The opening of the 1997 State Legislature on January 15 had more of a business presence than in recent memory. Jobs and an improved economy were on the minds and lips of most lawmakers, especially the newly elected Republicans and Democrats. Of course, House Speaker Joe Souki had to once again raise the spectre of possible tax increases. Senate President Norman Mizuguchi on the other hand sounded more Libertarian, even calling for the sale of the State Convention Center, debt-ridden before it opens next year. Republican House and Senate leaders sounded a practical, effective clarion call for a better standard of living for all; but the chances for their packages being adopted are slim. (Though Democrats have never blushed at cockroaching GOP ideas).

Speaking of Cockroaches, it seems the Japanese have developed robotic cockroaches (for real!) and while their Sonys and Hondas may be superior, the Japanese prefer and need American roaches. And it is reported a Texas company sends lollipops with bugs and insects inside to customers in Germany. Wow! What tremendous export potentials for Hawaii. Our roaches and insects are no ka oi.

Governor Ben Cayetano's State of the State speech called for selected tax cuts, economic incentives and government downsizing, though too little and too selective. The guv, on a much-reported diet to lose weight, would do better to have the State go on a major spending diet. His proposal to have the taxpayers build infrastructure in Ka'kaako, would benefit private developer Victoria Ward's plans to build a major shopping center to compete with Ala Moana, who built its own infrastructure. That proposal needs more investigation. Still, in total, his remarks were more positive than in recent years.

Meanwhile, over at City Hall, the realization that property values are falling brought the response that the City should raise taxes on beleagured property owners on Oahu. Expert politico, Mayor Jeremy Harris, pledged to "hold the line" on taxes and suggested owners simply pay what they paid last year. Of course that means a tax INCREASE, since values fell. Thanks, but no thanks, Mr. Mayor.

A special alert to members of SBH and others who have been solicited recently by new group medical providers claiming to be associated with SBH or to represent a "business association." Most of the efforts are slick marketing techniques. NONE are affiliated with SBH (other than HMAA, Kaiser, Kapiolani, and Queens Island Care). And a reminder, SBH does NOT rent, sell or give its mailing list to anyone. Questions? Call me!

Hooray for the Food Lion stores on the Mainland who took ABC-TV to court--and won a $5 million damage settlement. ABC was found guilty of fraud and trespass in its phoney story of health violations at the supermarket chain. Business has been the brunt of false reporting and legal harassment for years; it's time to fight back.

Several small gasoline dealers are actively lobbying at the Legislature for continuation of special legislation enacted 7 years ago. It "protects" the smaller stations from the big oil companies, and any new competition. Bet the small retailers would like special protection too from the Mainland Big Box stores! Too late, and besides, its not the oil companies that have destroyed the small stations: the taxes, regulations, mandated benefits and EPA regs have done them in. Business, large or small, must accept competition as a way of life and must change reliance on government favors and favored politicians to help them do their business. We are all consumers and all suffer from laws "protecting" one class of business or individual. What do you think?

What we really need is protection from the increasing number of exploding manhole covers in downtown Honolulu. And State Transportation roadwork that needlessly and seriously interferes with small business operations, such as D'Amico's Pizza on the North Shore forced to consider bankruptcy. The State's response, via PR wordster, Marilyn Kali, "We have to look at priorities when scheduling projects, what's important for the public good...." Auwe!

Is it just me, or is the Honolulu Advertiser's style change that puts the first page of the 4-page business section on the back page and continues the stories on the inside left a hoot?

Last year's gay "domestic partners" have become this year's "reciprocal beneficiaries." A mandate by any other name is still force.

The UH profs didn't strike and hopefully the teachers won't either. They deserve respect and a contract, but not necessarily an across the board wage hike. Hawaii was ranked 2nd lowest in school funding--and quality of teaching. Leadership and not money is at the root of Hawaii's educational woes. Many administrators are dragging their feet on SCBM because they don't really want parents to have more direct say in the schools. Union collective bargaining stops serious improvement while union confiscated dues continue to be used to support political candidates who will keep the status quo. What happened to all that talk about "merit?" Good teachers should be rewarded in many ways. Also, privatization, charter schools and direct funding are needed.

Think of what our founding Presidents said and did for us during this, their month.

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