February 2007 | Small Business News
Small Business Views
By Sam Slom, President and Executive Director of Small Business Hawaii
The SBH 31st annual SBH Business & Investment Conference Wednesday, January 10 at the Ala Moana Hotel was terrific — conference evaluations said so. Luncheon keynote speaker David Tyreman was the best. Outgoing Labor Director, Nelson Befitel was thanked for all he did for small business; DOT Director, Rod Haraga, fired unceremoniously by the Governor, was also hailed by SBH members for his contributions and was named SBH's "Outstanding Public Servant for 2006." (Haraga has since been hired by the Hannemann City Administration.)
HonoluluTraffic.com's Cliff Slater made another excellent — and irrefutable — cost presentation about Mayor Hannemann's $6 billion mass transit train (to nowhere) at the SBH Conference. The Mayor's right hand man, Bill Brennan, showed up and the 175 in attendance were treated to a real debate on the issue.
Crocodile tears: at the stroke of midnight December 31, 2006, most retail gasoline dealers raised their pump price 11 cents per gallon. This was the result of the GET tax exemption on Ethanol expiring on that date. The Governor had called for an extension during the 2006 legislative session but majority lawmakers gave lip service to the relief then shed crocodile tears when the tax increase — Hawaii again has the highest gasoline taxes (at 61 cents per gallon) in the U.S. — became a reality. Hopefully, it will be amended during the current session though most majority Democrats don't want to lose the tax windfall (which they will later raid). Meanwhile, you continue to pay more needlessly.
Costs going up everywhere because of the GET surcharge and other taxes and fees. Business can not absorb them all. After more than a decade, SBH dues will increase marginally too (March 1) to $200 annually, ($350 for 2 years) but you can still save by renewing your membership at existing rates.
The Retail Merchants Association of Hawaii annual legislative gathering January 11 at the Hilton was a hit.
NFIB sponsored their annual legislative breakfast at the Pacific Club on January 18.
Famous Broyhill Gallery added to Room Stores Hawaii furniture store last month.
The battle begins between Longs Drugs and Walgreen's on Oahu. Longs is taking preemptive action by acquiring new outlets.
DH Horton — Schuler Homes Division spokesman lied at the City Council hearing when he told Barbara Marshall he just happened to come by to attack Charles Djou's bill (he, like others, were told to come by the Mayor). Weeks later, the firm announced it seeks approval to build 11,000 homes, 5 schools and a commercial center in Kapolei along the proposed rail route.
Eminent Domain will be a big issue at the Capitol. The Hawaii Association of Realtors has taken up the cause and just in time; the Mayor's train will bulldoze many residential and commercial properties in the future.
JA of Hawaii announced its 2007 Business Hall of Fame Laureates which include SBH member Joe Nicolai, JN Automotive; Paul Loo; Harold Tanouye, and the late Dwayne Steele. The annual awards dinner is Wednesday, March 8 at the Royal.
Congrats to Bob Peterson, Peterson Sign Co., who was promoted to Oahu Branch Manager for GP Roadway Solutions Jan. 1.
HMAA elected Terry Mullen new president and CEO succeeding Arnold Baptise.
Wally "Famous" Amos looking to add a Chip N' Cookie store in Waikiki this year.
The opening of the 24th State Legislature January 17 was as scripted — except in the House where several Democrat dissidents challenged Calvin Say's Speakership — non drama. Only 3 actually voted against Say (of 48 Democrats) but the message was clear: he has more to fear from fellow Democrats than from the 8 Republicans.
"Let Honolulu Vote" is back in business led by Paul Smith and Bob Kessler to garner 60,000 signatures to put initiative on the City Charter so you can approve or disapprove tax hikes. Want to help? Call them at 922-6188 or 524-2436.
Lot of calls to SBH about the "business award" to Tony Rutledge. Rutledge, a convicted felon, was named, "Hawaii Business Person of the Year," by the Republican National Congressional Committee. It even made both The Advertiser and the Star Bulletin as "news." The only news here is that it is a phoney award — from a fundraising arm of the GOP. No criteria and no voting on the "award." Other local businessmen have been "awardees," while hustled for money as well.
SBH Sunrise Thursday, February 22 features tax expert attorney Ron Heller, a leader in NFIB and member of the state Tax Review Commission. Download and send in the reservation form today.
Don't forget to regularly check our website at www.smallbusinesshawaii.com.
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