too. Entertainers and business legends will be there. Reservations on page 8.
Don’t forget to regularly check our website at www.smallbusinesshawaii.com .
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