Seventeen PAYCHECKS HAWAII endorsed candidates scored victories in the November 5 general election.

The biggest wins came with the election of SBH President Sam Slom (R) to the 8th District Senatorial seat in Aina-Haina to Hawaii Kai. Sam upset longtime Democratic incumbent Donna Ikeda in the hotly contested race. Slom campaigned on a platform of legislative reforms which included cutting taxes, insurance reform and ending the "High 3" perk.

Incumbent Republican Senator Whitney Anderson retained his seat by narrowly defeating former State Rep. Jackie Young in the Kailua area. Their campaign was highlighted in the differences both candidates had about the same sex marriage issue.

Meanwhile, small business supporter Michael Liu (R) lost his senate seat in the Kaneohe District by a very narrow margin to Democrat Marshall Ige.

The gains made by PAYCHECKS HAWAII endorsed candidates were greater in the State House races where 13 of the 27 endorsees scored outright victories over their challengers. State House winners include Chris Halford (R-11th, Maui); David Stegmaier (D-15th Hawaii Kai); Gene Ward (R-16th Aina Haina); Barbara Marumoto (R-17th, Waialae Iki); Galen Fox (R-21st, Waikiki); Samson Aiona (R-24th; Makiki-Tantalus); Quentin Kawananakoa (R-26th, Nuuanu); Lei "Ahu" Isa (D-27th, Alewa Heights); Bob McDermott (R-32nd, Salt Lake); Mark Moses (R-42nd, Kunia-Ewa): Colleen Meyer (R-46th, Laie); Cynthia Theilen (R-49th, Kailua) and David Pendleton (R-50th, Enchanted Lake).

Victory was fleeting though for the 2 Congressional endorsements made by PAYCHECKS HAWAII. Republican Orson Swindle lost again to incumbent Democrat Neil Abercrombie in the 1st Congressional district race, while incumbent Patsy Mink (D) handily trounced her GOP challenger and PAYCHECKS endorsee Tom Pico to retain the 2nd district seat.

Two other PAYCHECKS endorsed candidates won their races. They included new school board member Noemi Pendleton and Big Island councilman John Ray. The Constitutional Convention vote, endorsed by SBH, won but is now mired in controversy as the Attorney General's office has to decide whether or not the BLANK votes count as NO votes for this ballot question. Stay tuned.

Details and ramifications of this month's general election results will be published in the December Small Business News.

For complete election results, visit the Elections '96 homepage at http://kumu.icsd.hawaii.gov/elect96/.

Webmaster's Note: The following story was one of the lead stories in the printed edition of Small Business News. It has since been updated by the previous story.

On Tuesday, November 5, the voters - and especially the small business community - can finish what they started at the September 21 Primary and give a wake-up call to "politics as usual" in Hawaii. Will more anti-business, entrenched incumbents be turned out of office by newcomers? Will there be meaningful change? YOU get to choose.

The ruling Democrats will continue to dominate, but look for several new faces in the House. Best bets include (Republican listed first): Danny Agsalog/Joe Souki; Sam Aiona/Jim Shon; David Kennedy/David Stegmaier; Bob McDermott/Lennard Pepper; Richard Brawley/Ken Hiraki; Ron Loftus/Terrance Tom; Dean Georgiev/Marilyn Lee; Tom White/Ron Menor; Galen Fox/ Pam Ferguson-Brey and Ken Harding/Ed Case. Close will be Corrine Ching/Lei Ahu Isa.

Not much chance of serious change in the State Senate where there are only 2 Republicans of 25 total. Both Whitney Anderson and Michael Liu face tough contests. In the Sam Slom/Donna Ikeda contest, Ikeda, the 22-year "most powerful woman in Hawaii, has suddenly embraced small business, privatization, and tax reduction. Ikeda's slick PR campaign already topped $205,000 - 20 times that of SBH's Slom. The much-watched race is rated a toss-up as Ikeda's real record catches up with her.

The U.S. House struggle, pitting Orson Swindle against Rep. Neil Abercrombie is another hopeful contest for Republicans.

There are also Board of Education candidates, and Constitutional and City Charter proposals (see separate story on the ConCon).

The 1996 Primary had a 52% voter turnout; change will require a much better response. Now's the time to choose change.

SBH Urges 'Yes' Vote on 1998 Con-Con

One of the issues you will be asked to vote on November 5 is whether there should be another Constitutional Convention held in 1998. The question is asked every 10 years. The last Con-Con was 1978. Many tax and spending problems were created.

The major political incumbents, Democratic Party, League of Women Voters and The Honolulu Advertiser have come out against the Con-Con. Their fears seem to be that single issues would dominate (e.g., same sex marriage, union power, etc.) or that massive changes would be made ( initiative, referendum, recall, tax limitation).

Small Business Hawaii supported the Con-Con in 1978, 1988, and supports it again. While there is always the danger that special interests can take over, that is what marks our annual legislative sessions today. The public, taxpayers and business have few recourses. Changes are needed. If SBH has to choose between the government status quo or taking a chance on the public, SBH opts for the public. Support Con-Con!

CANDIDATES SIGN TAX PLEDGE

As reported last month, Small Business Hawaii and the Washington, D.C.-based Americans for Tax Reform (ATR), sought a no-tax pledge from state lawmakers. Because there are heavily contested races, many candidates-including incumbents-rushed to take the pledge, even though several actually have supported tax increases during their legislative career.

The Hawaii pledge, states, "I, ______, pledge to the taxpayers of the ___ District of the State of Hawaii, and to all people of this state, that I will oppose and vote against any and all efforts to increase taxes."

If you are still undecided on who to vote for November 5, those who promise in writing not to raise your taxes should be worth considering. Interestingly, in some cases, all candidates in a district have signed! Many candidates and incumbents ignored the Pledge. As of October 1, signed pledges were received from the following candidates and incumbents:

Richard D. Brawley, State House, (R), 25th District
Peter R. Chiswick, State House, (D), 51st District
Dr. Kioni Dudley, State Senate, (R), 20th District
Paul Ferguson, State House, (R), 34th District
Sen. Donna Ikeda, State Senate, (D) 8th District
Sen. Cal Kawamoto, State Senate, (D), 19th District
Rep. Quentin K. Kawananakoa, State House, (R), 26th District
Sen. Michael M. F. Liu, State Senate, (R), 24th District
Jonathan Low, State Senate, (R), 14th District
Rep. Barbara Marumoto, State House, (R), 17th District
Sen. Matt Matsunaga, State Senate, (D), 9th District
Rick McDermott, State House, (R), 6th District
Rep. Colleen Meyer, State House, (R), 46th District
Michael Eleu Mixell, State House, (R), 44th District
Aly A. Miyashiro, State House, (R), 43rd District
Constantino R. Montero, Sr., State House, (D), 41st District
Mark Steven Moses, State House, (R), 42nd District
Ronald J. Neff, State Senate, (R), 9th District
Fernie S. Nicolas, State House, (R), 42nd District
Sean Porter, State House, (L), 21st District
Tracy Ahn Ryan, State Senate, (L), 12th District
Sam Slom, State Senate, (R), District 8
Rep. David D. Stegmaier, State House, (D), 15th District
Steve Tataii, State House, (D), 17th District
Rep. Gene Ward, State House, (R) 16th District
Rep. Terry Nui Yoshinaga, State House, (D), 22nd District

REFUSED TO SIGN:

Suzanne N. J. Chun-Oakland, State Senate, (D), 14th District*
Sen. David Ige, State Senate, (D), 17th District (up for election in '98)
Rep. Lennard J. Pepper, State House, (D), 32nd District
* Responded, but wanted to change wording of pledge.

Expanded Business Coalition Forming Nov. 14
Legislative Committee Plans for 1997

The Small Business Hawaii Legislative Action Committee (LAC) joined with the Chamber of Commerce of HawaiiÍs Government Affairs Committee on Thursday, October 24 at the State Capitol. Bob Sigall of SBH and Jim Proctor of the Chamber spoke about 1997 Legislative priorities and a desire to organize all business organizations into a more effective and expanded business coalition.

State Representatives David Stegmaier and Ed Case addressed the group and offered their ideas for ï97. They agree that with changes coming in the election there will be more focus on small business in the future.

Proctor and Sigall invite any business owner, as well as other organizations, to participate in the next organizing meeting to be held at the State Capitol. The brown bag luncheon will be on Thursday, November 14 from 11 am to 1 pm.

If you want to get involved, you can sign up now by contacting Sigall, 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.

GREAT 'YES' FIELD TRIP TO HILO HATTIE'S

The SBH Young Entrepreneurs group, "YES," enjoyed their most recent Business Field Trip October 23.

The group visited Hilo Hattie's, the Hawaiian Store, the state's largest garment manufacturer. The tour was arranged by Ginger Peterson and Carlton Kramer was the host. He outlined long range strategies affecting Japanese and Korean tourists, partnerships evolving with newly planned visitor attractions on Oahu, and the focus on residents as well as tourists. Hilo Hattie's has evolved already and sports state of the art computer and industrial design and cutting technology.

The recent revelations of child labor abuses in foreign manufacturing nations have spurred interest in the local facility and have served to make local costs more competitive as well as socially desirable.

On Thursday, October 24, "YES" members met at the SBH office for the monthly brown-bag luncheon and heard retailer Jean Fukuda discuss customer satisfaction tips to increase sales.

The next "YES" meeting will be Thursday, November 21 at the SBH office, 11 am. A Christmas party is being planned for early December.

The "YES" meetings are open to ANY SBH member (regardless of age) and their guests. For information, contact SBH.

SBH 21st ANNUAL CONFERENCE COMING JANUARY 8

Plans are being finalized for Small Business Hawaii's 21st Annual Business Conference. It will be held Wednesday, January 8, 1997, from 8 am - 2 pm at the Ala Moana Hotel.

Newly-elected business legislators will be among the featured speakers. The agenda will be upbea,t reflecting the anticipated new direction for Hawaii. Awards, Success Stories and special events will be featured. It is a great opportunity to learn and network!

Details in the next Small Business News. Reserve that date now!

RE-DISCOVER HAWAII KAI

It's the 2nd Annual Rediscover Hawaii Kai celebration, a two-day community celebration on Saturday, November 9 and Sunday, November 10, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The entire weekend is filled with activities for the whole family to enjoy from children's games, great food, entertainment plus the special appearance by master navigator Nainoa Thompson aboard the E'ala Hawaiian canoe.

The event is sponsored by BHP Gas Express in conjunction with Hawaii Kai Towne Center, Koko Marina Center, Hawaii Kai Shopping Center. Other sponsors include Price Costco, Bank of Hawaii, Small Business Hawaii and Saturn of Honolulu. The event also marks the 25th anniversary of Kaiser High School, named for Henry J. Kaiser who developed the area into one of Hawaii's premier marina communities.

On November 9 at 10 a.m., Hawaii Kai Towne Center welcomes the arrival of the E'ala, a Hawaiian instructional canoe manned by young paddlers of Hui Nalu Canoe Club. This is a maiden voyage for these 16 to 18 year olds, who will navigate the canoe from Honolulu Harbor to Maunalua Bay, under the guidance of master navigator Nainoa Thompson and Hawaii Loa navigator Bruce Blankenfield. A flotilla of koa canoes paddled by other Hui Nalu members will escort the E'ala into Koko Marina docking at Hawaii Kai Towne Center. A traditional Hawaiian tree-planting ceremony will take place in honor of master woodworker Wright Bowman, Sr. and the E'ala crew at 10:30 a.m.

The celebration offers a variety of activities at all three shopping centers including: "The Koko Marina Show" with Krash Kealoha at Koko Marina Center; "Shaka Bird," Sea Life Park/Waimea Fall's "Splash U," Race For Life (5K/10K) and healthcare testing at Hawaii Kai Shopping Center; "A Taste of Hawaii Kai," Roy's cooking demonstration, Hawaii Kai Historic Time Tunnel, Kaiser High School Band and Junior Air Force ROTC Color Guard at Hawaii Kai Towne Center. Expect continuous entertainment and activities during the weekend!

For the adventurous, ride the thrills of The Ejection Seat that sends riders 150 feet straight up into the air at 60 miles per hour in one minute ($35 per person). The Ejection Seat will be located in the parking lot near Burger King at Hawaii Kai Towne Center.

Snuba Tours of Oahu will leisurely cruise through Hawaii Kai's picturesque waterways transporting passengers to and from all three shopping centers, while Saturn of Honolulu will conduct a drawing where someone could win one of three cars.

Small Business Hawaii will have an information table set up on Saturday the 9th if you need assistance in starting or operating a business.

Ala Moana Keiki Fun Run Slated For November 17

The 12th Annual Ala Moana Center 3K Keiki Fun Run and 100 Yard Dash, will be held on Sunday, November 17th starting at 7:AM. The annual event is billed as "a safe, fun race around Ala Moana Center's parking deck to benefit the American Cancer Society."

The 3K run is open to children ages 6 to 13, while the 100 Yard Dash is open to children 4 to 5. Each child entered can either pay the tax deductible $15 entry fee or can opt to collect $25 or more in pledges by individual sponsors. All entrants will get a Keiki Fun Run t-shirt and have a chance to win a number of prizes.

For more information and an entry form, call SBH Director Pamela Gottlieb at the American Cancer Society at 595-7544.

SBH Board Election Now Underway - 5 Seats Up For Grabs

Five (5) SBH Directors, of the current 11, are up for election in 1996. Terms expire December 31.

An SBH directorship is a commitment for active involvement and service to the organization, the membership, and the community.

No Director, other than the Executive Director, receives any compensation for this voluntary service.

Directors Jean Fukuda, Kenny Lum and Jane Tatibouet, are seeking another three-year term. Directors Pamela Gottlieb and Jim Sharp, first elected last year for a term of one year, are seeking full three (3) year terms.

SBH welcomes direct participation in the governance of the organization and months ago actively sought additional business owner-members who had the time and could make the commitment to serve. No additional candidates came forward this year. There will be opportunity to run next year (and every year).

Members of SBH vote directly for their Directors. And you thought it was over Nov. 5! Voting is open to current SBH members only. The ballot appears in the printed issue of the November 1996 Small Business News.