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Ann Mata Replies to Kinsler Pageant Commentary* * See Miss America Who? by Susan Kinsler in July 1997Small Business News It is always sad when someone attempts to have a business and you cheer for them and support them in so many ways telling friends and co-workers to go visit that establishment and help out. Then to have that same business turn around and go for your throat on something beyond your control, is beyond my understanding. I am appalled that someone who did so little for someone, can be so rude and cutting about something so minimal. But, again, no matter how small this donation, it was much appreciated. This same individual could then write such a vindictive Guest Commentary which appeared in the SB News/July 1997 issue. Anyone who is anyone would not take the time to write something this ridiculous and personal for others in this industry to read or be offended by reading. I had sponsors calling to apologize for this woman's ranting. They, themselves, realized something was off balanced in the presentation. While Susan Kinsler is correct in some of her statements, at no time is a Sponsor mistreated by any pageant. All sponsors understand that they are supporting a person who is trying to achieve a dream which would be impossible without their support. On most occasions, they do not expect anything in return. They are surprised when each of the individuals return to say thanks or drop a card or letter to say "mahalo" for your understanding and support. They may be lucky enough to get an autographed photo to hang. Susan Kinsler gave Brook Lee (now MISS UNIVERSE) three (3) tans to my knowledge. Payment was offered but refused with "it's such a little bit of money and it won't make my business or pay bills." She was more than happy to offer these tans to Brook with no stipulations. Brook autographed a photo for her business and planned to go back once she became MISS USA but was detoured during that visit to make an unscheduled appearance on the Big Island for Special Olympics. This staff is very interested in repaying the community, but can you imagine how many requests come in? Charity is important and making a judgment call to have a titleholder do something for any special charity organization or having a winner return to stand in front of a business to have their photo taken is hardly a necessary decision. While both are important, charity will always win out. They, and I, have appreciation for each and every one of our sponsors, but to handle their new titles leaves them very little time to "knock" on doors personally to smile for that "nephew taking that picture" or any professional that might be brought in to handle the job. You can see the time Brook has taken to send photos back with her autograph thanking many of our sponsors for their assistance during her time of working towards her dream. You cannot even imaging the demands placed on this and other young women in this same capacity. (Can't we just be happy for her? Why ruin her achievements by something like this?) We received not a negative word from long time sponsors who have given much to pageants: over $6,000 worth of dental work from Dr. Wynn Okuda; endless candies for every pageant locally as well as all 50 states in the MISS USA and MISS TEEN USA Pageants from Kona Paradise Candies; beautiful local fashions from designer Alan James, Hawaiian Heritage offers each winner with thousands of dollars in clothes; jewelry from Carats & Karats; Seiko Watches from Security Diamond and Conrad Jewelers; Designer suits from Anna Christina; dry cleaning services - Young Laundry and Drycleaning; state gift donations from Leona at Quilts Hawaii; Stafford and Kyle at Kyle Stuart Salon and the list could go on and on. Not a negative word from these people who do it year after year. But, we have one unhappy struggling business person who wants Brook Lee to take a picture with her under this sign for the tans she received causing this negative current. No unhappy individual who was much appreciated and supported will ruin this for some wonderful young men and women working to represent their state. Once someone wins a National title, all contact is eliminated locally. I certainly apologize for Susan not getting her photo with Brook, but knowing Brook's sincere heart in not wanting something like this to happen, we know it was unavoidable. We sympathize for Susan and only wish her business had succeeded. It was a great location and enjoyable to stop in for a quick tan. We extend our best wishes to her in any future endeavors.
Pageant productions P.S. Do know Susan got a Full Page Ad (Cost $325) in one book and smaller ad ($175) in another book. No charge was levied to Aloha Indoor Tanning.
 Time to Change our Economic Mindset We really need to rethink the role of tourism in our economy. For too long we've been told that more tourism is the answer to all our problems. Well, we've gotten much more tourism over the years. I haven't gotten rich from it -- have you? I think we all know that a decrease in tourism could really hurt us. But must we always have more and more tourism? I don't think so. Despite talk of tourists dollars circulating in the economy, I think some people get more of those dollars than others. And we have costs from tourism, such as increased traffic, crime, sewage, garbage, and demands on water. I suggest that we stabilize tourism at its present number of visitors, but increase revenues by drawing more big-spender tourists. We need to think of ways to do that. Rather than constantly thinking of increasing tourism, we need to change our economic mindset. We must do more thinking as to developing more exports to replace declining sectors such as military and sugar. For example, some firms are exporting construction and architecture to Asia. Too, we could export food, such as dried fruit, to newly affluent areas of Asia. And we could offer high-tech medical care to foreigners. Rather than constantly seeking to increase tourism, we should ask what else can we improve to bring money into Hawaii. Let's hear more stories on those that export products and services out of this state. Such exports have a powerful effect on our economy when they bring money into the state. Let's change our mindset on the economy.
Labor Line
Brown Bag Briefings on Hawaii Labor Law by Lorraine H. Akiba, Director, State Department of Labor On Tuesday, September 2, the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) will inaugurate a series of informal noon time brown bag briefings on selected aspects of Hawaii's labor law. Child labor will be the topic. Subsequent brown bag sessions will cover occupational safety and health issues (October) and employment and labor market information resources and issues (December). Dates and topics for early 1998 will be set as the state legislative calender permits. All sessions held from 12 noon to 1:00 pm, 830 Punchbowl Street, Rooms 310-314.
Child Labor Law and Issues: Liability Under School-to-Work Apprenticeships
October 15, 1997
December 2, 1997 All sessions are informal and consist of a brief introduction of the topic by staff specialists with salient points of concern highlighted. The majority of the limited time available is reserved for questions and answers. When appropriate, new publications will be distributed free of charge. Due to limited space, reservations are requested. For further information and reservations, please call the DLIR Information Office at 586-8750.
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