SMALL BUSINESS NEWS  _________________________________________
Creating A Better Hawaii Through Private Enterprise VOLUME 20, No. 6 *
June 1995

SBH Investment Forum Features Bert Dohmen

Small Business Hawaii will sponsor a special evening economic and
investment forum for members and the public, featuring Hawaii's leading
investment analyst, Bert Dohmen, on Thursday, June 15.

The timely presentation, "The Outlook for the Economy, Interest Rates,
Mutual Funds and Where to Go Now," will give individual investors an
opportunity to make sense of the rapidly changing local, national and
international economic and investment climate, and options to protect
and enhance business and personal financial resources in these changing
times. A question and answer session will be included in the program.

What's with the Dow Jones Average and historic stock market record
highs? Is the Yen more powerful than the dollar? What is the impact of
a "trade war" with Japan? Is this a good time to buy real estate? These
and other provocative topics will be discussed June 15.

Dohmen, founder and president of Dohmen Capital Research, Inc., has
gained international recognition for the accuracy of his economic and
investment forecasts. Dohmen is the publisher of several award-winning
investment advisory services, including, the prestigious monthly
Wellington Letter and Private Portfolios He has appeared on
television's Wall Street Week, CNN MoneyLine, and many other national
programs as well as being a keynote speaker for several international
investment conferences.

The program will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, June 15, in
the Hibiscus Ballroom of the Ala Moana Hotel. This is not a dinner
meeting but there will be plenty of food for thought, coffee, and
complimentary investment materials.

Advance paid reservations are: $5 per person for SBH members, who may
also bring a spouse at no extra cost; $10 per person for non-members
and at the door if space is available. Validated parking is included.
To register you must send in the form available in the June 1995 issue
of Small Business News. Send it in with your payment by June 9th to
SBH.

Don't miss this opportunity to get the information you need to help
plan your investment strategy For reservations and information, contact
SBH at 396-1724.

________________________________________________


SBH Offers "Young  Entrepreneur" Membership


The Board of Directors of Small Business Hawaii, meeting May 16,
approved a new membership category for qualified "Young Entrepreneurs,"
who are business owners between the ages of 18 and 35. The change,
authored by Director Jane Tatibouet, passed unanimously and becomes
effective June 1. Active member participation is a must.

The current regular membership rate (unchanged for more than five
years) is $150 per year (or $250 for two years). The new "Young
Entrepreneur" membership will be $75 per year and is designed to
encourage more young men and women to join and become leaders in the
SBH organization. Proof of age is required and all other member
requirements apply. (See new application form on page 7).

In February, the SBH Board approved a special Retired Member rate.

________________________________________________


Washington D.C. June 11 - 15 Member - Delegates at White House
Conference

As reported previously, several members of the Hawaii Delegation to the
1995 White House Conference on Small Business are members of Small
Business Hawaii. The Conference, the first since 1986, convenes in the
Nation's Capital, June 11-15.

Bette Tatum, head of NFIB-Hawaii, is co-chair of the 15-member Hawaii
delegation.

SBH members include: Joyce Edwards, (The Systemcenter, Inc.); Tim Moore
(Old Lahaina Cafe & Luau, Maui) and Dr. Gene Ward (Hawaii
Entrepreneurship Training & Development Institute).

Small business owners from all across the country will meet and discuss
issues important to small business. A priority listing of issues will
emerge and SB NEWS will publish the list next month.

________________________________________________

City Passes Sign Reform Ordinance

As reported last month (in SB VIEWS), for 10 years Small Business
Hawaii has been pressing for an amended City & County sign ordinance to
allow businesses on the 2nd floor of office and retail buildings to
have an identification sign; something that has remained illegal under
Honolulu's archaic and anti-business laws.

On May 3, the City Council, by a vote of 6-3, passed the ordinance
(#197 introduced in 1993 by Gary Gill) to allow a modest, six square
foot, non-illuminated sign on second floor establishments.

SBH was the only business organization to testify in favor of the
measure. The Council rose above hysterical testimony of the Outdoor
Circle, the self-proclaimed protectors of all signage in Hawaii.

As businesswoman Sheila Watumull said in her testimony, business gave
the money to start and continue the Circle and supports it; but
tasteful signage and love for the environment are not mutually
exclusive.

Supporting small business were Councilmembers: John DeSoto; John Henry
Felix; Mufi Hannemann; Donna Mercado Kim; Rene Mansho and John
Yoshimura. They deserve our thanks.

The three negative votes came from Duke Bainum, Steve Holmes and Andy
Mirikitani. After professing their suppoirt for business, they said
even this simple signage would destroy Hawaii's beauty, and besides,
small businesses should spend more money on advertising instead of
identifying where their business is located.  The bill needs the
signature of Mayor Jeremy Harris to become law.

________________________________________________

KITCHEN CONCEPTS PLUS! ON THE MOVE

Kitchen Concepts Plus! Inc., opened their new showroom at Gentry
Pacific Design Center. Their new display area allows clients to view
the latest in design, cabinetry and appliances. Michael L. Smith, CKD,
CBD and CGR, is a director of the National Kitchen and Bath Association
(NKBA), and was recognized as one of the top 50 contractors in the U.S.
His projects are often cited in many publications. Susan Palmer, CKD,
CBD, has served as president of the NKBA Aloha Chapter and is currently
a judge for national design competition. Smith and staff invite you to
come visit or phone 524-6656.



SBH MEMBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR MORE INFORMATION PHONE 396-1724 *
FAX: 396-1726 SBH Members are welcome at ALL Events!
____________________________________________________


Thursday June 15 SBH Investment Forum with Bert Dohmen Ala Moana Hotel
(6:00 to 8:00 p.m.)

Tuesday, June 20 SBH Board Meeting SBH Office, 12 noon to 2 pm

____________________________________________________

Special Session Looms.... '95 Legislature Fails Business Rated "D"*

The 1995 State Legislature adjourned on time May 1 (SBH had long
predicted that it would not complete all of its work on time).

But wait a minute: more than two weeks after the Session ended, it was
"discovered" that an "error" had been made on the last day and that
appropriation bills--35 of them including the whopping $12 billion
bloated budget and reparations payments to Native Hawaiians--were not
passed legally.

This "error" was in addition to the likely unconstitutional pure
no-fault auto insurance bill passed, the "goof" that extended the
additional 6% Nursing Home Tax (10% total tax) enacted in 1994, while
eliminating the 6% tax credit (a slick maneuver designed to fool the
Feds and Medicare. It didn't work. Also not working, was the
misappropriation of $ 64 million in federal airport funds during the
Waihee-Cayetano Administration, used to give financial benefit to a key
Waihee financial contributor. The Feds didn't buy that either and now
want payment with penalties and interest, totalling $70 million from
the State. The "State" wants the taxpayers to pay for this too.

So, just when you thought it was safe to go outside again...there will
be a "Special" Session called by the Governor. The only thing "special"
about it is that the taxpayers will have to foot the bill (more
thousands of $) for the costly ineptitude of the leadership in the
Legislature.

Speaker of the House Joseph Souki said the Legislature deserved a grade
of "A+" for all that it accomplished in '95. On May 11, SBH's
Legislation Action Committee graded the Session a "D" for some effort,
but little lasting substance in improving Hawaii's hostile business
climate. This was an improvement from '94's "F+" grade.

Business spent all of the Session working for meaningful workers'
compensation reform but had to expend time and resources battling a 25%
proposed increase in the General Excise Tax, higher hotel room tax and
other assorted taxes and business costs. There was no budget reduction
during '95, no decrease in the number of state employees, no tax
relief, lots of talk but little real workers' comp reform, and
negligible incentives for struggling businesses in Hawaii. However,
there were tax INCREASES, higher fees and costs, and further shifting
of cost burdens to business (such as in the transfer of medical costs
from auto insurance to employers' pre-paid health care plans).

Several individual lawmakers, including a number of Freshmen, received
high grades from PAYCHECKS HAWAII, SBH's independent, bi-partisan,
political action affiliate, for their individual efforts in behalf of
the business community and taxpayers.

* Legislative ratings not available for text only edition.


___________________________________________________________


SMALL BUSINESS VIEWS By Sam Slom, President, Small Business Hawaii


I was wrong; the 1995 State Legislature DID adjourn on time. I was
ready to eat crow, but...The Legislature "goofed." On time yes, but
unconstitutional. Because of "errors" in the last rushed days of the
Session, they now must reconvene to re-enact the defective budget and
money bills at a $11,000+ cost to taxpayers. Hold that crow!The Special
Session may also act on the Nursing Tax credit elimination and no-fault
auto insurance Ña plaintiff's attorney Governor, plus Lt. Governor,
plus majority of Cabinet: what do you expect of a bill where lawsuits
are eliminated? I smell VETOÑ Hawaii is the NO-FAULT capital of the
world. Whenever the government screws up, it's no one's fault. But
guess who gets to pay? Take ex Gov John Waihee and the $64 million
Raceway Park/Airport Funds scandal. Waihee says it was "sound policy."
Governor Cayetano, of the 8-year Waihee-Cayetano Administration, says,
he's not at fault; they never invited him to any corruption meetings.
The FBI has investigated and has evidence; Cayetano's new AG will see
if Waihee, Cayetano's former boss, mentor and close friend of Bill and
Hillary, is guilty of anything. Do we seriously believe a Democrat
national and state administration will indict or prosecute lawyer
Waihee, now with the politically connected firm of Verner, Liipfert,
Bernhard, McPherson and Hand? Bu'laia..... California's loss is
Hawaii's gain: former State Health czar, Dr. Jack Lewin, Hillary's
friend, finally succeeded in landing a job after years of trying. He
was hired as the executive officer of the California Medical
Association. Smooth-talking Jack obviously convinced the good doctors
in the Golden Disaster State that he's all for "a level playing field"
and is pro-business. Hawaii small business and doctors know better;
Lewin orchestrated the costly Clinton big government, mandated
anti-small business, medicine show here and believes in forcing
business and doctors to comply. The Sunday April 30 Honolulu Advertiser
had no stories or mention of the upcoming "Small Business Week," (April
30-May 6) but DID have two full pages on a prom story with photos
tracking every minute of the costly event. How can business struggles
and successes compete with that? Just in case you wondered where the
media's priorities are. A survey released in late April, revealed that
Hawaii's 4th graders are the 4th worst readers of the 40-states
surveyed. The survey, "The National Assessment of Educational
Progress," is a test designed by a citizens' board created by Congress.
Maybe that's where the trouble lies. We may not read well here, but we
seem to have new mega bookstores opening frequently. Mr. Clinton's
attack on selected Japanese luxury cars is tax on yachts all over
again. A boon for European luxury car makers, a disaster for owners and
employees of US companies selling and servicing the cars and more loss
of choice for the consumer. And, when is an Isuzu not an Isuzu? USA
Today's James Healey tells of Acura's truck which is really a disguised
Isuzu Trooper. "Honda already sells the Isuzu Rodeo under Honda
Passport. Surveys show 80 % of all Passport buyers didn't know they
were Isuzus--even though Isuzu's name is prominent in several places
under the hood." Kick those tires and look under the hood from now on.
Aloha Ritz Department Store (Ala Moana), Sweet Thoughts Bakery (Manoa)
and Sheraton Makaha Hotel, latest business casualties. Luxury Japanese
hotels continue to be sold here for about 25¢ on the $ (yen?). Title
insurance companies stand to pay if Hawaiians press their claims for
$12 BILLION in land reparations. That's why some firms quietly, behind
the scenes, supported a  25% GET tax increase on all the rest of us to
settle quickly, end the right to sue, and save their bottom line. Is
title insurance as non-valuable as State-issued "Hurricane Relief
Insurance?" The "Contract With America" revolution (budget, tax and
welfare reform) is growing, except in Hawaii. The media treat the
Hawaii Congressional Gang of Four with kid gloves and sympathy they
don't deserve, while repeating the scare and fear mongerings of the
recently politically power-challenged. Dale Evans of Charley's Taxi,
working diligently seeking a level playing field at the City Council
because of newly imposed airport taxi fees which can't be passed on.
Councilman Mufi Hannemann wants to  sell off City "surplus" lands to
balance the budget and  improve the City's fiscal position. He should
be supported. Both papers editorialized against him. Some colleagues
think the City should buy more land and hold it. Supporters of QUEST,
the State's  giant subsidized medicaid scheme, urge easing the easy
requirements to sign up more "clients." This helped the Food Stamp
Program grow out of control. (Hawaii  joins several states to issue
credit cards to food stamp recipients next year to "restore their human
dignity.") Color me old fashioned, but I thought the goal was to make
fewer people dependent on government, not more. May's historic 7.5 mile
march and reenactment of King Kamehameha's victory at Nuuanu Pali,
where thousands of O'ahu warriors, women and children, were flung from
the cliff, in order to "unify" the ancient Hawaiian people, was a
solemn event. Maybe the taxpayers should fling some big spending
politicos from the H-3 for economic unity.


__________________________________________________________________

GUEST COMMENTARIES & LETTERS ___________ Written by Small Business
Hawaii Members


STAFFING HELP by Pamela Gottlieb, Staffing Partners

Guidelines For  Successful Interviews

Editor's Note: This is the last in a series of articles.

Here are some additional tips that should prove helpful in your hiring
process. This is just a sampling of questions you may not ask. They are
absolutely illegal to ask in an interview!

1. "Gottlieb," that's an unusual name - what nationality or origin is
that? 2. Can you work on Sundays or do you have to go to church? 3. Are
you married? 4. When do you plan to have children? 5. Are you pregnant?
6. Is that Miss, Ms. or Mrs.? 7. What year did you graduate from high
school/college? 8. Does your husband (wife) want you to work? 9. How
old are you? 10. Have you ever been arrested? 11. How many days were
you absent from work last year? 12. Have you ever been treated for drug
or alcohol addiction? 13. Are you in good health? 14. Have you ever
filed for Worker's Compensation insurance? 15. Have you ever been
treated for any mental condition? 16. Have you ever been hospitalized?
17. Where did you learn to speak (language) OR is (language) your
native tongue? 18. What is your sexual orientation? 19. Where were you
born? 20. Are you a United States citizen?

These are sample questions you may ask (refer to the same numbered
questions above for comparison):

1. Have you ever worked under a different name? 2. Are you available to
work whatever days and shifts are required for the position, i.e.,
Sunday through Thursday from 7:30-4:30? 3., 6. There are no legal
questions that may be asked about marital status. 4.,5. There are no
legal questions that may be asked about children. 7. Are you a high
school/college graduate? 8. There are no legal questions that may be
asked about spouse. 9. There are no legal questions that may be asked
about age. 10. There are no legal questions that may be asked about
arrest or conviction record unless the employer is state, county, a
private school, a financial institution whose deposits are insured by a
federal agency, the board of directors of an association of apartment
owners, or the manager of a condominium project; these entities may
check records of conviction and related arrests only. 11. Our maximum
number of allowed sick days is ______. Are you able to meet this
standard? 12. There are no legal questions that may be asked about
treatment of drug or alcohol addiction. 13. Are you able to perform the
essential functions of this job with or without a reasonable
accommodation? 14. There are no legal questions that may be asked about
the filing of Worker's Compensation claims. 15. Are you able to perform
the essential functions of this job with or without a reasonable
accommodation? 16. There are no legal questions that may be asked about
hospitalization. 17. If use of a language other than English is
relevant to the job for which the applicant is applying - you may ask
"what languages do you read, speak or write fluently? 18. There are no
legal questions that may be asked regarding sexual orientation. 19. Can
you ,upon employment, submit verification of your legal right to work
in the United States? 20. Can you, upon employment, submit verification
of your legal right to work in the United States?


______________________________________________

Bank Of America on  Small Business Service

Editor's Note:  This is a response to the letter by Ray Mitrulevich,
Aloha Brake Company in the May, 1995, SB News

We understand small business owners do not wish to take up their
valuable time by waiting in line.  To that end Bank of America Hawaii
has night depository bag service available at almost all branches, as
well as Merchant Service business teller windows at several very busy
branches.  We are continually upgrading our branches to accommodate
small business servicing needs.

However, from time to time, there will be random situations where an
additional wait time may be required due to customer traffic.  $5/5
minute guarantee is applicable to everyone.  Bank of America Hawaii
Customer Service Representatives are on hand at each branch to accept
over the counter deposits (if you are in a hurry) with duplicate
deposit receipt to be initialled and subject to deposit verification. 
If our Customer Service Representative is also with a customer, our
Customer Service Manager or Branch Manager will also accept these
deposits in a similar manner.

Further, we have requested our Customer Service Managers and Branch
managers to meet with small business customers to discuss how we can
better serve your needs, including such issues as time spent in
branches.  Our business Banking Sales Officers will visit your place of
business to discuss credit financing needs and eliminate spending
additional time away from your business.

Bank of America Hawaii also offers convenient telephone access to line
of credit financing products, 24-hour customer phone services.  Several
new product offerings specifically for small business are also in
process.

In addition, on June 1, Bank of America Hawaii will be offering the
longest banking hours in the State of Hawaii available to small
businesses with most branches open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through
Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.  Our in-store locations on
Oahu, Maui, Big Island and Kauai are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday
through Friday, Saturdays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m to 4 p.m.

You may also know that several of our people are very active in small
business organizations, offering their time, effort and support to
assist small business.  We believe that Bank of America Hawaii is truly
a friend of small business.

Paul J. Rehob, VP & Sales Manager, Business Banking Division, Bank of
America




________________________________________________________



NAMES IN THE NEWS _______________________ Small Business Hawaii Members

SWENGLER AUTHORS NEW BOOK

"How to WIN & COLLECT in Small Claims Court" is the title of a new book
about Hawaii's judiciary and small business authored by Paul Swengler
of The Law Book Store. The comprehensive and easy reading manual should
be available in local stores shortly and will help business owners
navigate the maze of legalese and provide strategies to help them 
prevail in small claims court in Hawaii.

GAINES GIVES READING TIPS

Jed Gaines, SBH VP and Director, and owner of Apartment Appearance,
Inc., led a seminar on "Reading Hawaii," designed to motivate children
to love reading, at Kahala Elementary School, on May 30. Gaines, who
has been reading to school children for more than 7 years utilizing the
Jim Trelease concept of reading aloud, revealed his "4 simple
strategies" to help create a child become a lifetime reader. He will be
introducing a new reading  program in the fall entitled, "Everybody
Wins," that will bring business volunteers and other community members
into the schools to read to children.

MEMORABILIA SOUGHT

Janet Hyrne, executive director of member Aloha Week Festivals, is
asking you to search your closets, garage and drawers for memorabilia
related to Aloha Week. The festival's 50th anniversary will be
celebrated in 1996; Aloha Week began in 1946 as a week long event and
is now a two-month festival of local culture and entertainment. If you
have any old photos, buttons, ribbons or similar items that depict the
earlier days of the festival, Janet would love to have them for the
special ceremonies next year, but needs them by July 30. Call her at
944-8857.

MEMBERS ELECTED TO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

Several members of SBH were recently elected or re-elected to
Neighborhood Board seats on Oahu: Donna Alcantara (Nuuanu/Punchbowl,
District 1); Robert Baer (Kuliouou/Kalani Iki, District 7); Larry
Bartley (District 4, Kailua) Sheila Gold (District1,Waialae-Kahala),
Stephen Jefferies (Hawaii Kai, At-Large) & Christy Kawabata (District
3, Kailua).

ZWEEDYK, PAI NAMED

Jim Zweedyk, president of TKC, Inc., and Ken Pai, Senior VP, Commercial
Real estate Division of First Hawaiian Bank, have been named by the
Building Association of Hawaii (BIA), as co-chairs for the 2nd annual
BIA Home Building & Remodeling Show, to be held November 30- December
3, at Neal Blaisdell Center. The first of its kind show for homeowners
is sponsored jointly by the BIA and First Hawaiian Bank.

"KEKAIMALU" TURNS 10

Member Sea Life Park Hawaii celebrated a very special birthday on May
20-21. Kekaimalu, the world's only known wholphin--half false killer
whale and half Atlantic bottlenose dolphin--turned 10. Special Hawaiian
entertainment, fun for kids and a preview of Kekaimalu's new home,
Wholphin Bay, were presented. (SBH members can obtain free annual E
Komo Mai discount club cards simply by calling the SBH office).

LION COFFEE PRESENTS "STRONG & WONDERFUL"

Lion Coffee now presents, "Strong and Wonderful" entertainment every
Friday night for the public at the Lion Coffee Cafe, 831 Queen Street.
A selected group, or artist, ranging from ethnic music to the spoken
word, to the "indefinable," will perform weekly, according to cafe
manager Kit Grant. Espresso will follow. There is no admission charge
and the cafe will feature special prices on drinks and snacks. For
details, phone 591-1199.

CBA ALUMNI GOLF TOURNEY

The UH College of Business Administration (CBA)will host the annual CBA
 Alumni Friendship Golf Tournament, Wednesday, June 28, at the Hawaii
Prince Golf Club (Ewa Beach) starting at 12:30. A 3-person scramble
format will be in effect. Deadline is June 12. For details, phone
Charmeen Wing  at 956-8780. Fore!

NOTE: Please send your news, awards, promotions, etc., with PHOTOGRAPHS
 (if possible) to SB NEWS by the 10th of the month  (copy deadline) for
 the next issue.

_______________________________________________________________

About Small Business News & Small Business Hawaii

Small Business Hawaii breaks new ground as it enters the information
age with the online edition of Small Business News. This is a condensed
version of the regular June 1995 issue of Small Business News. The
newsletter is published monthly by Small Business Hawaii, a private,
independent, tax exempt [501 (c)(6)] statewide association of more than
3,000 business firms dedicated to improving Hawaii's business climate
and promoting, educating, and effectively representing small business
in Hawaii, while helping to improve the quality of life of all
residents of Hawaii.

Small Business Hawaii invites you to comment on anything related to
small business issues in Hawaii. Send us your comments and news of
awards, promotions, etc., with photographs (if possible) to SBH by the
10th of  the month for the next issue.

Articles can be sent via regular (snail mail) to:

Small Business Hawaii Hawaii Kai Corporate Plaza 6600 Kalanianaole
Hwy., Suite 212 Honolulu, HI 96825

We also accept FAXED articles at: (808) 396-1726 (Sorry! faxed photos
not acceptable.)

You can also E-Mail your articles to macpro@lava.net All e-mail is fax
forwarded to Small Business Hawaii.

For more information about SBH call: (808) 396-1724

SMALL BUSINESS NEWS ONLINE June 1995 * Volume 20, No. 6

Editor & Publisher: Samuel M. Slom Directors:  Joyce Edwards, Jean
Fukuda, Jed Gaines, Janet Ha'ole, Kenneth T.G. Lum, Michael R. Marsh,
Bob Sigall, Sam Slom, Jane Tatibouet & John Yanagihara. Computer
Graphics: Melvin Ah Ching

Online Service Provider: H4, Hawai`i's Super DataHighwayª @ (808)
263-8625 Internet Website: http://www.hotspotshawaii.com./SBH.html

Those with Telefinder software may use H4's IP address for a direct
connection to the BBS: 204.182.49.10

________________________________________

Small Business News Online compiled by:

MELVIN AH CHING PRODUCTIONS Desktop Publishing & Consulting Phone:
(808) 946-2676 Internet: macpro@lava.net or M.AHCHING1@GEnie.geis.com


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