March 2008 | Small Business News
Small Business Views
By Sam Slom, President and Executive Director of Small Business Hawaii
Land grabs are being proposed at a record pace and the competition is between state Democrats and the Republican Governor. Ever since the Governor unveiled her “surprise” announcement in the January State-of-the-State speech that she wanted to claim the 850 acres of the North Shore Turtle Bay resort, then followed in February with the proposed Ceded Lands Settlement between her office and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA), affecting land on Oahu (Kalaeloa and Kakaako) and the Big Island (Hilo’s Banyan Drive and its hotels) more has been proposed. Democrats want to “save” Haiku Valley, Turtle Bay (though not taking the golf courses and existing development), more of Ka Iwi on East Oahu and the former Coco Palms resort on Kauai. OHA stands to be the big winner in all of this.
Then there is the City & County of Honolulu which will soon be forced to reveal what commercial and residential property it will grab for its train to nowhere. Yikes! “Land and Power in Hawaii” is still the most important book ever written in Hawaii and it is as true today as when first written more than 20 years ago.
The Sales and Marketing Executives International (SMEI) Honolulu is celebrating its 50th year and has named Governor Linda Lingle as its “2007 Salesperson of the Year.” Governor Lingle has chosen to accept the honor on behalf of her 17 cabinet members at an awards luncheon, Wednesday, March 19 at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. (Contact www.SMEHonolulu.com).
A current study reveals that 473 faculty and coaches at the University of Hawaii now earn more than the Governor ($116,000). Tops on the list is new head football coach, Greg McMakin at a cool $1.5 million.
Another recent study reveals that public employees now top private workers in compensation — not a surprise to small business who support both groups. Extreme health care, sick leave, and retirement benefits make it that much more desirable to be on the public payroll in Hawaii.
The 2nd annual Hawaii Business Success Awards, sponsored by Hawaii Business magazine were presented at the Prince Hotel in February. SBH members CHART Rehabilitation of Hawaii, Kawika’s Painting & Waterproofing, and Success Dynamics were among the top 11 winners for 2008. Congratulations to them all.
Departure of two NCL cruise ships from Hawaii will have a devastating impact here. Not just the loss of an estimated $1 billion in local revenues but the rippling effects throughout the visitor industry and the investment community. This on top of a slowing economy.
The State Legislature continues to do its part to harm our economy by pushing for even more taxes, greater reckless spending increased employer mandates and bans on styrofoam lunch containers, incandescent light bulbs and beach smoking. Majority lawmakers also want to increase the tax on bottled water (already 6¢ per container) by another 5¢ per water bottle.
A trio of top executives at Hilton Hotels Hawaii left last month — Noel Trainor, GM of the Hilton Hawaiian Village resigned while Gary Seibert, area VP and Dieter Seeger, GM of the Waikoloa Village, retired.
Hawaiian Telcom has laid off more employees too, including top management.
Sad to note the passing of Polaroid film last month. Polaroid, which pioneered instant photography 60 years ago, stopped making cameras last year and now the film. Only Japan’s Fuji Film will continue to manufacture the instant print film. Digital conquers.
The Times Supermarkets battle with their unionized (Teamsters) meat cutters continues while reportedly some employees want out of the union.
Employees of The Honolulu Advertiser authorized a strike in February.
The Consolidated Theatre complex at Ward, owned by Pacific Theatres, has been sold to a California investment group, Reading International Inc. The tab? $69.3 million for 15 of the theatres.
The much anticipated Nordstroms Ala Moana super store opens this month.
The new Gyotaku Japanese Restaurant has finally arrived in the Niu Valley Shopping Center. Member Tom Jones is the owner.
On Friday, March 7, Junior Achievement of Hawaii (JA) will induct its annual Laureates into the Hawaii Business Hall of Fame: Jon DeMello; Joseph Ferraro; Peter Kim and Richard Ha.
SBH’s Annual Business Awards Dinner is Friday, May 9 at Waialae Country Club.
See you Thursday, March 27 (7 – 8:30 am) at Alan Wong’s Pineapple Room in Macy’s Ala Moana for our monthly SBH Sunrise Networking Breakfast featuring Veronica Kaneko of McDonald’s of Hawaii.
Check our SBH website at www.smallbusinesshawaii.com for the most updated employer alerts and schedule.
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