Small Business News | January 1998 | Page 2

Small Business Hawaii | Volume 23 Number 2 | January 1998

GOVERNOR, "BROKEN TRUST" AUTHORS TO HIGHLIGHT 22ND ANNUAL BUSINESS CONFERENCE

Be At the Ala Moana Hotel Hibiscus Room January 14, 1998

The theme of this year's SBH Annual Business Conference is, "Small Business '98; Catalyst For Changing And Improving Hawaii's Economy" Don't miss it!

The first major business forum of the New Year will be held Wednesday, January 14, in the Ala Moana Hotel, Hibiscus Ballroom, from 7:30 am to 1:30 pm. Members, their guests, employees and the public are welcome.

The SBH Conference luncheon keynote speakers are, UH law professor, author, and Price of Paradise radio series producer, Randy Roth, and federal Judge, Samuel P. King, co-authors of the recent Bishop Estate expose, Broken Trust.

Gubernatorial candidates, Governor Ben Cayetano and Maui Mayor Linda Lingle have confirmed to address the small business community and to answer questions regarding their economic agenda. Additionally, former Mayor Frank F. Fasi and current Mayor Jeremy Harris may also join the Conference.

Leaders of the 19th State Legislature, Democrats, Speaker of the House Joseph Souki, House Majority Leader Tom Okamura, and Republicans, Senate Minority Leader Whitney Anderson and House Minority Leader Quentin Kawananakoa are confirmed to speak about "Economic Revitalization."

Business leaders Geal Fukumoto (Edward Jones) and Beth Terry (Pacific Rim Seminars) will share their thoughts on how to meet change during the upcoming year.

SBH Success Awards and Annual SBH business awards, including "Small Business Person of the Year" will also be presented.

Total cost for the entire program, lunch and parking is $30 each for members and guests who reserve in advance. Reservation form is on page 4 of our printed issue. Call SBH at 396-1724 for more information and reservation form.

LEGISLATURE BEGINS JANUARY 21

The 19th State Legislature begins its 60-day Session Wednesday, January 21, at 10 am, and after all the pomp, circumstance and Hawaiian music, the lawmakers better get down to business the business of fixing Hawaii's flagging business climate.

Left over from prior years is needed action to cut taxes and cost of living, reduce government, give more autonomy to the University-and the Counties- and adjust Workers Compensation, privatization and auto insurance changes passed in 1997.

There will be some new leadership faces in both the House and the Senate. Quentin Kawananakoa replaces Gene Ward as House Minority Leader. Roz Baker replaces Lehua Fernandez Sallings as Senate Ways & Means Co-Chair, and the Senate President Norman Mizuguchi ordered a tribunal to judge Senator James Aki, currently Co-chair of the Education Committee, because of recent gambling charges, though there is a question of legality of the President's action.

SBH supports meaningful downsizing and reprioritizing of state government (as the counties, families, and business have done), as well as real tax and spending reductions.

The '98 Platform is outlined on this page. Small business has an excellent chance to make changes this year. Want to get involved? Contact SBH today (396-1724) to volunteer to make a difference.

BBB Warns of Business Poster Solicitation

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Hawaii warns businesses of enterprising companies sending unsolicited faxes and direct mail in an attempt to sell business posters. The solicitations contain information about compliance posters which must be posted in offices stating the correct minimum wage and other state and federal requirements. "The companies use scare tactics such as, if your company does not display the compliance poster it will face a fine of $7,500. These solicitations are very convincing," says Anne Deschene, president of BBB of Hawaii.

The BBB has investigated this issue and discovered the following:

* Virtually every federal or state agency which mandates posting of information offers that material to businesses at no charge. Further, any enforcement activities related to failure to post such materials are generally directed to those companies that cause the agency the most concern. Even then, warnings are usually given before any fines are assessed.

* In Hawaii, you can call the appropriate state and federal agencies and very easily request all required posters.

* State and federal offices tell the BBB Hawaii that they do not usually penalize you for not having compliance posters; they will simply provide them free of charge.

n Another scare tactic used by the solicitors is the claim that they have insurance against error in the poster. If you have a government-issued poster you will not be fined for any such error.

* In Hawaii there is federally-funded program to help businesses comply with Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health requirements. Businesses can request a free consultation to assess areas that need attention. Call the State of Hawaii Occupational Safety & Health Division at (808) 586-9100.

* If you experience difficulties in obtaining information from any of the government agencies, ask to speak to an agency supervisor.

"Direct mail solicitors are employing "classic" scare tactics to encourage businesses to buy their products. Mailings, for example, may contain such language as "POTENTIAL NON-COMPLIANCE ALERT," or may be sent by companies with names that resemble those of government agencies. The intimidating, authoritative tone of these solicitations should be recognized for what they are - nothing more than sales pitches." said Jo Ann Uchida, Executive Director of the State of Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection.

The BBB recommends that businesses in Hawaii call the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (808) 586-8842 for additional details about compliance posters.

"YES" Meeting at Capitol Jan. 28

The next regular monthly meeting of "YES" will be at the State Capitol, Senate Minority Caucus Room (in the Capitol basement) on Wednesday, January 28, from 9-10:30 am. Speakers will include, State Senator Sam Slom and SBH Legislative Action Committee chair, Bob Sigall. Come and take this opportunity to see YOUR State Capitol and learn how to help change the business climate and economy here, while meeting your State Representatives. RSVP to Helen at 739-0400 or FAX 739-0401.

All "YES" members are urged to attend the SBH 22nd Annual Business Conference on Wednesday, January 14, from 7:30 am to 1:30 pm in the Ala Moana Hotel. Send in your reservation (on page 4) to SBH and bring a friend.

Carlisle to Headline Next "Sunrise"

Popular City Prosecutor, Peter Carlisle, is confirmed to headline the next Small Business Hawaii "Sunrise" breakfast networking program. The event will be, Thursday, February 19, 7 to 8:30 am, at the Pacific Club.

There will be other exciting speakers, surprises, current legislative updates and door prizes. Details and a reservation form will be in your next (February) SB News so hold that date!

Jim Proctor and Helen Rapoza are coordinating the event. If you would like to donate a door prize, please contact Hyun Pae at SBH, 396-1724.

Alu Like Entrepreneurship Classes

A series of 36 hour business introduction courses will be sponsored by the Alu Like Entrepreneurship Training Program this winter. The classes feature guest speakers from the business and public sectors and are aimed at assisting small business start-ups. The Saturday classes are scheduled to be held in Waimanalo, Ewa Beach and on Moloka'i. In addition, a class aimed at assisting those interested in writing a business plan will be conducted in Honolulu. A fee to cover the cost of class materials will be assessed.

Information and applications may be obtained by calling the Alu Like Business Development Center at 535-6776, or 535-6782. Neighbor Island residents may call 1-800-459-3966.