Special to Hawai`i's H4 | Volume 21, No. 4 | April 1996

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Monday, April 29, is the scheduled adjournment date for what so far has been the lackluster 1996 State Legislature. But hold onto your wallets, because all of the action will take place during the final days; including renewed calls for tax hikes "for our children."

Bills to increase the General Excise, Transient Accomodations (Hotel) and other taxes - that have been called "dead" - are still alive until the lawmakers actually exit the Capitol. Lawmakers want more money-yours.

This Session diverted everyone's attention from critical business and economic measures by forcing every citizen to endure endless debates on the red herring of same-sex marriage and gambling bills while economic issues remain unresolved.

There is no meaningful tax reduction, public employee downsizing, a lower effective budget or welfare reform, poised for passage yet, despite the flowery political speeches of the dire fiscal crisis here. (Rep. Gene Ward calls it, "Echoes of Lip Service.") In fact, in mid-March, the handpicked members of the State Revenue Estimating Committee were more positive, saying there may be new revenues in the amount of $50 million. That could keep more public employees on the payroll.

"No-Fault Auto Insurance" is still subject to severe horse-trading. The Governor's choice, HB 3391, HD1, is a trial lawyer's dream that continues the litigation costs for all accidents and shifts the medical costs portion of the premium to EMPLOYERS who pay prepaid health costs for their employees -totally unacceptable to small business. The Senate bill, SB 2001,SD1, is more palatable but a Conference Committee (without public testimony) will ultimately wheel-and-deal.

Hawaii's Congress on Small Business Top 20 priority items are still gasping, some on life support. And the HAKU Alliance, has come under increasing media attack for its insurance company financing, not for its efforts in behalf of work comp reform. Several work comp bills survive, but none signifcantly lower your premium or address fraud.

Privatization? The term hasn't been heard around the Capitol in weeks and early hopes of competitive services by government continue to fade. (The only bright spots for privatized services so far are County initiatives on the Islands of Hawaii and Maui).The Cayetano Administration and the Legislative leaders continue to demonstrate they want to continue the status quo and be reelected in November with lots of unionized public employee sign-waving help.

A trial balloon by Senator Donna Ikeda to abolish DBED, and the State Departments of Agriculture and Human Services- SBH would applaud the action - is just that; a balloon used as a bargaining chip. It didn't go. Speaking of DBED, they're at it again-sabotaging local small businesses. SBH member Roberta Hickman, CIH, CHMM, owner of Environmental Safety, Inc., was the first to blow the whistle on DBED's newest contract with an outside-Minnesota no less-environmental training contractor, even though Roberta's firm, and more than a dozen more local businesses could have used the $100,000 sole source contract, if DBED had even given them notice. Watch for an expose' by the Advertiser's David Waite.

Meanwhile, 16 House members signed a Resolution (HR #68 and HCR # 58 ) that would prohibit parents from spanking their own children in their own home. These Legislators - with obviously too much time on their hands and no grip on the real world of parents and children - would push Big Government into every home. Lawmakers who can't discipline their own fiscal actions, want you to believe corporal discipline leads directly to abuse and molestation. They want you to follow the United Nations prohibition on violence and abuse. Everyone knows the exemplary record the UN has shown over 50 years in ending violence worldwide. Does the name "Bosnia" mean anything? First, schools were stripped of a corporal punishment option and now teachers are at the mercy of younger and meaner hoodlums; the same prescription is being offered up for the home. The "Horribly Misinformed 16" State Representatives: Virginia Isbell (sponsor); Dennis Arakaki; Annelle Amaral; Suzanne Chun-Oakland; Alexander Santiago; Nestor Garcia; Nathan Suzuki; Kenneth Hiraki; Devon Nekoba; Felipe Abinsay,Jr.; David Tarnas; Eric Hamakawa; Jerry Chang; James Shon; Barbara Marumoto and Dwight Takamine. A March 19 Hearing brought the public out in force to oppose this latest legislative farce.

Want to understand the mysterious State Budget process? For $5, get the excellent "Little Red Budget Book," from Senator Mike Liu. Bryna Akana and Senate GOP Research produced this informative booklet. Read it!

SBH's Legislative Action Committee (LAC) joined BIA, HAKU and others at a March 21 Capitol Rally. LAC next meets April 4 and 18 at the State Capitol (11 am). Chair Bob Sigall says come and see what's going on-bring your umbrella because of the leaky roof! SBH has a copy of each bill in the office and publishes a list of key measures it is monitoring. Copies are available upon request. *

YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS TO VISIT MAUI DIVERS

SBH Member Cliff Slater, CEO of the jewelry firm, will host the YES members from 7:30 to 9 am. They will get pointers on a successful business and a tour of the Liona Street facility and Design Center.

If you would like to join the group - regardless of your age- contact Sam Slom at SBH prior to April 2, at 396-1724. *

ALU LIKE HOLDS BUSINESS PLAN WORKSHOP APRIL 27

On Saturday, April 27, Alu Like will sponsor a workshop on "Business Plans and Business Planning." The presenter will be Sandra Fujimoto, MBA, Alu Like Management and Technical Assistant.

SBH strongly supports buisness plans for all business owners and urges members to avail themselves of this program. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the program starts at 9. The location is 1120 Maunakea Street, Suite 201.

For information, call Alu Like at 524-1225. *

SMALL BUSINESS HAWAII TO BE AT MAY BUSINESS EXPO

The all-day event (7 am ­ 7:30 pm) will be held on Wednesday, May 8, at the newly renovated Blaisdell Center Exhibition Area.

Exhibit booths, seminars, and special events mark the annual trade show. Production Hawaii, Inc. is the organizer of the expo. SBH members can volunteer to help in our booth. Call 396-1724 for details. *

KAPIOLANI HEALTH HAWAII OFFERED TO SBH MEMBER FIRMS

Kapi'olani HealthHawai'i is uniquely positioned to offer SBH members an alternative choice in the delivery of health care services by combining the comprehensive benefits of an HMO with the personalized setting of physician offices.

Kapi'olani HealthHawai'i will host two brief informational continental breakfast meetings: Tuesday, April 9 (SBH Office) or Wednesday, April 10 (1907 South Beretania Blvd.), both from 7:30-8:30 a.m. To RSVP, contact SBH at 396-1724 or Lorrie Cahn, Senior Accounts Manager, at 973-3990. *

1996 WRITER'S CONFERENCE TO BE HELD MAY 11

"Writers will gain valuable tips and expert advice on how to write, publish and sell their books and magazines stories," said Rich Budnick, conference organizer and a member of Small Business Hawaii.

More than 125 people attended the first annual Honolulu Writers Conference held last year.

Conference participants will receive an information packet with reference lists of local writing groups and publishers, and tips on writing and publishing.

In addition, writing and reference books donated by book stores will be given away as door prizes. Attendees should bring a brown bag noon lunch. Refreshments will be provided.

Registration for the all-day conference is $85 or $50 for students. Registration forms and conference flyers are available at major bookstores and public libraries. For more information, call 395-1161. *