SBH Mayoral Candidate Forum on September 11

(Update: As of September 7 this event is CANCELLED)

PAYCHECKS HAWAII, SBH's non-partisan, independent political action affiliate of Small Business Hawaii, and the SBH Foundation will co-sponsor a small business open forum with the candidates for Mayor of the City & County of Honolulu (a non-partisan office) on Thursday, September 11, from 11 am to 1 pm at the Waialae Country Club.

If one candidate garners 50% + one vote September 20, he or she will win the mayoral election; otherwise the top two vote getters will face off in the November 4 General Election.

SBH has invited all of the candidates to appear together, make statements and answer your questions.It may be the only opportunity you have to see, hear and talk to the candidates prior to the Primary. The public is invited. Reservations for the forum and lunch are $40 per person in advance; $50 at the day of the event if space is available.

To make reservations or for more information call SBH at 396-1724.

Prevedouros Endorsed for September 20 Primary

PAYCHECKS HAWAII is endorsing Panos Prevedouros for Honolulu Mayor.

Hawaii small businesses have a reason to be involved in the state Primary Election, Saturday, September 20. While it is true that most contests and ballot issues will be reserved for the November 4 General Election (rail transit, Con-Con, etc.), the primary is still important. You need to vote!

The featured contest will be on Oahu and will pit incumbent Mayor Mufi Hannemann against a half-dozen challengers. Candidates run as non-partisans. The primary issue is increasing real property taxes, fees and the behemouth $6 billion-plus rail transit development project. If the Mayor receives 50%+1 votes he will automatically be re-elected for another four-year term. (Most observers expect him to serve only two years and then run for Governor in 2010)..If he does not get 50% of the vote, he and the runnerup will be on the General Election ballot.

Hannemann's chief opponents are Councilmember Ann Kobayashi and UH engineering professor and internationally transit expert, Dr. Panos Prevedouros. Kobayashi opposes the Mayor's steel-on-steel rail while Prevedouros supports "HOT lanes" and opposes rail altogether. His commentary appears at left. Many businesses are at risk of eminent domain for the Mayor's train while all taxpayers are subject to higher taxes and fees if the current administration continues.

PAYCHECKS HAWAII, SBH's independent political action affiliate, recommends Panos Prevedouros for Mayor of Honolulu.

You, as a small business owner, will help determine your future and that of Honolulu by voting September 4. SBH and PAYCHECKS HAWAII will offer a special endorsement report next month in SB News (October).

For more information on the election process the Hawaii State Elections website may be of some help:

http://www.hawaii.gov/elections

'Protecting Your Business From
Employee Fraud' at SBH Sunrise

Natalie Iwasa, CPA will be the featured speaker at this month's Small Business Hawaii Sunrise Networking Breakfast on Thursday, September 25 at Macys' Pineapple Room. The breakfast starts at 7:00 a.m.

An active SBH member, Natalie is a financial advisor and community leader and has been concerned about the growing number of crimes against employers - especially among small businesses. As a CPA she has seen examples directly.

She will discuss "Protecting Your Business From Employee Fraud." This is something every employer needs to know-now.

This is a timely opportunity to learn about important tips to use to safeguard your business from fraud.

Last month (August 28) members heard from Target, Inc. Senior Recruiter, David Niesen, who discussed the economic impact of the first of the Target stores in Hawaii.

Members at SBH Sunrise Networking Breakfasts enjoy a free exhibit area and introductions to boost their business.

The public is welcome. Parking is free. The cost is $25 for members and their guests who register and pay in advance; $35 for non-members and at the door.

DOWNLOAD & SEND IN THE RESERVATION FORM WITH PAYMENT

Let's make some money! Send Out Cards' Tom Watson hams it outside Macys' Pineapple Room at Ala Moana Center after our August SBH Sunrise Breakfast was over. You can meet colorful business people like Tom at our monthly Sunrise breakfasts. Check out this month's breakfast with Natalie Iwasa.