Small Business Hawaii | Volume 23 Number 8 | August 1998
Sam Slom is also a State Senator from the 8th District (Waialae Iki to Hawaii Kai)
and has a website at this URL: http://hotspotshawaii.com/sam/slom.html
Sam Slom is also a State Senator from the 8th District (Waialae Iki to Hawaii Kai)
and has a website at this URL: http://hotspotshawaii.com/sam/slom.html
Banzai to the research scientists at the University of Hawaii who developed the now world famous, "UH Honolulu Cloning Technique." The UH group successfully cloned three generations of mice. That beats a single sheep anytime. Since several political and community leaders here want to be known as "the big cheese," this should provide endless fodder for further research. Now if UH could only clone intelligent voters.... The Governor called it, "The largest tax cut in Hawaii's history," when he signed the bill into law providing for a reduction in the personal income tax. While this is good news, don't run out and buy that condo or new car just yet. The law takes effect in 1999 and requires four full years to substantially reduce the tax. Since Hawaii never had any tax reduced before, the Guv is correct that this is the "largest" cut. Meanwhile, other taxes and fees are on the rise and the new Governor and '99 Legislature will have to grapple with a potential $400 million+ deficit. The problem: the UH football team has been struggling, season ticket sales are down. What to do? Why, raise the cost of the games of course! The same thing we are doing with our visitor industry with increased hotel room taxes. When will these folks get it? In order to compete, you LOWER costs and increase service. By the way, as a rabid Rainbow football fan (since '60), I resented the fact that I paid the increase early as season ticket holders do, only to learn later, that UH will hold off on raising the costs this year (because of resistance). Where is my refund? Where are entrepeneurial clones? We take season ticket holders for granted, the same as local resident travellers and local small businesses. Enough. Read about the strange case of conflict of interest, The Honolulu Advertiser, State Senator David Ige and myself, on page 4 of our printed edition. And don't forget, it is no conflict for a Democrat, or the Governor, to award $40 million in non-bid expensive school and public works contracts to a political crony such as contractor Bert Kobayashi. It's just good (political) business. By the way, this State Administration which is heavily involved in land deals, is pushing several state agencies and their employees to move to Oahu's "Second City" in Kapolei, West Oahu. Developer Campbell Estate (Governor's ERTF spokesman Tom Leppert former Castle & Cooke head and #2 at Bank of Hawaii, is the newest Trustee) has been anxious to have the state rent and is pleased to offer space at substantially higher than the prevailing (and falling) commercial rates in more convenient downtown Honolulu. Why is it that Hawaii taxpayers always pay more? KHVH is proposing another tax rally, Tea 3, in late August. Ready? At press time, details were not available. Tune in Rick Hamada daily (6-9 am) on KHVH, Real Radio 830. I was recently scammmed by one of the many (many) telephone solicitations for a "charitable donation" for the keiki. With more legitimate charities forced to privately fundraise, there are growing numbers of illegitimate groups. Be smart; check them out with the BBB or others and always insist on written materials being sent before your "pledge." Hawaii people are tremendously generous and giving, despite our economic problems. We must continue to support worthwhile charities and community causes, but not help those taking advantage, especially in the name of our children. Summer is winding down and school begins again sooner than later for most of Hawaii's students; by the end of July or early August under the new modified and "multitrack" systems. Parents-especially those with multiple children and differing school calendars-are not happy, but since when did the government school system care about parent and taxpayer concerns? More needs to be done here. Meanwhile, the Department of Education is going to be adding instruction on "morality" to its curriculum. What better instructor then former DOE Super Herman Aizawa who manipulated a continuing salary of $90,041 for a new appointed job as McKinley High community adult education director. All perfectly "legal," but is it moral? SBH member Sharon Hicks is the brains behind the innovative colossal '58 combined Honolulu High School reunion in mid-August. Rockers of the '50s, poodle skirts, and hula hoops will be in evidence as Farrington, Roosevelt, McKinley and others celebrate together. Watch for Farrington grad, B. Cayetano, to politicize the event and remind people of the "good old days" when the Democrats began their 40-year rule of power. The tumult in Japan over their poor economy, brought on by poor politicians, should be a lesson for us. Especially since our leaders want us to believe we are closer economically to Japan than to America. Ryutoro Hashimoto's fall and replacement by Keizo Obochi as Prime Minister is a sobering omen. There are record temperatures on the Mainland, and political campaigns are heating up here. The time until the September 19 Primary will be hot. You have good choices, but carefully examine the record and background of candidates, ask questions and get answers (regarding taxes, privatization, etc.) before supporting them with your money or your vote. Don't forget: register by August 20!
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Editor: Sam Slom
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