Special to Hawai`i's H4 | Volume 21, No. 8 | August 1996

The World Wide Web Edition

Small Business News € Table of Contents

Check out the Monthly SBH Calendar of Events!

PAYCHECKS HAWAII Gears Up For '96 Elections
Arizona's John McCain to Speak August 7
Share N' Tell Business Forum Focuses on Biz Plans, Contractors
Disability Seminar and ADA Workshops Aug. 9 and 12

IN BRIEF: SBH Board Nominations

IN BRIEF: Young Entrepreneurs

Small Business Views by Sam Slom

Guest Commentaries by SBH Members

The Time Is Now! by Pamela Gottilieb
Just Say "YES" by Helen Rapoza
"Hall of Shame Award" Nominees Mount
A Normal Cost of Doing Business? by Kevin Shiinoki

The Computer Corner:

The Internet is a Business Tool by Bob Sigall

Small business needs strong, effective, political clout. Small Business Hawaii provides year round business information and legislative services through the Legislative Action Committee [LAC] and Biz FAX Net. SBH members also present testimony on various issues at public hearings and before public agencies.

But for meaningful, long term change, small business owners need more: ACTION WHERE IT COUNTS - IN THE VOTING BOOTH.

That's why PAYCHECKS HAWAII was created in 1984. PAYCHECKS is a private, independent, non-partisan political action affiliate of Small Business Hawaii.

It is dedicated to non-partisan direct political action for small business in order to improve Hawaii's business climate. As a non-profit, tax-exempt, educational organization, Small Business Hawaii is barred from direct political participation, and no organization funds are used for political purposes. Any funds for political activities are raised independently of SBH and are not tax deductible. PAYCHECKS HAWAII serves the political action interests common to all independent Hawaii small businesses. PAYCHECKS HAWAII also rates every Legislator at the end of annual Legislative Sessions (see the June SB NEWS).

PAYCHECKS was Hawaii's first small business political action organization to help identify business-experienced candidates for state elective office, raise funds for their election, solicit in-kind business service donations, and personally campaign for their victory at the polls. This year, NFIB is becoming more politically involved and even the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii may get directly involved.

During past elections, PAYCHECKS HAWAII has been active, visible„and successful„in the election of business-experienced candidates to the State Legislature.

Now more than ever, small business needs to make a difference. You can help give small business the clout it requires. If you would like to become directly involved during this most important '96 election, please contact PAYCHECKS HAWAII at 396-1724.

NFIB-Hawaii and Small Business Hawaii, are co-hosting a breakfast speech by U.S. Senator John McCain (R-Arizona) on Wednesday, August 7, 7-9 am, at the Garden Lanai of The Pacific Club (1451 Queen Emma Street).

McCain, a former Vietnam POW, and Congressman, is now a member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, Committee on Armed Forces, and the Governmental Affairs Committee. McCain will speak on small business tax issues; common sense regulations; job-creating tax incentives; curbing lawsuit abuse, and accessible and affordable health insurance.

Congressional candidate Orson Swindle (candidate for Hawaii's 1st District) will also make brief remarks. Swindle and McCain first "met" as POWs in Hanoi.

Reservations at $50 per person may be made by calling Carol Takemoto at 739-5075 no later than August 5.

SBH is offering members, and their guests, who attend the next Share N' Tell Business Forum, a chance to choose two (2) Table Topics tables instead of the usual one. What this means is that instead of limiting your choice to just one subject of interest for an hour, you can "sample" two separate subjects for a half hour each. Previously, SBH experimented with multiple topics and members said, "hana hou!"

So, on Wednesday, August 28, plan to be at the Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.. This is another excellent opportunity to do major business networking while seeing the new hotel, enjoying a major member benefit and learning practical business tips.

This month, members (and their guests) choose two of eight exciting and informative Table Topics, led by a knowledgeable member-facilitator, prior to the luncheon meeting.

Topics and Facilitators for the August 28 Forum include: "How to Develop and Use an Effective Business Plan," Gail Silva, Business Creations; "How and When to Use a Mechanic's Lien," Michael R. Daniels, Attorney-at-Law; "Employee or Independent Contractor: How to Choose," Pamela Gottlieb, Shared Resources; "The Perfect Retirement Plan for the One-Person Company (Other Than Being Born Right or Marrying Well)," Stan Jacobs, Mass Mutual Insurance Company; "Hidden Money and Where to Find It," Emily Frankel, Transworld Systems, Inc; "Successful Marketing Techniques During a Recession," Rich Budnick, Rich Budnick & Associates; "Customer Service Tips," Helen Rapoza, Helen's Haven, and "Personal and Professional Goal-Setting," Ethan Tweedie, Dean Witter Reynolds.

The cost of the Share n' Tell Business Forum remains only $25 and includes the entire program, luncheon and parking. Advance, paid reservations are required and will be accepted as received on a first-come, first-serve basis. The charge at the door, provided space is available, is $30 per person. Call SBH at 396-1724 for an applcation form or more information.

Richard Port, Chairman of the Hawaii Democratic Party, pleaded with his fellow Democrats who dominate the Hawaii Legislature (44 of 51 House members and 23 of 25 Senate members) to have a Special Session but they were unable to agree among themselves. Port is afraid that since the Legislature accomplished nothing„except perpetuation of their own benefits and the status quo which is driving people to bankruptcy, foreclosure and out of Hawaii„ the voters may retaliate in November. What a concept! (Port subsequently announced his retirement in mid-July, effective September 30, citing undisclosed health problems). The public is growing weary of inaction.

Democrats wrangled for two years over auto insurance reform and came up empty. The taxpayers will have to pay for their inability to lead. Some people are angry. Port was well aware of this from his continuous personal telephone surveying island-wide. The problem involves two special interest groups: trial lawyers and the insurance industry, both of whom have heavily supported the Majority Party. It also stems from the lack of leadership ability of key lawmakers. During the regular session of the Legislature, which concluded April 29, the Senate version offered a "pure no-fault" which was favored by the insurance industry, while the House position coddled trial lawyers.

The "High 3" lucrative pension and retirement windfall, applicable only to lawmakers (and not other private or public retirees) is a sham and an embarrassment. The latest case of abuse involves former House Speaker, Daniel Kihano, hired by Mayor Fasi 3 years ago (the required minimum) at a salary of $72,000 (compared to the part-time legislative salary of $35,000„for 60-days "service.") Kihano "retires" while under scrutiny in a federal criminal investigation.

The beat goes on. Former Senate President, James Aki, was indicted in July, on gambling charges related to alleged1994 actions.

Most lawmakers assume voters have short memories and will not recall the inaction come November. The media agree and have already predicted that nearly all incumbents will be returned to office. All 51 House members and 13 of the 25-member Senate must stand for election. July 23 was the filing deadline for all candidates and several business-experienced candidates (including SBH members) have emerged. (Look for a complete listing in next month's issue). Meantime, REGISTER and plan to VOTE for a CHANGE!

The Commission on Persons with Disabilities, in cooperation with the Hawaii Centers for Independent Living and the Pacific Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center, is offering a series of one-hour training sessions for employers on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Topics to be covered are, I "Interviewing Persons with Disabilities," and II "Definition of a Person with a Disability." Specific issues will include: (I) Interview inquiries and job application inquiries during the pre-offer and post-offer employment stages; Medical Exams; How to distinguish disability-related questions which are disallowed before a conditional offer of employment is made; (II) Who qualifies as a person with a disability under the ADA? How to distinguish an "impairment" from a "disability."

The sessions will be held on two separate dates: Friday, August 9, 1996 and Monday, August 12, 1996, in the Special Events Room, Liberty House - Third Floor, Ala Moana Shopping Center, 8-11 am.

There is no cost but space is limited to 75 persons and reservations are required. Employers may register for one or both sessions on either day. Light refreshments will be available.

Employers will be asked to participate in a questionnaire on employment practices in exchange for free attendance. For more information, phone 586-8121, fax 586-8129, or mail to: Commission on Persons with Disabilities, 919 Ala Moana Blvd. #101, Honolulu, HI 96814.

IN BRIEF.....

NOMINEES SOUGHT FOR SBH BOARD: Five SBH Board Directorships of the current 11 are subject to election this year. Directors Jean Fukuda, Kenny Lum and Jane Tatibouet are seeking another 3 year term. Directors Pamela Gottilieb and Jim Sharp are also seeking their first 3 year terms after being elected to a year long term last year. SBH is now taking nominations for the board seats. Any member of SBH is eligible to run for a seat. For more information, call 396-1724. Deadline for nominations is August 31.

YES MEETS AUG. 29: SBH's Young Enterpreneurs (YES) meets again on Thursday August 29 at the SBH office. This month's meeting will feature Pamela Gottilieb, discussing the pros and cons of employees vs. independent contractors, and the legal requirements involved. YES meetings are open to all SBH members. For info call 396-1724.