April 2007 | Small Business News
Small Business Views
By Sam Slom, President and Executive Director of Small Business Hawaii
Apple Computer’s Steve Jobs really shook up the California Education Association union last month with his remarks about poor teachers and principals who can’t fire being the real drag, not lack of computers or technology. At the event, the participants cheered; now the union wants Jobs censored.
Congratulations to KHVH radio 830 AM, celebrating 50 years of broadcasting.
Member and orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Linda Rasmussen saved a man’s life from the Big Island when no surgeon could be found there. The exodus of doctors, particularly on the Neighbor islands, because of high and unfair malpractice insurance and other causes continues. State House Majority Leader, Kirk Caldwell, and other lawmakers, don’t get it; these lawyers look for many other reasons for MD flight, other than excessive non-economic awards.
April is Small Business Month. We salute all of the U.S. Small Business Administration awardees — story and list on pp. 4 - 5.
Mayor Mufi Hannemann, adding insult to injury with his mass transit tax train, announced he wants to start a new City Mass transit office, beginning with 35 employees (initially) and a $4.1 million budget. Da Mayor also wants to spend another $1 million on a study to see the impact of rail on other city operations. Auwe!
In the March 6 page 1 article in USA Today, “Racial Tensions are Simmering in Hawaii’s Melting Pot,” by Martin Kasindorf, UH Hawaiian Studies (tenured) professor-activist Haunani Kay Trask said, “Secede? Oh, God, we would love to. As a Nationalist, I hate the United States of America. But (independence) doesn’t live in the political-military world we live in, with 26 military bases in Hawaii and 7 million tourists a year.”
A bill before the Legislature, which adjourns May 3, is debating a bill from the Governor asking for $250,000 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Statehood in 2009. It is already controversial. Watch for a private group of citizens, again spearheaded by SBH, to have a citizens’ celebration — without taxpayers’ money.
Star Markets officially closed their Kahala and Kaneohe stores in March. Columbia Inn in Kaimuki closed suddenly last month too. Kahala Mall announced the former Tower Records site will become offices.
Don’t forget to pay your taxes!
Can you say, “subpoena?” Certain lawmakers in the Senate going wild issuing subpoenas for televised confirmation hearings (grillings). Buzz words at the legislature: (1) innovation; (2) sustainability, and (3) asset building. Hold onto your wallet.
A group calling itself, “Blue Planet Festivals,” wants the taxpayers to support a two-day global warming & alternative energy conference with another two days of rock concerts and Hollywood celebs. No thanks.
Assisted suicide apparently dead; “civil unions” too.
Duane “Dog” and Beth Chapman honored at the House and resos call on the U.S. Government not to participate in the immoral extradition of our Dog to Mexico.
Need a job? Hawaii continues with the nation’s lowest unemployment rate. But if you do, go to HMSA; despite operational losses last year, they rewarded president and CEO Robert Hiam with a $497,000 bonus on top of his $620,000 annual salary. Same for other execs too.
Need a low cost rental in luxurious Kahala? Talk to wacky Japanese billionaire Genshiro Kawamoto who began renting out his $2-3 million homes (he owns 20 in Kahala) to “poor, deserving Hawaiians with large families — and ohana” — for around $250 per month. He wants to “diversify” Kahala.
The much awaited Hawaii Superferry still battling in the Legislature by several key Maui Senators, special interests groups and environmentalists. Look for the Superferry to start on time July 1. Surveys show 80% of Hawaii’s population want and need this private transportation option.
The Hawaii Bar Association, bar owners not lawyers! continues its struggle to reverse the bad-for-business tobacco ban at the Capitol, led by Kawika Crowley from the Big Island. The 2006 ban makes criminals out of law abiding citizens and penalizes bars and other adult establishments while exempting convicts in state prisoners; they have the “right” to continue to smoke. Justice?
The next SBH Sunrise, Thursday, April 26 (7am at the Pineapple Room) features motivational success entrepreneur and author, Ron Martin. Join us!
The 2007 Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame Laureates were honored March 8 and the 2007 SBA honorees debut Apr. 27.
Check our website at www.smallbusinesshawaii.com.
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