Deja Vu: contractors for the State's new $300 million-plus State Convention Center, (will it be named the John Waihee Memorial Center??) explaining the rusty steel in the structure, denied any similarity to the State's Aloha Stadium ("Rust Palace") saying, it will be completely encapsulated in thick concrete. Not to worry. Yet.

The outrageous and illegal money grab by State Labor head Lorraine Akiba in taking private business unemployment comp reserve funds to pay for past striking and laid off public employees-and admitting she was breaking one law to comply with another-got scant media attention. In the Legislature, only Republican Senator Whitney Anderson made an issue of this major event. He argued rationally, but reason is not a byproduct of our State Legislature. What's worse, business organizations here are too timid to take decisive, collective action to protest this in-your-face slap at private employers. SBH has argued for years that the UI reserve fund should not be allowed to get bigger; it would make too tempting a prize for unions and government. Another warning come true. But who cares?

Meanwhile, a cry for help has come from several anonymous employees of the State Occupational Safety & Health Division (HIOSH) of the Labor Department. Reporters receiving the documents haven't found time to follow up on the charges but controversy continues around political director Jennifer Shishido and her inept manner of administration.

The State Labor Department-which really is a nest for labor union agitators, should be abolished to save money and jobs. DLIR does not represent those who work; only those who want to control the workers.

By the way, Pamela Gottlieb's great artricle on required labor posters in last month's issue spurred many business owners to call the various departments for updated copies of the required posters. Guess what? Many agencies said they didn't have the posters. (Budget cuts and all that you know....) A few agencies volunteered to take the business name and...and what? Send an inspector later???

More "slashing" personnel cuts in state government: up to 1,400 more jobs may be cut. Not to worry; all jobs have been VACANT the past few years. Keep cuttin' Governor........

State Budget Director Earl Anzai, in explaining why the Governor contracted with a crony D.C. lobbying firm Cassidy & Associates (for $120,000-plus) admitted, Hawaii's (Democratic) Congressional Delegation isn't as effective with a Republican-controlled Congress. FLASH! Why not replace the out-of-step delegation with people who CAN work effectively. (Paging Tom Pico and Orson Swindle).

Governor Cayetano commented angrily on possible conflict of interest charges leveled against his staff assistant Joe Blanco, whom the Governor wanted to appoint to the University of Hawaii Board of Regents. The Guv was mad that anyone would think Mr. Blanco or any executive assistant could be conflicted when working at only "a lousy $75,000 a year job." Mr. Blanco could make 2-3X more than that in the outside, according to the Gov. (And, I bet many local residents would be happy earning that "lousy" $75,000. Continues to show how out of touch politicos are.)

Speaking of conflict, former Airports Division Administrator, Owen Miyamnoto, retired last month after 44 years at the state trough. BUT WAIT: he was hired the next day as a state "consultant" to the Airports Division at a "lousy $72,000 a year." Senator Whitney Anderson (again!) was the only lawmaker who rose to inquire into the terms of the non-bid contract. He was told it was "confidential," and, NO ONE could do this job, or knows the Airports Division, like the former head. How sweet it is, Hawaii. Who said sugar is dead?

"Bundling" of illegal and unethical political contributions have many businesses scared of discovery. Not to worry; the practice is widespread, has gone on for years and nothing will be done. Business contributes to rotten government by supporting this practice. When will business JUST SAY NO?

May we have a moment of silence for former US House Ways & Mean Chair Crook, Dan Rostenkowski, who plea-bargained many crimes and fraud into only a 17-month sentence? BEST PART? He gets to keep his $96,0000 a year life pension and we get to pay $35,000 to pay for his brief prison stay.

In their wisdom, the Governor and the Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA), announced they will escalate plans for yet another state park in Kaka'ako. The Makai Gateway Park, at a beginning cost to taxpayers of $6 million, is set to get underway shortly. As part of the grassing of the economy, old time businesses-and job-creating taxpayers-Honolulu Ford and Y. Hata & Co., Ltd. (the $50 million annual food wholesaler) will be evicted. They will be replaced by more non-taxpaying drug-dealing, violent-prone, vandals, who will have a more comfortable place to congregate.

Business is not better for most businesses here (despite what the big banks say in explaining yet another quarter of record profits) but its time to take time out, share in the joy of our award-winning small business entrepreneurs and be grateful that the '96 Legislature is finally pau. See you at the Small Business On The Move Expo May 8 at Blaisdell and at the SBA Awards Luncheon at the Ilikai May 23.

Comments about anything you read in Small Business News can be addressed to:

Small Business Hawaii
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