The CEO of Hawaii's largest bank was shocked when he and his institution were attacked by union bully boss Gary Rodrigues at the Labor Day "Unity" Picnic in Thomas Square Park last month. Larry Johnson found it hard to believe that Rodriques would attack him for his call for further work comp reforms at the recent Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting. Rodriques went further and called for union members to withdraw their money from Bank of Hawaii the next morning. (No reports of traffic stalls at any Bankoh branch). What makes this the more interesting is (1) it was Johnson who offered his home for a $1,000-a-plate fundraiser for Governor Cayetano, who owes his election to the unions and (2) Bankoh, using customer funds and part of its record profits, donated financial support to the union picnic at which Rodriques attacked. Big business that has consistently supported the status quo here should not be surprised that after years of feeding the alligators the gators have developed an even more voracious appetite. It gives cause to pause about the sensibility in the front office of major business here. A follow-up Honolulu Advertiser editorial, said Rodriques was doing what was appropriate for a unity union day. When will we learn ?

"BIG GOVERNMENT IS OVER!" declared President Bill Clinton in his January 23, 1996 State of the Union speech. In his August 29, 1996 renomination acceptance, he listed (for 110 minutes) things he wants the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO DO IF HE'S REELECTED. Big government is over (DUE)?

You wouldn't want the State Government attorneys representing you for anything. The same-sex trial was a farce; the case put on by the state to show a "compelling need" to perpetuate a man-woman traditional marriage was an embarrassment. It is almost as bad as viewing the state as "management" in its labor dealings with public employees where they negotiate for the taxpayers. Hold onto your wallet-and marriage license.

Former Democratic Speaker of the House, Daniel Kihano, insurance executive, High 3 recipient, Mayor Jeremy Harris confidant, was indicted by the federal government for campaign spending fraud. That should not affect the benefits the taxpayers will continue to bestow upon him.

The City's decision to give $40,000 of taxpayer money to a youth gang, so they can operate a t-shirt business, is bogus. The Cross Sun gang, by doing bad, winds up doing well, while teenagers not in gangs see clearly that crime does pay in Hawaii. The police concede the gang is "still active," but involved in only "minor" crimes, such as "assaults and flashing guns." Their company, "Original Graphics," should have some interesting marketing techniques: buy our t-shirts or we'll hurt you. Sid Rosen, head of Adult Friends for Youth, said the gang had low esteem but now with taxpayer money they will be able to learn character, integrity and the work ethic. Right!

Anti-2nd Amendment Sen. Rey Graulty, dumped in the Primary, mailed voters empty bullet casings. Terrible, 'cause he bought the casings on the Mainland, once again bypassing local business (or youth gangs).

Shame on Joe Moore and KHON-TV for "DebateGate," in pandering so openly to Mayor Harris on Sept.18 after Harris refused to debate Frank Fasi and Arnold Morgado. Channel 2 then approached Harris and gave him nearly 15 minutes to respond unchallenged to his opponents while calmly sipping coffee and chatting with Joe. It was blatantly outrageous, unfair and partisan. A key reason Harris did not win 50% in the Primary.

Movie theatres are sprouting up everywhere here. While our economy languishes, politicians will be able to give us sweet bread and movies instead of bread and circus.

Stop clowning around: our favorite clown is "Bungie" with Cotton Candy's Clown Circus. Another company has infringed on Bungie's name (registered with the State since 1985) and has used several people to portray the popular Bungie. Reminds me of Wally "Famous" Amos and the loss of his name (now "Uncle NoName") except Bungie never sold or authorized the use of her name.

Reports confirm the mob has muscled in on the health care industry in the Northeast. Now, more than ever, sickness could be bad for your health. (Doctor Guido, I presume?)

Hawaii wants to be one of the states (what took us so long?) suing tobacco companies for some easy liability money. If nicotine is declared a drug and cigarettes (now a "drug delivery system") eventually banned, will Hawaii become the first state to issue at taxpayer expense, free cigarettes for the addicted the same as our free drug needle program for drug addicts? That would clear the way for smokers to be classified as "disabled" and to collect even more benefits and sue the government. It never ends. VP Al Gore's recent emotional anti-tobacco speech was in sharp contrast to one made by presidential candidate Gore 4 years ago when he told North Carolina growers that he had many years experience as a tobacco farmer and knew everything about the business he loved.

Herb Cornuelle, was a wonderful business model and volunteer in Hawaii. The former head of Dole and Dillingham represented the best in integrity. He will be missed.

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