Join us for 1998's first "Small Business Hawaii Sunrise" on Thursday, February 19, at 7:00 a.m., at the Pacific Club. Peter Carlisle, prosecuting attorney for the City and County of Honolulu, will update us on our progress against crime on Oahu. Lee Cataluna, co-anchor for KHNL-TV NBC weeknight news, will share her secrets on being successful in the face of adversity. And, Lowell Kalapa, president of the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, will give a straightforward explanation of the tax implications of the Governor's Economic Revitalization Task Force.

What an outstanding lineup of speakers! Start the New Year right by attending SBH Sunrise on Thursday, February 19!

Come prepared for an hour and a half of a little of everything: great speakers on "hot" topics, useful tips from successful entrepreneurs, get-acquainted activities, a delicious Pacific Club buffet breakfast, super networking opportunities, lively discussions of community issues, fabulous door prizes, and more - all for just $12 to SBH members who reserve in advance ($15 for non-members and at the door. SBH board members Helen Rapoza, owner of Helen's Haven in Kahala, and Jean Fukuda, co-owner of Something Special in Kaimuki, will be the first of our directors to take turns hosting "SBH Sunrise" and leading us through an exciting morning.

Reserve Thursday morning, February 19 on your calendars for "SBH Sunrise," then please send in your completed reservation form (available from SBH, call to request one) with your $12 check by Monday, February 16. If you want to donate a door prize for the program, call Hyun Pae, at the SBH office, 396-1724. See you at Sunrise!

The 19th State Legislature began its 60-day Session Wednesday, January 21, and taxpayers hope lawmakers get down to the business of fixing Hawaii's business climate. The Session continues til May 5. Differences between Republicans and Democrats is striking.Republicans have several proposals to provide "more take home pay," while majority (but not all) Democrats, support tax increases. Early year tax and economic forecasts present a continuing gloomy fiscal picture in Hawaii.

Minority Leader Quentin Kawananakoa gave a tremendous speech on opening day, outshining all others and garnering gallery applause. In part he said, "...let me draw this line in the sand right now. This Minority cannot, must not, and will not support a 34% increase in Hawaii's General Excise Tax..." It was in sharp contrast to House Speaker Joe Souki's call to endure more tax and spend. Likewise, Senate Minority Leader Whitney Anderson, offered a vision of people-initiated changes to Norman Mizuguchi's call to continue to trust government.

The Governor's State-of-the-State speech, borrowed several long time Republican proposals as he once again talked conservatively, while continuing to act for unions and big business.

On the front burner is the Governor's politicized Economic Revitalization Task Force, a compilation of nearly 60 separate recommendations. Most are worthwhile, but the poison pill is the attempt to raise the General Excise Tax more than 34%(from 4-5.35%)--small business, service providers and those on commissions (such as Realtors) would be hurt the most. The Task Force is reportedly raising $1 million to propogandize their efforts. TV ads already began.

A broad community coalition (including SBH, NFIB, the Hawaii SB Congress, AARP, HMA, HRA) wants to put State Government on a "diet;" D.I.E.T (Don't Increase the Excise Tax) and is working to preserve spending cuts, while opposing any tax hikes. A diversified, small business Regulatory Reform Task Force adopted excellent recommendations that must be passed this year, along with privatization, workers' comp (managed care) reforms and Hawaiian issues. The head of the State's Democratic Party, Marilyn Bornhorst has spoken against the raising of the General Excise Tax.

The bipartisan Legislative Small Business Caucus has adopted the theme, "Small Business is My Business" and is supporting a package of business climate improvement bills.

As reported previously by SBH, 10-year veteran Legislator, State Senator Mike McCartney confirmed he will not seek reelection. Other changes will occur after this Session. Both Souki and Kawananakoa plan to seek other offices, as will Rep. Gene Ward. Many others will see serious challengers in the Fall. How this will affect their Session leadership remains to be seen.

PETITION NOW AGAINST G.E.T.

Leaders of the Governor's Economic Revitalization Task Force (ERTF)--namely Hawaii's two largest banks--have been twisting arms in the business and political community for support of their 34% GET tax increase. (Banks pay no GET). They say (falsely) you must take their entire package without change, and there is "no other choice."

They call small business critics "whiners."

ERTF announced a major public relations/advertising effort, costing up to $1 million, to "educate" the public as to the merits of more taxes for small business, consumers, and retirees, while enjoying 50% tax cuts for themselves. How dumb do they think we are?

Want to beat the big special interests? Then sign and circulate NO G.E.T. TAX petitions, available from SBH, AARP, HMA, or any GOP lawmaker. Right will defeat might!

SBH, CHAMINADE TO OFFER PREMIER FASTTRAC® ENTREPRENEURIAL TRAINING

Tired of government promises and waiting for task forces to revitalize our economy - and help your struggling business - in a year or two? Do something for yourself now! Sign up for the ultimate entrepreneurial training program to learn what you can do now to improve the bottom line in your small business. Nationally acclaimed, Premier FastTrac was created by entrepreneurs who joined with leading business instructors from across the country who are dedicated to helping entrepreneurs succeed. Over 16,000 entrepreneurs have graduated from FastTrac programs in more than 30 states and Canada. And their subsequent success rate is impressive: within one year after graduation, 10%-25% of FastTrac II graduates have more than doubled their sales; and 40%-55% of FastTrac II graduates have more than doubled their sales within two years of graduation.

Now, in a business-higher education partnership, starting Thursday, April 9, Small Business Hawaii and Chaminade University of Honolulu will offer FastTrac II to existing small businesses. The program of instruction will be conducted in 12 three-hour classes held each Thursday evening, beginning at 6:00 p.m. The course will be offered to the general public for $499, but Small Business Hawaii members will be able to enroll for $399, a savings of $100.

Look for more details in the March edition of Small Business News, but to find out more information in the meantime, visit the Entrepreneurial Education Foundation web site, at www.fastrac.org, or call Jim Proctor, at 395-6221.

US SBA TO OPEN EXPANDED
BUSINESS INFORMATION CENTER

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced that the Business Information and Counseling Center (BICC) will reopen in late January in a new expanded facility in downtown Honolulu. The BIC Center provides a wide range of tools for business development including a high tech computer and resource center, confidential consulting services, and workshops on finance, marketing, and business management topics. Services were temporarily closed on December 15, 1997, at the end of the office lease.

"SBA is excited about the relocation of the BICC project in Hawaii. It has proven a vital resource for many small businesses in preparing business plans, marketing strategies, and the financing packages that have helped them make needed changes to survive these tough economic times." said Jane Sawyer, Assistant District Director for Business Development and manager of the center.

The center will open for services at 1111 Bishop Street, Suite 204, in the heart of Downtown Honolulu. Though easily accessible by all the major bus routes, parking is available in nearby municipal lots.

The BICC includes a state-of-the-art computer center equipped with a network of Pentium computers loaded with small business software and CD roms for business plans, marketing research, accounting and tax applications. The Apple systems include business data base, planning, word processing and graphics capabilities. In the resource library, clients select from a top selling small business library, complete with Entrepreneur Guides, publications and a large audio visual catalog. Free confidential counseling from SCORE and the SBDC Network is also available for both start up or expanding firms. Satellite locations are currently operating in Waipahu and at the Honolulu District Office.

The BICC program is supported by a growing public/private partnership that includes not only SBA, SCORE, and the UH Small Business Development Center Network, but GTE Hawaiian Tel, Bank of America, Bank of Hawaii, American Savings, LavaNet, Microsoft, Apple Computer, and others.

For more information on programs and services available at the Business Information and Counseling Center, call the U.S. Small Business Administration at 808-541-2990.

1998 SBH CONFERENCE WRAP UP

SMALL BUSINESS '98 - CATALYST FOR CHANGING
AND IMPROVING HAWAII'S ECONOMY

A record 350 people attended Small Business Hawaii's 22nd Annual Conference, the first major business forum of 1998,. The theme was upbeat and so were the lively attendees who gave notice they won't "whine," but will VOTE in '98 for change.

The Conference was held Wednesday, January 14, in the Ala Moana Hotel, Hibiscus Ballroom, from 7:30 am to 1:30 pm. KHVH Real Radio 830 broadcast live from the Conference from 6 to 9 am, and rebroadcast key speeches the next day.

Gubernatorial candidates, Governor Ben Cayetano and Maui Mayor Linda Lingle offered a real contrast to the small business community, appearing together for the first time at a business forum. Both answered questions from the audience; the Governor was sharply questioned. Lingle was a clear favorite among the audience.

Small business leaders, Geal Fukumoto (Edward Jones) and Beth Terry (Pacific Rim Seminars), shared their expertise and thoughts with the highly animated audience. Fukumoto called for personal involvement and talked of another view of "greed" from the movie Wall Street, urging individuals to have "greed" for good and their own personal best. Terry described how to best live with and meet change during the upcoming year. She also called for "clean" issues-oriented campaigns.

Leaders of the 19th State Legislature, House Majority Leader Tom Okamura, Senate Minority Leader Whitney Anderson and House Minority Leader Quentin Kawananakoa discussed "Economic Revitalization" and their views on the focus of the 1998 State Legislature which began Jan. 21.

SBH Success Awards and personal stories were shared by Len Carman, Jr., of Clean N' Rooter; Jason Princenthal of AirCare Environmental Services, Inc., and Marie and Kurt Winner of Coastal Windows, Inc. Their words were inspirational to the many business owners still struggling in Hawaii.

The Annual SBH business awards, including "Small Business Person of the Year" were presented at lunch.

The Conference luncheon keynoters, 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, traced the events leading up to the community action and what is likely to happen next with the Estate--and its impact on Hawaii politics.

Audio tapes of all the speeches are available at a nominal cost of $5 per cassette through member Patrick VonWigandt of von Wigandt Productions. Call Patrick at 531-3888 or SBH (396-1724) for order information.

The 1999 SBH Conference will again be held at The Ala Moana Hotel, Wednesday, January 13 -- reserve that date now!

"YES" MEMBERS TO HOST BUSINESS FIELD TRIP

The SBH "YES" Young Entrepreneurs holds their first business field trip of '98, Thursday, February 26, according to member Todd Hoch. "YES" visits The French Gourmet, 500 Kuwili Street, 8 - 9:30 am.

The French Gourmet is a world leader in premium frozen dough. Come hear the dynamic entrepreneur who was selected Hawaii's "Exporter of the Year (1996)" share his "secrets of success."

You won't want to miss this tour of his new state-of-the-art high tech production facility! All SBH members are welcome, regardless of age. Please call Hyun Pae at SBH (396-1724) or "YES" chairperson, Helen Rapoza, Helen's Haven (739-0400) to RSVP or for information.

The "YES" holiday party on January 3 at Murphy's was fun and well attended. The first regular business meeting was held at the State Capitol, January 28. Speakers included, State Senator Sam Slom and SBH Legislative Action Committee chair, Bob Sigall. Both urged young people to get directly involved in the '98 elections and VOTE!. Members had an opportunity to see their Capitol and learn how to help change the business climate and economy.

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Copyright 1998 Small Business Hawaii. All rights reserved. Revised June 25, 1998.