Hundreds of Aloha Flea Market vendors turned out September 9 at
Aloha Stadium to testify in support of the current Swap Meet operation.

The political Aloha Stadium Authority, in a behind-the-scenes done-deal, voted unanimously (board member Larry Price was absent)-without discussion or one word by any of the members other than the Chairman-not to extend the contract of Medeiros and thus to jeopardize the economic future of hundreds of small business vendors and their families.

And what does the state propose as an alternative to this successful operation? To nationalize Medeiros' business, take it over, and pay another operator. However, the revenue to be generated is unclear, the terms of the new proposal are vastly different from the 20-year successful operation. Medeiros assumed responsibility for security, traffic control, cleanup, marketing and overall organization. The State is silent on these aspects of its plan. It just wants to punish Medeiros for his support of the Governor's opponent last year.

The State does have a lengthy pattern of neglect-it did not listen to Medeiros or vendor pleas for improvement in food choice, sanitation, etc.-and its track record with simple things like lack of traffic control for the UH/USC football game give no consolation.

The action, a formalization of the illegal decision bythe Authority in May, without benefit of hearing or open meeting, was in direct retaliation to Medeiros and the majority of vendors who supported gubernatorial challenger Linda Lingle in the 1998 election over Governor Ben Cayetano. This is political payback, big time, from the 40-year political "machine" that controls the worst-in-the-nation business climate. There would not have even been a hearing had not Medeiros filed suit against the state for violation of the "sunshine" open meeting requirement as well as his civil rights.

The nine-member Aloha Stadium Authority Board, all appointees of Cayetano, are orchestrated by their chairman, criminal lawyer Michael J. Green. Green, married to the Governor's cousin, is well-connected politically-and he flaunts it. His arrogance and disdain for the vendors who, to a woman, unanimously supported the current operator, is not changed by his pious utterances of being "for the vendors." Green's comments about, "It's not political, it's not political!" were reminiscent of Richard Nixon's, "I am not a crook!" and are embarrassingly stupid.

The Market, or "swap meet," which holds sway at previously little-used Aloha Stadium on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, has been a successful venture for Medeiros, the independent small business vendors-and especially the State. The State gets rental revenue of nearly $3.8 million ($16,000 per day) and more than $40 million over the past decades for an idea and hard work of Medeiros. Nearly 900 vendors earn a livelihood from the venture. Many are immigrants, the elderly or single moms. They also pay taxes to the State. About 4,000 direct and indirect jobs are produced. More taxes are paid.

Subsequent court action denied Medeiros relief on the "sunshine" or civil rights violations. A Temporary Restraining Order (attempting to delay the cancellation) was similarly denied. A suit by the vendors is pending. This issue will not go away as has been the case in the past when the State acted against individual businesses or individuals. This is a clear example of all that's wrong in Hawaii and its not economic.

Members of the current Aloha Stadium Authority are: Edward "Skippa" Diaz; Edward Hamada; Shigeto Handa; Ross Kagawa; Carole Kai; Jay Nakasone; Larry Price, PhD and Charles Toguchi.

On September 21, the State announced Consolidated Amusement Company would be awarded the bid to operate the flea market. Further vendor action was pending.

SHARE N TELL FORUM OCTOBER 20

Small Business Hawaii's "Share N' Tell Business Forum" returns Wednesday, October 20 at the Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hotel. The interactive business forum will be held from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm. It is an opportunity to share ideas and strategies for effective business managment-and for you to increase sales while cutting costs.

The educational and networking event is open to all SBH members and the public.

The theme is: "Effectively Preparing for Year 2000 in Hawaii." Members will have a choice of one of twelve (12) table topics in addition to business exhibits, networking and a luncheon program. Total cost is only $25.

This business Forum is a major member benefit for SBH members and their guests. It is a great opportunity to bring a client, employee or vendor to an invigorating event in a relaxed atmosphere at the Kahala.

Table topics and the knowlegeable, volunteer member-facilitators to be presented October 20 include: "Get Ready for Success in 2000!" Helen Rapoza, Helen's Haven; "Internet retailing" Robert "Rabbett" Abbett, HotSpots Hawaii; "Tips for a Successful One-Person Business" Claude Doughtie, Kaeser & Blair, Inc.; "Try Leasing To Meet Your Employee Needs" Jack Schneider, JS Services/ESP; "How to Rip Off the IRS!" Reg Baker, CPA, Reg Baker & Associates/Pendleton Tax & Business Services; "Y2K Investing & Beyond" Geal Fukumoto, Edward Jones; "Developing Your Employee Handbook As A Valuable Communication Tool" Helene Robin, HR2 Consulting; "Records Management: A Practical Approach to Vital Data Retention," Joyce Edwards, The Systemcenter, Inc.; "Conflict Prevention Resolution in the Small Business Workplace" Gieuseppe Leone, Business Mediator; "Increasing Business Productivity and Cutting Costs Utilizing Ergonomics Techniques" Lynn Murakami-Atkatsuka, State Dept. of Health; "25 Marketing Tips You Can Use Right Now," Bob Sigall, Creative-1, and "How to Run Your Business and Run For Public Office in 2000" Jane Tatibouet, ASTON Hotels & Resorts.

The SBH Forum costs just $25 per person for members of SBH and their guests, and $30 for non-members (or at the door if space is available), and includes the full program, materials, luncheon and validated paid parking. Advance reservations are required by October 10. Call SBH for a reservation form at 396-1724 or see the printed edition of this month's SB News.

Roy's Hosts Dick Adair's Art

Award-winning editorial cartoonist, Dick Adair of The Honolulu Advertiser, had some of his best artwork exhibited at a reception hosted by Roy's Restaurant in Hawaii Kai on Labor Day. The art and political cartoons of Adair will continue to be available for viewing at Roy's through October 30. Adair has graciously lent his talents to SB News for many years and is the author/illustrator of the "Aloha Bear" children's books. He is working on publication of his best political cartoons during the past two decades.

Final Call to Exhibit at SBH Tradeshow

If you want to exhibit in the SBH Second Annual Small Business Hawaii The Tradeshow '99 November 16 and 17 at the Blaisdell Center in Honolulu, you better act now! Booth space rentals are 42% ahead of the successful '98 show. Many members have called SBH and said they are planning on being there; better reserve soon!

Pacific Business News is The Tradeshow '99 media partner. Mike Rossell's Production Hawaii, Inc. staff is working hard for SBH members in preparation for the unique two-day small business expo. Andy Bumatai has signed on to be an active part of The Tradeshow '99. A very special speaker is expected to keynote the luncheon event. More program details will be announced next month.

This business trade show will attract thousands of business owners and managers interested in products and services designed to help them operate more efficiently and profitably. It will also help participants do more business and make new contacts.

For reservation and exhibit information, contact Barbara Garofano or Darla Hochhalter at Production Hawaii, Inc., 532-7300.

Randall Lavarias Selected to Illustrate
Next "Jonathan Gullible" Book

Small Business Hawaii and economics author and Hawaii Pacific University professor, Ken Schoolland, are preparing the next (third) edition of the internationally acclaimed, award winning, free market economic publication, The Adventures of Jonathan Gullible. The book is a recipient of the Freedoms Foundation Award for Economic Excellence and has been published in more than 30 countries, including Norway, Germany and Lithuania. The most recent editions are from Portugal and Hungary. A website is up (http://catalog.com/rcj/jg/english) and a CD ROM edition is in the works.

The illustrator selected for the next SBH published "Gullible" book is local artist, Randall Lavarias.

Born in 1964, and raised in Waialua, Oahu, Lavarias is the second youngest of seven children. His parents are second generation Filipino Americans. His father was a cane haul driver for Waialua Sugar Company. Lavarias' mother worked at DelMonte Cannery. At the age of 4, Lavarias drew a lot. As he got older, his dad started giving him a wider perspective on drawing. His dad, being an artist also, inspired Randall to become an illustrator.

Lavarias furthered his education after high school, and took many art classes from the University of Hawaii, Kapiolani Community College, and earned an AS degree in Commercial Art from Honolulu Community College. After college, he worked for a variety of graphic agencies, including Commercial Graphics, Polynesian Prints, and Crazy Shirts. Being a freelance artist, he has done most of his work for t-shirt companies, brochures and magazines. As an illustrator, his main focus is to create drawings as realistically and expressively as he possibly can.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month

In observance of the National Disability Employment Awareness Month, SBH member Winners at Work, Inc. is proud to offer employers the opportunity to purchase Winners at Work's 'Aloha Begins with a Smile' training package at a special discounted price of $87.50!

Train your employees to provide service that is courteous and safe in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and be part of the 'Winners Network' of organizations who make a difference!

Order the 'Aloha Begins with a Smile' training video and workbook now through October and get 50% off the retail price!

For more information or to order your copy, visit our website at http://www.assistguide.com/winners or call 808-532-2100.

Team Mauka Makai Off-Road Challenge

One of 1998's most unique and successful running races was Team Mauka Makai's 4-mile Off-Road Challenge, held in beautiful Kaaawa Valley, on Kualoa Ranch, near Kaneohe Bay. One of the few trail runs offered on Oahu, the race was a huge success, attracting over twice as many people as expected, from Olympic athletes to families out for a fun jog. It is also one of the few races to offer the Royal Division, for men over 220lbs. and women over 160lbs.

This year, Team Mauka Makai is sponsoring their second annual Off-Road Challenge, this time called the Ultimate Off-Road Challenge. The event has been expanded to include a second, more challenging, race: "The Over-The-Pass 8-mile Run," to go along with the ever popular 4-mile adventure run. Both courses offer some of the most spectacular views on all of Oahu.

Proceeds for this event help support academic scholarships at the University of Hawaii. See our website for information concerning the "Run For Higher Education Scholarship" program.

This year's event takes place on Halloween morning, October 31, at 8:00 a.m. and includes fun prizes for runners with the best Halloween costumes.

If you would like more information, go to http://www.MaukaMakai.com or http://www.TeamMM.com (both addresses get you there), look in Hawaii Race Magazine, email Rick@maukamakai.com or Mark@maukamakai.com or call (808) 239-2800.

Tax Institute Oct. 24 - 29

Chaminade University of Honolulu's 36th Annual Hawaii Tax Institute, will be held at the Hawaiian Regent Hotel in Waikiki, from October 24-29.

A distinguished panel of recognized tax authorities with a positive approach to the current review of tax and finance topics will analyze a wide variety of subjects. The in-depth program will utilize and combine the far reaching experience of many notable local and Mainland tax experts.

For program and registration information contact 946-2966.