WASHINGTON, March 26 (UPI) — Fatigue and sleep deprivation can take a toll quickly on soldiers in combat conditions, such as those being experienced in Iraq, but the U.S. military is well aware of this problem and has implemented programs to improve soldier performance using both nutrition and drugs, experts said Wednesday.

“There is a lot of focus on performance enhancing,” Janice Rosado, a civilian physical scientist at the Natick Soldier Center’s Combat Feeding Directorate in Natick, Mass., told United Press International.

“Whatever we can do to give the war fighter an edge, we will do,” said Rosado, who is involved with research focused on developing nutritional supplements, such as energy bars and drinks, that might improve soldier performance.

The Army “wants to give (soldiers) every edge they possibly can and if they can find a safe, effective way of doing that through a performance-enhancing bar or drink they would want to do that,” she said.

Two products close to being in a soldier’s standard gear are an energy bar known as HooAH! (named after the famous military call) and a sports drink known as ERGO, for Energy Rich Glucose Optimized Drink.

These products consist mainly of carbohydrates and would be included in something called a first strike ration, Rosado said. The ration is intended to be used “for the first few days of conflict where soldiers are on the move and do not have time to stop and eat,” she said.

“It would be carb-loaded because it would be just for a few days when you really just need to be able to have a lot of carbs for energy,” she said.

Rosado’s department has done studies in conjunction with the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine and found both HooAH! and ERGO increased physical performance, such as how far soldiers could go on a march, by 17 percent compared to soldiers who did not take the supplements.

The agencies plan to do further studies to determine if the products enhance cognitive performance, she said.

One factor that can impair cognitive performance significantly is lack of sleep, said David Dinges, chief of the University of Pennsylvania’s Division of Sleep and Chronobiology and director of a research center for the Air Force Office of Scientific Research focused on developing drugs that can lessen the deleterious effects of sleep deprivation.

“Sleep deprivation impairs the brain, it impairs the ability to perform,” Dinges told UPI. “It can alter your ability to pay attention, you don’t respond as quickly … your ability to think quickly and accurately at the same time is slower.”

This can impact soldier performance and perhaps contribute to mistakes that lead to friendly fire incidents or other fatalities, he said.

One promising remedy may be a drug called modafinil that is approved for the treatment of excessive sleepiness in people with narcolepsy, Dinges said. His lab is “trying to understand whether that drug used in healthy people can promote cognitive capability but not have negative consequences.”

Dinges has conducted experiments with soldiers, in which they stayed awake for 88 hours or about 3.5 days, while taking modafinil. He could not divulge the details of the results because the study has not yet been published. However, he said, modafinil “looks promising.”

Although modafinil might not be the final solution for improving soldier performance under sleep deprivation conditions, Dinges said, “The potential for finding additional medicines that are very specifically targeting areas of brain that are involved in keeping you awake … is very, very good.”

“Over the next 10 years I think we’re going to see one or two things come along” that safely promote wakefulness, he said.

Copyright 2003 by United Press International. All rights reserved.

Column:

CHICAGO, March 26 (UPI) — Fitch Ratings said the onset of hostilities in the Persian Gulf has significantly increased the financial risks facing the nation’s airports.

Fitch said its opinion reflected the likelihood of further erosion in the already depressed air travel market, the potential for additional Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings by the nation’s airlines, and an increased probability of the liquidation of at least one major domestic air carrier, all of which would further restrict the revenue generating capacity of the nation’s airports.

The past 18 months mark one of the most challenging periods American airports have encountered in their history.

The prolonged decline in passenger volume stemming from the weakened economy and the aftermath of the events of Sept. 11, 2001, has significantly affected non-aviation related revenue sources, particularly parking and car rental concessions.

“While airport managers continue to take action to reduce variable expenditures, the corresponding decline in revenues results in a greater share of fixed costs being passed to the airlines at a time when they can least afford them,” Fitch said.

“This reflects the cost-recovery model of most airport use and lease agreements, which allow airports to assess the airlines for expenses not covered by non-aviation sources. Furthermore, increased security requirements have challenged airports to adapt to more stringent operating conditions imposed by regulatory agencies and to absorb additional operating and capital costs.”

The Air Transport Association has projected that passenger volume will fall about 8 percent over the short term due to the current conflict based on actual travel patterns during the initial stages of the 1991 Gulf War.

In response, the major airlines have already announced service reductions on international routes and minor changes in domestic service.

“The airlines may need to consider additional adjustments in domestic service should the war extend for a protracted period of time and passenger demand wane to a greater extent than expected,” Fitch said.

“This additional damper on travel volume only exacerbates the financial challenges facing airport managers, who now confront the prospect of additional budget reductions and further adjustments to their capital programs,” the rating agency said.

Fitch believes that the airport industry in general maintains its strong credit fundamentals including the essential role of air travel in the national economy, limited competition for passengers within local markets, flexible capital programs, and the cost-recovery provisions of most use and lease agreements that insulate airports from the short-term volatility of the airline industry.

Due to these strengths, as well as the diversity in the operating nature of U.S. airports, Fitch anticipates that the average rating for the industry as a whole will remain near its current A level and continues to view the default of a general airport bond as a remote possibility.

However, due to the current economic conditions, individual airports may experience deterioration in their operating and financial condition and, as a result, their credit ratings.

“Second-and third-tier connecting hubs appear to be at greatest risk in the current environment,” said Peter Stettler, director, Fitch Ratings.

“Their reliance on the transfer traffic from a particular airline makes them vulnerable to potential scheduling changes as airlines react to a rapidly shifting marketplace,” Stettler said.

Connecting hubs with a favorable geographic location, a sizeable origination and destination passenger base, low operating costs and strong yields stand a greater likelihood of sustaining passenger levels in the current environment.

Smaller origination and destination oriented airports might also experience service declines as airlines adjust schedules to reduce service on lower yielding routes and capture more lucrative markets.

Fitch said a prolonged war might result in an even greater decline in passenger levels, raising the possibility of additional bankruptcies among U.S. airlines.

Copyright 2003 by United Press International. All rights reserved.

WASHINGTON, March 23 (UPI) — In the aftermath of what has become known as the First Gulf War Iraq’s Kurdish minority established an autonomous enclave in Northern Iraq. Many Kurds would like to use the upheaval of the Second Gulf War to go whole hog and create a breakaway independent Kurdish state.

Kurdish leaders deny that they harbor such aspirations, but their denials are regarded with a generous dose of skepticism, especially by the government of neighboring Turkey.

The idea that Iraq’s four million Kurds can put the clock back to the 12th century or beyond and set up a new Kurdistan on Turkey’s doorstep gives Ankara the jitters. The Turks fear that it could rekindle separatist passions among Turkey’s own 7 million-10 million strong Kurdish minority.

Which is why the only Islamic member of NATO was prepared to put its longstanding relationship with Washington in jeopardy by massing troops on the Turkey-Iraq border poised to go into Northern Iraq.

There were even unconfirmed reports that Turkey, brushing aside strong U.S. objections, has already begun moving its forces into the Kurdish enclave. This was denied in Ankara Saturday by Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, who said the issue was still under discussion with U.S. officials. “We will enter when and if conditions require it,” Gul declared.

Even so, it is widely accepted that between Friday and Saturday the Turks sent in around 1,500 troops into northern Iraq to join the 5,000 already based there with the consent of the Kurdish authorities to guard the approaches to Turkey, and to provide security for friendly Kurdish groups.

Ankara officials have talked of deploying 40,000 troops, so the small force mentioned in the reports is seen by analysts as a signal to Washington that no amount of talking is going to deter Turkey’ from stationing troops in Kurdish territory.

The issue undermined Washington’s efforts to use Turkey as a staging area for the purpose of opening a northern front in Iraq — and even of using Turkish air space for its raids on Baghdad. The haggling over Washington’s request to deploy 63,000 U.S. troops went back and forth for six weeks, sweetened by the offer of an aid package which grew — in stages as the Turks dug in their heels — to $15 billion.

On March 1, with more than 24 cargo ships waiting in the Bosphorus to unload the tanks, vehicles and other equipment belonging to the U.S. Fourth Infantry Division, the Turkish parliament, dominated by the pro-Islamic Justice and Action party, voted against the deal.

The Turkish government had sought from Washington — and obtained — assurances that Iraq’s integrity would be preserved when the war ended and Iraq’s oil resource would be shared by “all the people.” Preserving Iraq’s integrity is political lingo for preventing the Kurds from acquiring independence, and from taking over the rich oil fields in the north.

But senior Turkish sources admit that they were not sure they could trust Washington to honor its commitment. One official told The Washington Post Friday, there was “a natural skepticism about whether events will turn out the way the United States is planning them to unfold. We want to be there when things go wrong, if they do.”

The fact that the Bush administration last week appointed a separate civilian administrator for the Kurdish area, to serve during the immediate post-Saddam period, feeds directly into Turkish suspicions that Washington may not be averse to seeing Iraq carved into separate ethnic territories.

Statements by some Kurdish leaders about taking control of the oil fields, and images of Kurdish protesters burning Turkish flags don’t help either.

There are obvious risks to Ankara in defying Washington, and potentially serious consequences to the North Atlantic alliance. The circumstances were different, but the U.S.-led liberation of Afghanistan from the Taliban is not so far off that the Turks would not recall Secretary of State Colin Powell publicly warning the Northern Alliance forces to halt their advance outside Kabul so that a more representative coalition of Afghan ethnic groups, including the majority Pashtun group, could be cobbled together to take over the city.

There was more than a hint of dire consequences in Powell’s admonitions, but the Northern Alliance just careened straight on into the city.

The United States returns the compliment by distrusting Turkish intentions. A senior European official in Washington said Friday, “Letting the Turks into northern Iraq is like opening the door to let the fox get among the chickens. There’s bound to be trouble sooner or later.”

The Kurdish enclave is actually two enclaves respectively run by the two main ethnic groups, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan and the Kurdistan Democrtic Party. Once bitter rivals, they now share a parliament and an administration. But below the surface the old enmity still simmers. One of the few things that unites them is their opposition to 40,000 Turkish troops settling down for a long stay in their midst.

There is a widespread conviction that the Turks will quit northern Iraq much more slowly than they enter it; and U.S. officials fear that the situation could lead to a wider war between the Kurds and the Turks that could go on longer than the war in Iraq itself.

Copyright 2003 by United Press International. All rights reserved.

“Suzanne Gelb Image”

”Parenting Qualms – Why Does My Child Fight Me?”

Dear Dr. Gelb:

I bet you hear from many parents wanting you to fix their rowdy kids, and here’s another one. My child just won’t cooperate, and no, he does not have ADHD and I don’t blame his teachers. It’s just that this kid rebels with everything I say. There must be an answer to point him in the right direction.

A: Thank you for your concern and yes, I do believe that challenges with human behavior often have a simple, practical solution that can help to point us in the right direction. When it comes to gaining cooperation from children, consequences applied firmly and fairly are essential.

Included below is a relevant excerpt from my article, “How to Teach a Child Positive Behavior,” published in the February/March 2003 issue of Hawaii Parent, The Magazine For Families, pp. 82-87.

“Choices and Consequences. As parents strive to raise a well-adjusted child, they must keep in mind that it is natural for a child to test limits and rebel. If a child routinely rebels, an age-appropriate consequence should follow. The child must be given a choice. For example, “if you choose not to tidy your room, you will not be able to watch your favorite television program until you do.” This fosters a sense of choice and consequence. As with discipline, consequences are not punitive. They are intended to motivate positive choice.”

Good luck with your parenting challenges.

”Single Parent – How Do I Handle Nightmares?”

Dear Dr. Gelb:

My 9-year-old is well-adjusted but I am concerned that the Iraq war is affecting him, because he has started having nightmares. I know they talk about it at his school, but I am a single, working mom and when I’m home from work I am so tired, or I have so many chores there’s no time to talk to my son about this. Should I tell his teacher about his nightmares?

A: I can empathize with your busy schedule and the demands of single parenting. However, the influence that a parent can have over a child should not be underestimated, and time spent sharing with family members is invaluable. Let me share with you an except from my article, “Working Parents Prioritize Sharing with their Children,” in the March 2003 issue of “Small Business News”, p. 12.

“Parents should try to never be too busy to share their lives with their children and talk openly with them. This can take the form of family meetings, at breakfast or even before bedtime. This type of sharing can teach children that if they have fears or concerns it is all right to discuss them openly. Then their fear is likely to subside and they can feel important as a member of the family. Family talk and being open with each other are some of the most nurturing experiences a family can have.”

Thank you for reaching out.

”’Suzanne J. Gelb, Ph.D., J.D. authors this daily column, Dr. Gelb Says, which answers questions about daily living and behavior issues. Dr. Gelb is a licensed psychologist in private practice in Honolulu. She holds a Ph.D. in Psychology and a Ph.D. in Human Services. Dr. Gelb is also a published author of a book on Overcoming Addictions and a book on Relationships.”’

”’This column is intended for entertainment use only and is not intended for the purpose of psychological diagnosis, treatment or personalized advice. For more about the column’s purpose, see”’ “An Online Intro to Dr. Gelb Says”

”’Email your questions to mailto:DrGelbSays@hawaiireporter.com More information on Dr. Gelb’s services and related resources available at”’ https://www.DrGelbSays.com

The following hearing notices, which are subject to change, were sorted and taken from the Hawaii State Capitol Web site. Please check that site for updates and/or changes to the schedule at

“Hawaii State Legislature Sidebar”

Go there and click on the Hearing Date to view the Hearing Notice.

Hearings notices for both House and Senate measures in all committees:

Hearing

”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

3/27/03 8:30 AM HCR66 REQUESTING FURTHER INQUIRY WITH RESPECT TO THE DESIGNATION OF LANDS ON THE ISLAND OF HAWAII AS CRITICAL HABITAT. WLH

3/27/03 8:30 AM HCR81 REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO PRESERVE AND PROTECT THE RECREATION RESIDENCE TRACTS WITHIN THE KOKE’E AND WAIMEA CANYON STATE PARKS. WLH

3/27/03 8:30 AM HCR138 REQUESTING THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES CONDUCT A STUDY OF LANDS LOCATED WITHIN OR NEAR THE CONSERVATION DISTRICT TO EVALUATE AND PROPOSE SYSTEMATIC MEASURES TO BE TAKEN TO MITIGATE DAMAGES THAT MAY BE CAUSED BY THE NATURAL EROSION OF LAND. WLH

3/27/03 8:30 AM HCR139 REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO ESTABLISH A MARINE PROTECTED AREA IN KANEOHE BAY AS MANDATED BY THE KANEOHE BAY MASTER PLAN. WLH

3/27/03 8:30 AM HCR141 REQUESTING THE HAWAII COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY TO RECONSIDER THE EXISTING KALAELOA REDEVELOPMENT PLAN AND MAKE REVISIONS AS NECESSARY TO MAXIMIZE THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL OF THE KALAELOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT. WLH

3/27/03 8:30 AM HCR191 AUTHORIZING THE BOARD OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO LEASE SUBMERGED AND TIDAL LANDS OF THE HONOKOHAU SMALL BOAT HARBOR TO PRIVATE ENTITIES FOR COMMERCIAL, RECREATIONAL, EDUCATIONAL, AND RESEARCH PURPOSES. WLH

3/27/03 8:30 AM HCR198 SUPPORTING THE PRESERVATION OF THE HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE AND THE PERPETUATION OF ITS STUDY AND USE. WLH

3/27/03 8:30 AM HCR222 REQUESTING THE COUNTIES TO PROMOTE WATER CONSERVATION BY ADOPTING RULES AND REGULATIONS TO REQUIRE RESTAURANTS TO SERVE WATER ONLY UPON REQUEST. WLH

3/27/03 8:30 AM HCR223 URGING THE RESPECTIVE MAYORS TO IMPLEMENT AN EXPEDITED PERMIT PROCESS FOR LARGE QUALIFD PROJECTS. WLH

3/27/03 8:30 AM HR67 REQUESTING FURTHER INQUIRY WITH RESPECT TO THE DESIGNATION OF LANDS ON THE ISLAND OF HAWAII AS CRITICAL HABITAT. WLH

3/27/03 8:30 AM HR114 REQUESTING THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES CONDUCT A STUDY OF LANDS LOCATED WITHIN OR NEAR THE CONSERVATION DISTRICT TO EVALUATE AND PROPOSE SYSTEMATIC MEASURES TO BE TAKEN TO MITIGATE DAMAGES THAT MAY BE CAUSED BY THE NATURAL EROSION OF LAND. WLH

3/27/03 8:30 AM HR159 SUPPORTING THE PRESERVATION OF THE HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE AND THE PERPETUATION OF ITS STUDY AND USE. WLH

3/27/03 8:30 AM HR175 URGING THE RESPECTIVE MAYORS TO IMPLEMENT AN EXPEDITED PERMIT PROCESS FOR LARGE QUALIFIED PROJECTS. WLH

3/27/03 8:30 AM SB1547 RELATING TO MARINE ACTIVITIES. WLH

3/27/03 8:30 AM HCR201 REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION ON THE STATE AND COUNTIES’ LAND USE POLICIES WITH REGARD TO SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS. WLH/EEP

”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

3/27/03 8:45 AM HCR49 ESTABLISHING A TEMPORARY SMART GROWTH ADVISORY COUNCIL WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND TOURISM TO ADDRESS THE IMPACT OF NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS. EDB/HSH

3/27/03 8:45 AM HR52 ESTABLISHING A TEMPORARY SMART GROWTH ADVISORY COUNCIL WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND TOURISM TO ADDRESS THE IMPACT OF NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS. EDB/HSH

”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

3/27/03 9:00 AM SCR61 REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO CONDUCT A STUDY OF PROPOSED MANDATORY HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR HEARING AID DEVICES AND SERVICES. CPH

3/27/03 9:00 AM SCR81 REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO CONDUCT A SUNRISE REVIEW OF THE REGULATION OF HYPNOTHERAPISTS. CPH

3/27/03 9:00 AM SCR84 REQUESTING A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON HEALTH INSURANCE MARKET CONDITIONS. CPH

3/27/03 9:00 AM SCR106 REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS TO RECOGNIZE ON-LINE COURSES FROM ACCREDITED INSTITUTIONS. CPH

3/27/03 9:00 AM SCR165 REQUESTING A STUDY AND DRAFT LEGISLATION ON PROTECTION OF PERSONAL INFORMATION RELATING TO FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS. CPH

3/27/03 9:00 AM SR57 REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO CONDUCT A SUNRISE REVIEW OF THE REGULATION OF HYPNOTHERAPISTS. CPH

3/27/03 9:00 AM SR74 REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS TO RECOGNIZE ON-LINE COURSES FROM ACCREDITED INSTITUTIONS. CPH

3/27/03 9:00 AM SR114 REQUESTING A STUDY AND DRAFT LEGISLATION ON PROTECTION OF PERSONAL INFORMATION RELATING TO FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS. CPH

3/27/03 9:00 AM SCR9 REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO STUDY THE SOCIAL AND FINANCIAL IMPACT OF MANDATORY HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR EXAMINATION FOR SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES. CPH/HTH

3/27/03 9:00 AM SCR131 REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO STUDY THE IMPACT OF MANDATED GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR INFERTILITY. CPH/HTH

3/27/03 9:00 AM SCR148 REQUESTING A STUDY ON HOW THE LIMITED NUMBER OF SECONDARY AND POST-SECONDARY GRADUATES FROM HEALTH CARE-RELATED FIELDS IMPACTS ON RISING HEALTH CARE COSTS IN THE STATE. CPH/HTH

3/27/03 9:00 AM HCR7 HD1 REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO CONDUCT A STUDY OF PROPOSED MANDATORY HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR HEARING AID DEVICES AND SERVICES. HLT

3/27/03 9:00 AM HCR71 REQUESTING AN AUDIT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH’S QUALITY ASSURANCE FOR PROVIDERS OF SERVICES TO THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED AND TO RECOMMEND A LEVEL OF BUDGET FUNDING TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL MANDATES. HLT

3/27/03 9:00 AM HCR153 REQUESTING AN ACTUARIAL STUDY ON HEALTH INSURANCE PARITY FOR THE TREATMENT OF ALCOHOL DEPENDENCY AND DRUG DEPENDENCY. HLT

3/27/03 9:00 AM HCR165 REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO CONDUCT AN AUDIT OF THE KALAUPAPA SETTLEMENT OPERATIONS AND EXPENDITURES. HLT

3/27/03 9:00 AM HCR179 REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO IMPLEMENT AN EPIDEMIC PREVENTION PROGRAM TO PREVENT THE POTENTIAL ENTRY OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASE VECTORS THAT MAY CAUSE AN EPIDEMIC IN HAWAII. HLT

3/27/03 9:00 AM HCR187 URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO SEEK GRANT FUNDING FROM THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH RURAL HOSPITAL FLEXIBILITY PROGRAM. HLT

3/27/03 9:00 AM HCR207 REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE STATE HEALTH PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY, TO CONDUCT A STUDY REGARDING MEDICAL IMAGING FOR DIAGNOSIS IN HAWAII. HLT

3/27/03 9:00 AM HCR213 EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR A WOMEN’S HEALTH PLATFORM THAT RECOGNIZES SERIOUS INEQUITIES IN THE HEALTH PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF WOMEN, AND CALLS FOR THE ELIMINATION OF THESE INEQUITIES TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH STATUS OF WOMEN IN HAWAII. HLT

3/27/03 9:00 AM HCR220 REQUESTING THE JOHN A. BURNS SCHOOL OF MEDICINE TO HOST A SYMPOSIUM ON COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINES. HLT

3/27/03 9:00 AM HR143 REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO IMPLEMENT AN EPIDEMIC PREVENTION PROGRAM TO PREVENT THE POTENTIAL ENTRY OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASE VECTORS THAT MAY CAUSE AN EPIDEMIC IN HAWAII. HLT

3/27/03 9:00 AM HR151 URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO SEEK GRANT FUNDING FROM THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH RURAL HOSPITAL FLEXIBILITY PROGRAM. HLT

3/27/03 9:00 AM HR165 EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR A WOMEN’S HEALTH PLATFORM THAT RECOGNIZES SERIOUS INEQUITIES IN THE HEALTH PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF WOMEN, AND CALLS FOR THE ELIMINATION OF THESE INEQUITIES TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH STATUS OF WOMEN IN HAWAII. HLT

3/27/03 9:00 AM HR172 REQUESTING THE JOHN A. BURNS SCHOOL OF MEDICINE TO HOST A SYMPOSIUM ON COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINES. HLT

3/27/03 9:00 AM HCR132 REQUESTING THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE ON AGING TO ESTABLISH AN ADVISORY COMMISSION ON HAWAII PALLIATIVE CARE AND PAIN MANAGEMENT. HLT/HSH

3/27/03 9:00 AM HCR195 REQUESTING THE LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN IN THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE ON AGING TO ESTABLISH AN OUTREACH PROGRAM THAT ENCOURAGES VOLUNTEERS AND FAMILY MEMBERS TO VISIT ADULT RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES, LICENSED ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES, AND NURSING CARE FACILITIES AND TO REPORT ANY ABUSE, NEGLECT, OR MISTREATMENT OF THE ELDERLY AND DEPENDENT ADULTS. HLT/HSH

3/27/03 9:00 AM HCR205 SUPPORTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF A SELF-DETERMINATION DEMONSTRATION PROJECT USING CONSUMER-DIRECTED APPROACHES. HLT/HSH

3/27/03 9:00 AM HCR218 SUPPORTING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A HEALTH CARE ROUNDTABLE TO PROMOTE IMPROVEMENTS IN HAWAII’S HEALTH CARE SYSTEM. HLT/HSH

3/27/03 9:00 AM HR109 REQUESTING THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE ON AGING TO ESTABLISH AN ADVISORY COMMISSION ON HAWAII PALLIATIVE CARE AND PAIN MANAGEMENT. HLT/HSH

3/27/03 9:00 AM HR158 REQUESTING THE LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN IN THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE ON AGING TO ESTABLISH AN OUTREACH PROGRAM THAT ENCOURAGES VOLUNTEERS AND FAMILY MEMBERS TO VISIT ADULT RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES, LICENSED ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES, AND NURSING CARE FACILITIES AND TO REPORT ANY ABUSE, NEGLECT, OR MISTREATMENT OF THE ELDERLY AND DEPENDENT ADULTS. HLT/HSH

3/27/03 9:00 AM HR170 SUPPORTING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A HEALTH CARE ROUNDTABLE TO PROMOTE IMPROVEMENTS IN HAWAII’S HEALTH CARE SYSTEM. HLT/HSH

3/27/03 9:00 AM HCR155 SUPPORTING THE ALLOCATION OF RESOURCES TO ENSURE MEANINGFUL LANGUAGE ACCESS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY TO FEDERALLY-ASSISTED PROGRAMS AND SERVICES, AS REQUIRED BY FEDERAL LAW. HSH

3/27/03 9:00 AM HCR212 REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO REVIEW EXISTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES AND WORK WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHIATRY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII, SCHOOL OF MEDICINE TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES BY MEDICAID AND HAWAII QUEST PARTICIPANTS. HSH/HLT

3/27/03 9:00 AM SCR175 REQUESTING A REPORT BY THE PATIENT SAFETY TASK FORCE OF THE HEALTHCARE ASSOCIATION OF HAWAII. HTH/CPH

3/27/03 9:00 AM SR123 REQUESTING A REPORT BY THE PATIENT SAFETY TASK FORCE OF THE HEALTHCARE ASSOCIATION OF HAWAII. HTH/CPH

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB133 HD1 SD1 RELATING TO CHILD PROTECTION. JHW

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB135 HD1 SD1 RELATING TO INTERNATIONAL MATCHMAKING ORGANIZATIONS. JHW

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB736 HD1 SD1 RELATING TO PROFESSIONAL AND VOCATIONAL LICENSES. JHW

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB807 HD2 SD1 RELATING TO CHAPTER 291E. JHW

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB1010 HD1 SD1 RELATING TO THE USE OF INTOXICANTS. JHW

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB1572 HD3 RELATING TO PARKING FOR DISABLED PERSONS. JHW

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB32 HD2 SD1 RELATING TO EDUCATION. WAM

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB75 HD2 SD1 RELATING TO CONDOMINIUMS. WAM

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB78 HD1 RELATING TO THE HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION OF HAWAII. WAM

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB122 SD1 RELATING TO PRESUMPTIVE MEDICAID ELIGIBILITY FOR PREGNANT WOMEN. WAM

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB127 HD1 RELATING TO GENERAL ASSISTANCE. WAM

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB129 HD1 RELATING TO BRIDGE TO HOPE. WAM

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB289 HD2 SD1 RELATING TO EDUCATION. WAM

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB292 HD2 SD1 RELATING TO THE SCHOOL PRIORITY FUND. WAM

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB314 HD1 SD1 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR SCHOOL SECURITY GUARDS. WAM

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB320 HD2 RELATING TO RISK MANAGEMENT. WAM

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB418 HD1 SD1 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII. WAM

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB422 HD2 SD1 RELATING TO A CENTER FOR NURSING. WAM

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB475 RELATING TO THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION. WAM

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB485 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS FOR HANAHAU`OLI SCHOOL. WAM

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB488 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS FOR MID-PACIFIC INSTITUTE. WAM

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB512 HD1 SD1 RELATING TO HEALTH. WAM

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB548 HD2 SD1 RELATING TO ANATOMICAL GIFTS. WAM

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB620 HD1 RELATING TO THE JUNIOR RESERVE OFFICERS’ TRAINING CORPS. WAM

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB638 HD1 SD1 RELATING TO THE HAWAII STATE PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM. WAM

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB640 HD1 SD1 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE LOSS MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAM. WAM

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB645 RELATING TO SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS FOR ASSISTING NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATIONS THAT PROVIDE HEALTH CARE FACILITIES TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC. WAM

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB735 HD1 SD1 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT SERVICES. WAM

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB939 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS FOR HOALA SCHOOL. WAM

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB1021 HD1 SD1 RELATING TO EDUCATION. WAM

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB1163 SD1 RELATING TO DENTAL INSURANCE. WAM

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB1176 HD1 RELATING TO EDUCATION. WAM

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB1181 HD1 SD1 MAKING AN EMERGENCY APPROPRIATION FOR THE HAWAII HEALTH SYSTEMS CORPORATION. WAM

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB1182 HD2 SD1 RELATING TO EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES. WAM

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB1342 HD1 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR YOUTH SERVICES. WAM

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB1361 HD2 RELATING TO THE MEDICAID PRESCRIPTION DRUG EXPANSION PROGRAM. WAM

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB1362 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS FOR ST. PATRICK SCHOOL. WAM

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB1405 HD1 SD1 RELATING TO BIOFUEL. WAM

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB1412 HD2 SD1 RELATING TO PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS. WAM

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB1430 HD2 SD1 RELATING TO COMMUNITY ORAL HEALTH. WAM

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB1456 HD1 RELATING TO THE DEPOSIT BEVERAGE CONTAINER PROGRAM. WAM

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB1465 HD2 SD1 RELATING TO INTOXICATING LIQUOR. WAM

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB1506 HD1 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR ISPED CLERK TYPISTS. WAM

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB1564 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS FOR CHAMINADE UNIVERSITY. WAM

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB1579 HD1 SD1 RELATING TO THE ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION AUTHORITY. WAM

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB1616 HD1 SD1 RELATING TO LONG-TERM CARE. WAM

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB1628 HD1 SD1 RELATING TO EDUCATIONAL LOANS. WAM

3/27/03 9:00 AM HB1652 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO THE MEDICAID PRESCRIPTION DRUG REBATE SPECIAL FUND. WAM

”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

3/27/03 2:00 PM SB3 SD1 RELATING TO SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS FOR NORTH HAWAII COMMUNITY HOSPITAL, INC. FIN

3/27/03 2:00 PM SB870 SD2 HD1 RELATING TO HOMELESS SERVICES. FIN

3/27/03 2:00 PM SB1241 HD1 RELATING TO CANCER EXAMINATIONS. FIN

3/27/03 2:00 PM SB1352 SD1 HD1 RELATING TO HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES. FIN

3/27/03 2:00 PM SB1357 SD1 HD1 RELATING TO VITAL STATISTICS REGISTRATION DISTRICTS. FIN

3/27/03 2:00 PM SB1661 SD2 RELATING TO THE HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION OF HAWAII. FIN

3/27/03 2:00 PM HCR10 HD1 REQUESTING THAT THE PRESIDENT AND CONGRESS RECOGNIZE AN OFFICIAL POLITICAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND THE INDIGENOUS HAWAIIAN PEOPLE. JUD

3/27/03 2:00 PM HCR12 REQUESTING THE LEGISLATURE TO CONVENE A TASK FORCE TO RE-EVALUATE THE PLACEMENT OF THE OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC GUARDIAN. JUD

3/27/03 2:00 PM HCR29 REQUESTING CONGRESS TO END THE “GLOBAL GAG RULE” IMPOSED ON INTERNATIONAL FAMILY PLANNING ORGANIZATIONS. JUD

3/27/03 2:00 PM HCR45 REQUESTING THE FAMILY COURT OF THE FIRST CIRCUIT TO EVALUATE THE SENTENCING OF CHILDREN IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE FIRST CIRCUIT INVOLVING VIOLATIONS OF TRAFFIC LAWS OR ORDINANCES. JUD

3/27/03 2:00 PM HCR134 REQUESTING AN AUDIT OF THE HAWAII STATE JUDICIARY, DIVISION OF DRIVER EDUCATION. JUD

3/27/03 2:00 PM HR10 HD1 REQUESTING THAT THE PRESIDENT AND CONGRESS RECOGNIZE AN OFFICIAL POLITICAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND THE INDIGENOUS HAWAIIAN PEOPLE. JUD

3/27/03 2:00 PM HR34 REQUESTING CONGRESS TO END THE “GLOBAL GAG RULE” IMPOSED ON INTERNATIONAL FAMILY PLANNING ORGANIZATIONS. JUD

3/27/03 2:00 PM HR48 REQUESTING THE FAMILY COURT OF THE FIRST CIRCUIT TO EVALUATE THE SENTENCING OF CHILDREN IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE FIRST CIRCUIT INVOLVING VIOLATIONS OF TRAFFIC LAWS OR ORDINANCES. JUD

3/27/03 2:00 PM HR111 REQUESTING AN AUDIT OF THE HAWAII STATE JUDICIARY, DIVISION OF DRIVER EDUCATION. JUD

3/27/03 2:00 PM SB42 SD1 RELATING TO WATERCRAFT. JUD

3/27/03 2:00 PM SB255 SD2 RELATING TO AGRICULTURE. JUD

3/27/03 2:00 PM SB373 SD1 HD1 RELATING TO CONDOMINIUM PROPERTY REGIMES. JUD

3/27/03 2:00 PM SB552 SD2 HD1 RELATING TO LANDOWNERS’ LIABILITY. JUD

3/27/03 2:00 PM SB1267 HD1 RELATING TO TOBACCO. JUD

3/27/03 2:00 PM SB1594 RELATING TO THE COMMISSION ON WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT. JUD

”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

3/27/03 2:15 PM HCR5 REQUESTING THAT ALL OPERATING SODA MACHINES IN PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS DISPENSE ONLY HEALTHY AND NON-CARBONATED BEVERAGES. EDN/HLT

3/27/03 2:15 PM HCR27 REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO PROVIDE SCHOOL HEALTH AIDES THROUGHOUT THE STATE WITH DEPENDABLE SUBSTITUTES IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT ALL SCHOOL HEALTH ROOMS ARE STAFFED AT ALL TIMES BY QUALIFIED HEALTH PERSONNEL. EDN/HLT

3/27/03 2:15 PM HR8 REQUESTING THAT ALL OPERATING SODA MACHINES IN PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS DISPENSE ONLY HEALTHY AND NON-CARBONATED BEVERAGES. EDN/HLT

3/27/03 2:15 PM HCR6 REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, IN COOPERATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, TO ESTABLISH A SUN PROTECTION PROGRAM FOR HAWAII’S ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHILDREN. HLT/EDN

3/27/03 2:15 PM HR9 REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, IN COOPERATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, TO ESTABLISH A SUN PROTECTION PROGRAM FOR HAWAII’S ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHILDREN. HLT/EDN

”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

3/27/03 2:20 PM HCR149 STRONGLY URGING THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII TO REQUIRE ALL STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII SYSTEM TO SHOW PROOF OF FULL IMMUNIZATION AGAINST THE HEPATITIS B VIRUS PRIOR TO ENROLLMENT. HED/HLT

3/27/03 2:20 PM HR120 STRONGLY URGING THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII TO REQUIRE ALL STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII SYSTEM TO SHOW PROOF OF FULL IMMUNIZATION AGAINST THE HEPATITIS B VIRUS PRIOR TO ENROLLMENT. HED/HLT

”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

3/27/03 2:30 PM SB11 RELATING TO TEMPORARY PUBLIC SCHOOL FACILITIES. JUD

3/27/03 2:30 PM SB51 RELATING TO COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSES. JUD

3/27/03 2:30 PM SB91 SD2 RELATING TO HIGHWAYS. JUD

3/27/03 2:30 PM SB474 SD2 RELATING TO THE AUDITOR. JUD

3/27/03 2:30 PM SB1405 RELATING TO COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSING. JUD

3/27/03 2:30 PM SB1406 RELATING TO COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSING. JUD

3/27/03 2:30 PM SB1407 RELATING TO COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSING. JUD

”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

3/27/03 2:45 PM HCR31 REQUESTING STRONG SUPPORT BY CONGRESS FOR TITLE IX, THE PATSY TAKEMOTO MINK EQUAL OPPORTUNITY IN EDUCATION ACT. EDN/HED

3/27/03 2:45 PM HCR106 REQUESTING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A TASK FORCE ON ASIA-PACIFIC EDUCATION TO ENSURE THAT HAWAII’S STUDENTS MEET HIGH PERFORMANCE STANDARDS IN EDUCATION ABOUT ASIA AND THE PACIFIC AND UNDERSTAND THE IMPACT OF THE STATE’S RELATIONSHIP WITH THE REGION. EDN/HED

3/27/03 2:45 PM HR36 REQUESTING STRONG SUPPORT BY CONGRESS FOR TITLE IX, THE PATSY TAKEMOTO MINK EQUAL OPPORTUNITY IN EDUCATION ACT. EDN/HED

3/27/03 2:45 PM SB585 SD1 HD1 RELATING TO STATE FUNDS. FIN

3/27/03 2:45 PM SB635 SD2 HD1 RELATING TO TRAFFIC FINES. FIN

3/27/03 2:45 PM SB830 SD1 HD2 RELATING TO CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD CHECKS. FIN

3/27/03 2:45 PM SB945 SD1 RELATING TO CHILDREN AND YOUTH. FIN

3/27/03 2:45 PM SB1279 SD2 HD1 RELATING TO TOBACCO. FIN

3/27/03 2:45 PM SB1332 SD2 HD1 RELATING TO THE COMPENSATION OF OFFICIALS IN THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH OF STATE GOVERNMENT. FIN

3/27/03 2:45 PM SB1333 SD1 HD1 RELATING TO THE COMPENSATION OF OFFICIALS IN THE JUDICIAL BRANCH OF STATE GOVERNMENT. FIN

3/27/03 2:45 PM SB1381 SD1 HD1 RELATING TO THE HAWAII STATE PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM. FIN

3/27/03 2:45 PM SB1393 SD2 HD1 RELATING TO THE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS OF STATE GOVERNMENT. FIN

”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

3/27/03 3:00 PM HCR104 REQUESTING THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII TO ACTIVELY RECRUIT NONRESIDENT STUDENTS. HED

3/27/03 3:00 PM HCR118 URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO OBTAIN REASONABLE COMPENSATION FOR THE USE OF THE LANDS ON MAUNA KEA BY THE ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORIES. HED

3/27/03 3:00 PM HCR194 URGING THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHIATRY TO EXPAND ITS RESEARCH AND EDUCATION ON DEPRESSION DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT. HED

”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

3/27/03 3:15 PM HCR3 REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO IMPLEMENT A PILOT PROJECT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW SCHOOL FACILITIES THROUGH PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS. EDN

3/27/03 3:15 PM HCR8 REQUESTING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A TASK FORCE ON GRADUATED PARENTING. EDN

3/27/03 3:15 PM HCR38 REQUESTING THE LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE BUREAU TO REVIEW THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS IN HAWAII’S PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO DETERMINE WHAT NEEDS TO BE IMPROVED IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT ALL CHILDREN IN GRADES KINDERGARTEN THROUGH TWELVE HAVE MEANINGFUL PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS. EDN

3/27/03 3:15 PM HCR117 REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO ENTER INTO A REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION AGREEMENT FOR A NEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN KAHULUI, MAUI. EDN

3/27/03 3:15 PM HCR146 REQUESTING MEMBERS OF HAWAII’S CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO WORK TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL FUNDS NECESSARY TO MEET THE MANDATES OF THE FEDERAL “NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND ACT OF 2001”. EDN

3/27/03 3:15 PM HCR147 URGING THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND THE SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION TO DECLINE ANY FURTHER PARTICIPATION IN THE “NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND ACT OF 2001” AND TO RETURN ALL TITLE I PROGRAM MONEYS CONDITIONED ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ACT BY THE STATE OF HAWAII. EDN

3/27/03 3:15 PM HCR154 REQUESTING THE LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE BUREAU TO RESEARCH OPTIONS FOR ESTABLISHING A DEDICATED FUNDING MECHANISM TO IMPLEMENT THE PUBLIC PURPOSE AND RESPONSIBILITIES AS SPECIFIED IN ACT 77, SESSION LAWS OF HAWAII 1997, RELATING TO EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND CARE. EDN

3/27/03 3:15 PM HCR160 DESIGNATING APRIL 2003 AS “FINANCIAL LITERACY FOR YOUTH IN HAWAII MONTH.” EDN

3/27/03 3:15 PM HCR161 REQUESTING THE FORMATION OF A LONG-RANGE PLAN TO ADDRESS THE FUTURE OF PUBLIC AND SCHOOL LIBRARIES. EDN

3/27/03 3:15 PM HCR185 URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO IMPLEMENT CAREER PATHWAYS AS A PART OF A SCHOOL REFORM MODEL TO INCLUDE THE REDESIGN OF CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION THAT IS REFLECTIVE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES AND PRIORITIES. EDN

3/27/03 3:15 PM HCR186 REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THEODORA MALLICK FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PAHOA SCHOOL GYMNASIUM. EDN

3/27/03 3:15 PM HCR208 URGING THE U.S. CONGRESS TO RECOGNIZE THE MERITS AND SUCCESSES OF THE HEAD START PROGRAM AND TO REJECT ANY PROPOSAL TO LIMIT THE PROGRAM’S SCOPE OR TO MOVE IT FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES TO THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION. EDN

3/27/03 3:15 PM HR6 REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO IMPLEMENT A PILOT PROJECT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW SCHOOL FACILITIES THROUGH PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS. EDN

3/27/03 3:15 PM HR42 REQUESTING THE LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE BUREAU TO REVIEW THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS IN HAWAII’S PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO DETERMINE WHAT NEEDS TO BE IMPROVED IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT ALL CHILDREN IN GRADES KINDERGARTEN THROUGH TWELVE HAVE MEANINGFUL PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS. EDN

3/27/03 3:15 PM HR93 REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO DEVELOP WAYS TO INCREASE PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IN EDUCATION ON A SCHOOL-BY-SCHOOL BASIS. EDN

3/27/03 3:15 PM HR102 REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO ENTER INTO A REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION AGREEMENT FOR A NEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN KAHULUI, MAUI. EDN

3/27/03 3:15 PM HR117 REQUESTING MEMBERS OF HAWAII’S CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO WORK TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL FUNDS NECESSARY TO MEET THE MANDATES OF THE FEDERAL “NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND ACT OF 2001”. EDN

3/27/03 3:15 PM HR118 URGING THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND THE SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION TO DECLINE ANY FURTHER PARTICIPATION IN THE “NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND ACT OF 2001” AND TO RETURN ALL TITLE I PROGRAM MONEYS CONDITIONED ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ACT BY THE STATE OF HAWAII. EDN

3/27/03 3:15 PM HR125 DESIGNATING APRIL 2003 AS “FINANCIAL LITERACY FOR YOUTH IN HAWAII MONTH.” EDN

3/27/03 3:15 PM HR126 REQUESTING THE FORMATION OF A LONG-RANGE PLAN TO ADDRESS THE FUTURE OF PUBLIC AND SCHOOL LIBRARIES. EDN

3/27/03 3:15 PM HR149 URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO IMPLEMENT CAREER PATHWAYS AS A PART OF A SCHOOL REFORM MODEL TO INCLUDE THE REDESIGN OF CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION THAT IS REFLECTIVE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES AND PRIORITIES. EDN

3/27/03 3:15 PM HR150 REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THEODORA MALLICK FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PAHOA SCHOOL GYMNASIUM. EDN

”’To reach legislators, see:”’ “Representatives at a Glance” and “Senators at a Glance”

The Democrats in the state Legislature and Honolulu Mayor Jeremy Harris are proposing to raise taxes on a variety of fronts.

This when Hawaii taxpayers already pay the fourth highest taxes in the nation, and the economy and businesses continue to suffer under the state’s and city’s repressive tax and spend policies.

Here are some of the tax proposals still alive and likely to pass unless there is tremendous public outcry, and what those opposed can do about it.

”Some of the proposals still alive in the Hawaii state Legislature:”

*The state Senate passed a measure to increase the general excise tax by 12.5 percent, from 4 percent to 4.5 percent, and now the measure is before the state House. The House leadership says the measure will not pass, but those who know how the Legislature operates say no issue is dead until the close of the Legislative session at midnight, May 1, 2003.

*The state House proposed a measure to allow the Honolulu county to impose an additional sales tax of an undetermined amount. Gov. Linda Lingle has said she will approve the bill. Opponents say the city already has taxing powers on property and substantial revenue from fees charged for services and vehicles, and that the city should not be given additional taxing powers because the mayor has not been responsible with the money he already has.

*House and Senate Democrats say they want to pass a $10 per person per month tax on everyone from ages 25 to 99 to create a state-subsidized long-term health-care fund to care for the aging population in Hawaii. Opponents say the “progressive tax,” which increases by an undetermined amount every year, will not work because there will not be enough money to pay for the long-term care of the people who are forced to pay into it. They say it is better for the community if people are given tax credits and other benefits for investing in their own long-term care private options, and let the truly poor rely on the state and federal government should they need long-term care.

*The House and Senate are proposing an increase in the state’s conveyance tax.

Click here “Representatives at a Glance” and “Senators at a Glance” to get the list of all state Legislators and their contact information. Or send your name, address, phone number and no new taxes in Hawaii letter to HawaiiReporter.com at tips@HawaiiReporter.com and we will forward the information to Hawaii’s lawmakers.

Click here to get to the governor’s Web site at: https://www.hawaii.gov/gov/

Or to contact ”Gov. Linda Lingle:”

Please address correspondence to: Honorable Governor Linda Lingle, Executive Chambers, State Capitol, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96813

*Phone: (808) 586-0034
*Fax: (808) 586-0006
*Email: mailto:gov@hawaii.gov

”Mayor Proposes Property Tax Increase, City Fees Already Skyrocketing”

The City & County of Honolulu is proposing another property tax increase. This when the public and the Honolulu City Council Budget Committee have grave concerns about how the mayor has spent the money he already has collected from extensive taxes and fees imposed on the public, including Hawaii’s property owners and visitors.

If you want to send a group “no new taxes” message to Honolulu City & County officials, including the mayor and the city council members, send us your name, address and email, and we will forward all of the collective names to the city and county.

For the mayor’s Web site, go to: https://www.co.honolulu.hi.us/mayor/index1.htm

Write to ”Mayor Jeremy Harris” at:

Mayor Jeremy Harris, Honolulu Hale, 530 S. King St., Honolulu, HI 96813

*Phone: (808) 523-4141
*Fax: (808) 527-5552
*Email: mailto:mayor@co.honolulu.hi.us

For the City Council, click on the emails below and send these elected officials a “no new tax” letter, fax it to them, or call them directly.

”City Council Member Mike Gabbard, District 1”

*Phone:(808) 547-7001
*Fax:(808) 523-4220
*Email: mailto:mgabbard@co.honolulu.hi.us

”City Council Member Donovan M. Dela Cruz,”

”District 2”

*Phone: (808) 547-7002
*Fax: (808) 523-4220
*Email: mailto:dmdelacruz@co.honolulu.hi.us

”City Council Member Barbara Marshall, District 3”

*Phone: (808) 547-7003
*Fax: (808) 523-4220
*Email: mailto:bmarshall@co.honolulu.hi.us

”City Council Member Charles K. Djou, District 4”

*Phone: (808) 547-7004
*Fax: (808) 523-4220
*Email: mailto:cdjou@co.honolulu.hi.us

”City Council Member Ann H. Kobayashi, District 5”

*Phone: (808) 547-7005
*Fax: (808) 523-4220
*Email: mailto:akobayashi@co.honolulu.hi.us

”City Council Member Rod Tam, District 6”

*Phone: (808) 547-7006
*Fax: (808) 523-4220
*Email: mailto:rtam@co.honolulu.hi.us

”City Council Member Romy M. Cachola, District 7”

*Phone: (808) 547-7007
*Fax: (808) 523-4220
*Email: mailto:rcachola@co.honolulu.hi.us

”City Council Member Gary H. Okino, District 8”

*Phone: (808) 547-7008
*Fax: (808) 523-4220
*Email: mailto:gokino@co.honolulu.hi.us

”City Council Member Nestor R. Garcia, District 9”

*Phone: (808) 547-7009
*Fax: (808) 523-4220
*Email: mailto:ngarcia@co.honolulu.hi.us

WASHINGTON, March 25 (UPI) — Pres. George W. Bush will meet Wednesday with British Prime Minister Tony Blair in a two-day summit at Camp David as U.S.-led coalition forces in Iraq continued their assault towards Baghdad.

Before his meeting with Blair, the president is scheduled to make a visit early Wednesday to U.S. Central Command headquarters in Tampa, Fla., the command-and-control center for the Iraqi conflict. While there, top commanders will offer the president a classified military briefing on the progress being made in Iraq. The president will also meet with coalition allies from around the world involved in backing military actions in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

After leaving Tampa, the president will head to Camp David for his meeting with Blair, his closest ally in the Iraqi war. Blair supported the United States’ assertion that Saddam and his weapons of mass destruction were a threat to world security at great political risk and without widespread support among British citizens.

“The United Kingdom is a close ally and the largest coalition military partner with us in Iraq. The president and the prime minister will discuss the progress of the conflict in Iraq, urgent issues of humanitarian relief, reconstruction, and helping the Iraqi people build democratic institutions,” said White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer.

On Tuesday, Bush said he would seek $74.7 billion from Congress to pay operational and homeland security costs associated with the war in Iraq.

“America has accepted this responsibility. We also accept the cost of supporting our military and the missions we give it. Today I am sending Congress a war time appropriations request of $74.7 billion to fund the needs directly arising from the Iraqi conflict and our global war against terror,” Bush said.

The president made his remarks at the Pentagon as U.S. military forces in Iraq fought sandstorms and Iraqi resistance, pushing across the desert for Baghdad.

“Our coalition is on a steady advance. We’re making good progress. We’re fighting an enemy that knows no rules of law that will wear civilian uniforms, that is willing to kill in order to continue the reign of fear of Saddam Hussein. But we’re fighting them with bravery and courage,” Bush said.

The president signed off Monday on the budget request that includes $53 billion for operations activities such as moving troops into the region, returning them home, and replenishing supplies and munitions.

“My request to Congress will pay for the massive task of transporting a fully equipped military force, both active-duty and Reserve, to a region halfway around the world. This money will cover the current cost of fueling our ships and aircraft and tanks, and of airlifting tons of supplies into the theater of operations,” Bush said. “The supplemental will also allow us to replace the high-tech munitions we are now directing against Saddam Hussein’s regime.”

Another $8 billion would go toward international operations and aid to countries such as Jordan, Israel, Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt, Afghanistan, the Philippines and Columbia. Of that figure, $3.5 billion would pay for humanitarian relief, reconstruction and repairs to damaged oil fields.

Turkey would get $1 billion in aid, far less than the reported $60 billion it would have received had it allowed some 62,000 U.S. troops to be deployed along its borders.

The White House said that Turkey has made impressive progress over two years in stabilizing and reforming its economy. The Turkish government is nearing agreement with the International Monetary Fund on an economic program that will further strengthen the economy and which the White House fully supports.

As for humanitarian aid, Bush was upbeat.

“This nation and our coalition partners are committed to making sure that the Iraqi citizens who have suffered under a brutal tyrant have got the food and medicine needed as soon as possible,” Bush said.

The request would also set aside $2 billion for homeland security in states and localities. The monies would be given to states in the form of grants provided they meet two conditions: They are committed to protecting specified sites and spend the funds on anti-terror activities.

Another $1.5 billion would be spent on additional security at federal facilities and for the Coast Guard protection of critical U.S. ports. The Federal Bureau of Investigation would receive $500 million.

Cost estimates for the war budget were based on six months of military activity in the region, according to a senior administration official. Bush told congressional leaders on Monday that he wants to see the supplemental request approved by no later than April 11.

“Yesterday I informed the leaders of Congress of these spending requests. The situation in any war is fluid. I reminded them of that fact. And so I’m asking Congress for flexibility in how these funds can be allocated. They heard that message. They also heard the message that the need is urgent,” Bush said. “The wartime supplemental is directly related to winning this war and to securing the peace that will follow this war. I ask Congress to act quickly and responsibly.”

Bush stressed that “business as usual” on Capitol Hill cannot go on during a time of war. He said that the supplemental should not be used as an opportunity to attach unrelated spending measures.

“Every dollar we spend must serve the interests of our nation; and the interests of our nation in this supplemental is to win this war and to be able to keep the peace,” the president said.

Brenden Daly, spokesman for House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said concern exists that the president has not included enough money for homeland security. Democrats believe the allocation for port security should be between $8 billion and $10 billion. Whether the levels of funding for operational costs are sufficient remains to be seen, Daly said.

The White House had been tightlipped over how much it planned to ask for saying it that the buildup of military forces in the region and the actual engagement in combat incurs additional costs above and beyond what the administration has budgeted. Speculation had the price tag for the war at between $70 billion and $90 billion.

A senior administration official told reporters that the first few days of the war gave budget analysts a better picture of which scenario the Pentagon and the White House would seek to fund. It had considered different funding structures dependent on whether U.S. forces met resistance, Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein left the country, or if service personnel would be forced into prolonged armed conflict.

It would have cost taxpayers $5 billion a month to have troops sitting in the region as containment measure, the official said. The Pentagon has already spent more than $2.5 billion deploying more than 150,000 troops to the region. The Afghan conflict costs roughly $1.5 billion a month.

Democrats had also criticized the administration for deciding not to release a war budget before hostilities began last week. They said that a war would push the country further into federal deficit spending. Administration officials predict the federal deficit this year will reach $316 billion and approach $400 billion in 2004.

Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives J. Denis Hastert, R-Ill., said Monday after his meeting with the president that lawmakers hoped to move the legislation in a “bipartisan manner” to the president’s desk as quickly as possible.

“We need to make certain that our men and women in uniform have the resources necessary to get the job done in Iraq, and I expect that both Republicans and Democrats will support this legislation by overwhelming margins,” Hastert said.

Copyright 2003 by United Press International. All rights reserved.

WASHINGTON, March 23 (UPI) — Few industries worldwide have suffered as much as the airline sector in recent years and now the war in Iraq comes at a time when the airlines have accumulated $30 billion in losses since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

The armed conflict, which is in its fourth day, could easily add $10 billion in losses to the world’s airlines by extending the current travel decline well into the summer, according to the International Air Transport Association.

“The present armed conflict will only worsen these losses,” said Giovanni Bisignani, the IATA’s director general and chief executive officer.

In a speech late Saturday to the International Civil Aviation Organization in Montreal, Bisignani said, “At this point, the air transport industry must look beyond the horizon and re-invent itself.”

In its forecast of the impact of the war on the industry, the association said it expects international passenger travel to drop 15 percent to 20 percent during the war, depending on the region of the world.

Since the terrorist attacks in the United States, major U.S. carriers have laid off 100,000 employees and lost an estimated $19 billion. Continued weakness in passenger traffic and reductions in ticket prices have resulted in bankruptcy filings by US Airways, United Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines.

A number of the nation’s major airlines have begun taking additional emergency measures in an attempt to stem further losses.

On Friday, Northwest Airlines announced plans to cut 4,900 jobs and reduce its flight schedule by 12 percent. United Airlines said it would cut its schedule by about 8 percent and lay off an undermined number of workers.

Greg Taylor, United’s senior vice president for planning, said the schedule and job cuts were due to the continuing effects on future bookings because of the military conflict in Iraq. The airline expects bookings to continue to decline as the war continues, he said.

American Airlines said it would cut international flights by 6 percent in April to meet a downturn in travel bookings due to the war in Iraq. Based in Fort Worth, Texas, the airline said it could make additional reductions if traffic remains slow.

Northwest, which also plans to idle 20 planes, has already laid off about 12,000 employees due to the slump in the airline industry. The airline said it would continue to monitor passenger demand and did not rule out further job cuts or flight reductions.

“Due to weak demand for business travel which emerged in March 2001, the subsequent impact of the terrorist attacks on the United States in September of that year, and now, armed conflict with Iraq, we have been forced to reduce our workforce by some 17,000 employee positions,” said Richard Anderson, Northwest’s chief executive officer in a statement.

The St. Paul, Minn.,-based airline said the reductions will be made through attrition, voluntary leaves, leaving open positions unfilled and layoffs.

Hawaiian Airlines, a subsidiary of Hawaiian Holdings Inc., filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Friday “to restore the company’s long-term financial health.”

No new layoffs of Hawaiian’s 3,311 employees were planned.

John W. Adams, chairman and chief executive officer of Hawaiian Airlines, said the company had made since it launched its restructuring efforts several months ago in response to the dramatically changed, operating environment since September 2001.

The airline said flight and services would continue without interruption. The parent company was not included in the bankruptcy filing.

On Wednesday, Continental Airlines announced it would reduce its workforce by 1,200 employees by the end of the year, as part of initiative to save $500 million annually.

The airline said the cut would include 125 pilots, 500 reservation agents, 350 airport agents and 225 other employees.

“We need $500 million in annual cost savings and revenue generation to permit us to be a survivor during the worst financial crisis in aviation history,” said Gordon Bethune, chairman and CEO of Continental.

Bethune cautioned that additional reductions could be announced if the war in Iraq is prolonged, or if other events further degrade revenue or increase costs.

Copyright 2003 by United Press International. All rights reserved.