Welcome to 1997,The Chinese "Year of the Ox." Make sure we aren't "dumb as an ox."

Many people have inquired that since I have been elected to the State Senate, who would replace me at SBH? And is there a conflict? Interestingly, 25 of the 76 state lawmakers proudly say they have no outside job or profession and are "full-time legislators." I wouldn't be proud of the fact that I am supported by the taxpayers, and not undergoing the daily rigors of an employee or business owner. Besides, I have always viewed public service as just that -- an extention of civic responsibility -- not a career. So I'll continue to own and operate my own small businesses and heed the SBH members and Directors who want me to continue here. Conflict? The only conflict I see is that people who don't use their own money, skills, or take the risk, have been allowed to dictate to business owners and taxpayers vis te Legislature. Until now.

Hooray for Hawaii (?) Headlines last month proclaiming Hawaii #1 in Same Sex Marriage and #50 in Business climate (source: Financial World magazine). Are we proud, or what??

Also, the jury verdict for two punks who beat up a vacationing Chicago policeman and got light sentences, including possible probation, made national headlines and another black eye. Our growing crime problem affects residents, business and our #1 industry. It's past time that we again PUNISH criminals and put the judicial hurt on them; not the victims. The HVCB has an excellent program in raising private funds to return tourists to testify here.

The Governor has proposed--for the unions benefit-- a budget-busting, debt-wrenching, $1 BILLION bond issue for construction projects. (Kiss your grand kids' eco- nomic future goodbye) The Legislature is not likely to go along with a proposal which would increase our state debt to $8 billion and our annual debt service to more than $500 million.

Standard and Poor's and Moody's, the nation's two leading bond rating organizations are looking more closely at Hawaii's overall rating and ability to repay, especially with our increasing bankruptcies, foreclosures and unemployment, with decreasing personal income, jobs and tax revenues.

Now what's going on over at the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii? Rumors of more reorganization, downsizing, and reduction in small business emphasis. Just at a time when Jim Proctor has done such an excellent job in expanding the Chamber's small business coalition effort in the community.

Long time member, Kuni Dry Goods called it quits. Women don't sew no more!

George Mason is right (as usual) His recent PBN column said Hawaii hasn't bottomed out yet despite the rosey bank and political forecasts. But, we can change.

State Senator Whitney Anderson last year led efforts to modify or repeal the Jones Act that holds Hawaii residents hostage to shipping monoply and adds to everyone's cost of living here. The issue will be on the front burner this year. Matson opposes any change; except its annual increase (3.5%) in shipping rates. Hawaii's Democrat Congressional delegation will do all it can to retain the monopoly that hurts Hawaii, Alaska and Guam the most.

If you think you are reading more about Guam and its economy these days, you are right. You thought all they had were brown tree snakes. Wrong! They are doing competition right and Hawaii better learn new lessons now.

Hawaii lost Pamela Gottlieb to Phoenix. Same story: high costs and frustration here, more opportunity there. A young, bright, involved woman, Pamela was an active SBH member, Director, columnist, professional Facilitator, chair of our "YES" group," business owner (Shared Resources), champion Toastmaster, Rotarian, American Cancer volunteer and fundraiser. These are the kinds of people we must provide incentives for or the whole community - including social services and non-profits- suffer irreprable damage. We miss you, Pamela. Thank you!

New Year Resolutions: (1) Don't accept appointment as marketing director/VP for the HVB or Hawaii Convention Center (Three such people have left within one year), and (2) Don't accept an invitation from the Governor to eat at Washington Place where a dozen people came down with Hepatitus-A from the catered food.

Oops. Last month I said watch for the new Use Tax for catalog sales on your new Hawaii Income Tax Form. Tax Director Ray Kamikawa informs that due to lots of complaints, it will NOT be on the 1996 tax form. This time. However, it's still the law to pay 4%.

I criticized tax funds for gang members to start a t-shirt business but applaud Kuhio Park Terrace teens--not in gangs or in trouble-- starting their own video rental business. Many private donations--including for-profit video stores. Provide incentives for those who accept responsibility; punish gangs.

Mahalo to KRTR-FM, Circuit City and other businesses who donated $11,000+ to Kaiulani School after thieves stole computers.

See you January 8 at SBH's Conference!

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