October 2007 | Small Business News
Small Business Views
By Sam Slom, President and Executive Director of Small Business Hawaii
The biggest and most important business story of the year has been the harrowing saga of the $350 million, privately financed, Hawaii Superferry. Superferry, featured on the National Geographic TV channel, was eagerly awaited for more than 3 years and just as it was about to sail, a gaggle of environmentalist activists, professional protesters, special interests and the state Supreme Court intervened to stop the ferry dead in the water. The federal, state and local governments showed their impotence and fear of the few (reportedly 85% of the state population support the ship). Angry, taunting, disrespectful protests were aimed at government and business. Meanwhile, Superferry waits.
Jamba Juice in Kona closed one store in September because of lack of workers; a continuing problem in Hawaii with 2.6% unemployment, among the lowest in the Nation.
Hard Rock Cafe Honolulu will be moving from its original perch at Kalakaua and Kapiolani (the former Coco's site) to the new Waikiki Beach Walk by year end or early 2008. No announced plans for the old site.
What will take the place of Cutter Dodge at their former Dillingham Blvd. location?
The "renovated" Dixie Grill (closed for a few months) reopens this month but its no longer the Grill and no longer a ribs and crab place. Restaurateur Ed Wary is turning the Grill into a Taco Garage. Bring back the brisket and crabs!
Only in Hawaii: Brinkwood Land Equities, Ltd. purchased 4 acres of land in Hilo from Hilo Brokers, Ltd. and is now suing the firm and its owner because of coqui frogs (which was on the sales disclosure) and their shrill screaming on the land.
Starting October 1 you are subject to a new $25 fee for using the Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA) services — unless you are on welfare.
The resignation of former legislator, former head of the Democrat party, Alex Santiago from his $49,999.99 non-bid contract salary with the City is a blessing to taxpayers. Council chair Barbara Marshall hired the political lobbyist to "watch" the legislature (no testimony, no lobbying) even though the City already has a paid lobbyist. Credit Councilman Charles Djou with putting the heat—and spotlight—on this waste.
The mass transit monorail in Las Vegas on the verge of bankruptcy; no riders, no $$.
Credit The Honolulu Advertiser with its new format of the daily Hawaii Business Today, an insert to the paper. It is a well done, comprehensive business roundup.
Attention Wal-Mart shoppers: the largest retailer has replaced its original theme, Always Low Prices. Always" with "Save Money. Live Better." Not on Kauai if politicians and certain activists have their way.
Member Calvin Griffin, who does a weekly radio program, Hawaiian Bulletin Board (Sundays, 1080 am, 9 - 10 am) is a strong veterans supporter and actively involved in the new Oahu Veterans Council office, "a gathering place for veterans," across from Radford High School. The office has a wish list of equipment it could use now. Included are: 2 new Dell computers, computer desks, locking cabinets, rolling bookcases, 1,000 printed T-shirts, video camera, etc. Contact the Council at 422-4000.
Australia's Billabong has bought local wetsuit manufacturer Xcel.
With the help of member Delorese Gregoire (Winners' Camp) the Hawaii Kai Chamber of Commerce is being organized in East Oahu. Noble Turner is first president. Details: contact Delorese at 306-8008, or P.O. Box 25934, Honolulu, HI 96825.
SBH's most popular Share n' Tell Business Forum returns after many years, to the Waialae Country Club on Thursday, October 18, 10:45 - 1:30. Theme is : "Quick Tips for Promoting Your Business." Several experts to choose from plus luncheon.
Join us Thursday, October 25 (7 - 8:30 am) at Alan Wong's Pineapple Room in Macy's Ala Moana for our monthly SBH Sunrise featuring a pro and con discussion on the Akaka Bill and its impact on small business in Hawaii.
SBH's 32nd Annual Business and Investment Conference will be Wednesday, January 9, 2008 at the Ala Moana Hotel. This is the first major business conference of the year and there will be an exciting announcement about keynote speaker next month. Meanwhile, reserve that date now.
Credit Big Island Rep. Bob Herkes with the creation of the Hawaii Hospitality Hall of Fame which welcomed its first 26 inductees.
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