The 19th State Legislature, which began on January 15, is nearly half over and the results for small business and taxpayers are dismal to date. Despite a small business coalition rally on January 22 (see February's SB NEWS), enactment of business and job creation bills is still delayed. The current session is slated to adjourn at the end of April.

A total 4,287 bills were introduced; 225 submitted by Governor Ben Cayetano. Nearly all increase the size and cost of government. (Senator Sam Slom's bills to reduce government, cut taxes and provide more take home pay, limit the number of bills introduced, privatize and create a unicameral (single body) Legislature, have all died; most without even a public hearing).

It is like 1996 all over again: same sex marriage, "high three," and no-fault auto insurance have dominated the first several weeks. There is no resolution on these matters either.

What has surfaced,however, is a not-so-subtle maneuver for new tax and fee increases and higher mandates, such as an increased minimum wage.

The recently concluded 17% wage hike for unionized public school teachers has set lawmakers scrambling to find the $100 million in funds from existing special funds and by raiding existing tax sources. Also, the State Convention Center, which won't open for business until late this year, is already plagued by bigger debt payments also necessitating a transfer of funds or more taxes.

Measures have proposed taxing annuities and pensions, increasing the General Excise Tax, adding County sales taxes, increasing "sin," transient accommodations, and fuel taxes, while removing the last remaining tax credits for Hawaii's already over-taxed residents. The message is not getting through.

Still other bills expand government power, create more commissions and new studies. The unions continue their domination over legislation and key legislators. A particularly blatant bill, introduced for the UPW by Senators Brian Kanno and Suzanne Chun Oakland,stipulates that when state law and the public's right to information regarding crimes by public employees are at odds, collective bargaining contracts are superior to the state law. Kanno also has kept his three-year record of barring hearings on business bills.

Recommendations of the State Tax Review Commission, Small Business Legislative Coalition and the Hawaii Congress on Small Business, go unheeded. But there is still time for some success; a window of opportunity.

If you want to get involved, the next meeting of the small business coalition is being coordinated by SBH's Bob Sigall. The coalition has been meeting at the Capitol every other week at 11 am. Contact Bob at 847-2046. If you have a FAX and are not already on the SBH Biz Fax Net, you can sign on at the same time by calling him.

The prestigious Blue Chip Enterprise Initiative Award (BCEIA) is sponsored by the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company and U.S. Chamber of Commerce. It recognizes businesses which have demonstrated initiative and creativity in growth, pulling back from the brink, overcoming challenges, and taking calculated risks. Perhaps a business survived a flood with little or no disruption in service to customers. Perhaps a business lost a major defense contract and had to scramble to find a new market. Many other businesses in the United States have faced problems similar to those we face in Hawaii and have overcome them. The BCEIA recognizes achievements so we can learn from others.

Hawaii's past winners include SBH members Lion Coffee, Maui Divers, and The Systemcenter, Inc.The 1996 Hawaii winners, announced at a Pacific Club Awards Luncheon February 25 are: Wyland Galleries Hawaii (William A. Wyland, owner); Kimo Bean Coffee Company/Sandal Tree (Paula M. Sussex, president); Oceanit Laboratories, Inc. (Dr. Patrick K. Sullivan, president) and Malimar, Inc. (Malia & Martin Johnson, owners).

Mass Mutual's Hawaii General Agent, and SBH member, Michael Scherr presented the honorees at the luncheon. SBH President / Senator Sam Slom delivered keynote remarks.

The SBH Young Entrepreneurs group, "YES, " enjoyed another business field trip on February 13th. The group visited SBH-member Coastal Windows, a local full-service window company. An interesting tour of the company's manufacturing and sales facility was conducted by Bob Barrett.

In a meeting with "YES " members following the plant tour, Bob was joined by Curt and Marie Winner (the company's owners), in discussing the importance of treating employees as family to build motivation (and high-quality windows).

The company has grown over the last five years and has expanded its facility to keep up with customers' needs.

Mahalo to Bob, Curt and Marie for being outstanding hosts! The next regular monthly meeting will be Thursday, March 27, 11 am at The Wisteria restaurant. All are welcome--regardless of age.

Information on upcoming "YES " events are listed in the SB News or you may contact Helen Rapoza at 739-0400.

The Alu Like Entrepreneurship Training Program will sponsor a financial workshop for owners and prospective owners of small businesses. The hands-on program will be conducted on March 15th by Tricia M.L. Young and Elsa E. Enomoto, Certified Public Accountants from Padgett Business Services.

Participants will learn how to organize their financial paperwork and to prepare basic financial statements. The free workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the Alu Like Business Development Center in the Kawaiaha'o Plaza.

Please call 524-1225 to register and for further information of this program and other Alu Like Entrepreneurship classes and workshops. Contact person: Pualani Rivero.