July 2008 | Small Business News
Small Business Views
By Sam Slom, President and Executive Director of Small Business Hawaii
Did you catch SBH on Gene Simmons Family Jewels (A&E June 22)? Big winners: Mayor Mufi Hannemann, Chef Roy Yamaguchi, the Sheraton-Waikiki — and our members and guests at the January SBH annual conference.
For years many complained about the lack of air conditioners in our public schools. Business agreed and helped raise money or donated units. Now the Department of Education announced penalties for schools using more electricity than before. Keep cool.
Some of the Special Purpose bonds that passed the 2008 Legislature are questionable at best, bogus at worst, such as the $50,000 SPERB for “H2 Energy.” The Governor signed these bills; hopefully, budget director Georgina Kawamura will hold ‘em.
Governor Lingle has until July 8 to actually veto any more bills; the Legislature can come back on that date to override if it chooses. Among the bills that should be vetoed are anti-business workers’ comp, tax, fee and regulator bills including mandatory solar and a new $5,000 recycling tax on electronics manufacturers.
Sad to report the deaths of former educator, legislator and community leader Bertha Leong and Kauai Mayor Bryan Baptiste in mid-June.
Member Cindy Sharp of Aloha State Sales was recognized at the PBN “Women Who Mean Business” event as #15 of Hawaii’s top 25 woman owned businesses.
$5 as gallon gas arrived in Hawaii (on Lanai) in June. When are we going to drill for more product in America? I signed the petition on AmericanSolutions.com which states, “....authorizing the exploration of proven energy reserves to reduce our dependence on foreign energy sources from unstable countries.” Have you signed on?
HMSA again raised medical premium rates on small business employers by nearly 11%. SBH expects to have some exciting medical group insurance news for members next month with member HMAA.
Young Brothers also has raised its fuel surcharge. Ho-hum. Airlines keep raising charges for bags, fuel charge and now soda. Can a potty surcharge be far behind?
Tiki’s Grill & Bar has named Wayne “Pancho” Gomes general manager.
State Tax Director Kurt Kawafuchi honored as one of top 5 CPAs by HSCPAs.
ScanDesign called it quits after 29 years.
Bodies, The Exhibition opened at Ala Moana Center June 14 for “a limited time” (until year end). The bodies are “real” (having been “plasticized”) and are reportedly mostly from China (isn’t everything?) and include former prisoners, dissidents and those who have been tortured in life. $26 per person and heavily marketed. Not science. I’m not going.
Dave Segal has been promoted to business editor at the Star-Bulletin. Segal succeeds Ken Andrade, who resigned to pursue a startup business venture. Jennifer Sudick, is the new assistant business editor.
Has this happened to you? I put out clothing and other materials for local charities as I have done for years but last month they were stolen from my front lawn. A week later, 5 bags of cans and bottles, being saved for local schools were also stolen from a different part of the property. We also know of gas thefts from cars and trucks.
Hawaii Lumber Products Assoc. named Aaron A. Eberhartt executive director.
Bishop Museum named Donalyn Dela Cruz government affairs and community relations manager. Her experience includes Pacific Management Consultants, press secretary to Sen. Akaka, communications director, Hawaii Democratic Party, and KHON TV.
The City of Vallejo, California, has filed for bankruptcy. And they don’t even have a rusty rail project.
StopRailNow has one month to collect 40,000+ signatures to let the Oahu taxpayers vote on this $6 billion development scheme. Phone 536-4384 to volunteer.
Bob Reierson’s family business, Motor Supply closed after 77 years in Pawaa.
Nice Midweek article on member Rick Alhadeff of Watch & Clock Service & Repair.
Roys at Hawaii Kai, the flagship restaurant, opened after a $1.2 million top-to-bottom facelift. Its beautiful.
Popular Bob Sigall and Malia Zimmerman team up for a “guerilla marketing” workshop Wednesday, July 16 at the Waialae Country Club (11-2). Thursday, July 31 (7-8:30 am) Bob is back at Alan Wong’s Pineapple Room in Macy’s Ala Moana for our monthly SBH Sunrise.
Several business and community organizations have joined hands to provide a 4th of July celebration in East Oahu at Maunalua Bay, Hawaii Kai, 2 – 9 pm (fireworks at 8 pm).
Please check our website at www.smallbusinesshawaii.com for the most updated alerts and event schedule.
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