Friday, April 19, 2024
More
    Home Blog Page 1968

    Fixing Hawaii's Public Education System Starts on the Local Level-Decentralize the System Now, Oppose Two Bills That Hurt Decentralization Efforts

    Hawaii Reporter
    -
    0

    House Bill 289, which creates a local advisory school boards, and House Bill 32, which requires the state Board of Education to meet in local communities, do not address the real issues that need to be solved in order to fix Hawaii’s public education system.

    I have followed the problems of the educational system for many years. I have seen the results of national tests showing that the status of Hawaii’s children in public schools. I believe there must be substantial change in the way we manage and operate the schools and divide up the state education money that is spent each year.

    I also have served on several boards of directors and trustees. I understand that the basis on which boards can do their jobs depends on the accuracy and completeness of the information they receive from the organizations they are intended to serve.

    When a Board has such a large span of control and responsibility, such as the current DOE board, it is impossible to make fair decisions for all the school districts, because it is impossible to accurately assess their individual needs. The job is just too large for one group to handle.

    Local boards are what is needed but they need to be more than just advisory in nature. The system is still just too big to expect that the voice of advisory boards will be heard and not ignored. Advice is cheap, the saying goes. In this case, without authority to act within legitimate local board guidelines and accountabilities, there will be few if any local gains from real, appropriate decisions that benefit local school districts.

    In short, when local school boards are formed as they are proposed in HB 289 but have no real control and authority to make financial and other decisions for their local school districts, the real problem has not been addressed and this implementation would represent nothing more than an expensive sham. This system will simply not work.

    Real local school boards will establish education policies in their communities, and have the authority to approve their school district budget. True local school boards will hear the local needs, make real decisions in response to them, and then be held accountable along with the schools for making those decisions work.

    HB 289 creates advisory boards that don’t have these authorities. I want local boards who will work together and listen to the input from myself and other community members, and be willing to act upon this advice when it applies. HB 32 only requires one Board of Education member to occasionally listen to my advice at the local level. Why will he/she be willing to respond based on my input when there are thousands of voices from all over the state also seeking to be heard on behalf of their own district’s special needs.

    I want reform that gives each community the right and opportunity to improve the education in each district. I oppose these two bills because they do not enact the real local school board reform that I have addressed in this testimony.

    ”’Jack Randall is an Administrator at Keiki o ka Aina and a resident of Honolulu. He can be reached via email at:”’ mailto:JRanMRan@aol.com

    Fixing Hawaii’s Public Education System Starts on the Local Level-Decentralize the System Now, Oppose Two Bills That Hurt Decentralization Efforts

    Hawaii Reporter
    -
    0

    House Bill 289, which creates a local advisory school boards, and House Bill 32, which requires the state Board of Education to meet in local communities, do not address the real issues that need to be solved in order to fix Hawaii’s public education system.

    I have followed the problems of the educational system for many years. I have seen the results of national tests showing that the status of Hawaii’s children in public schools. I believe there must be substantial change in the way we manage and operate the schools and divide up the state education money that is spent each year.

    I also have served on several boards of directors and trustees. I understand that the basis on which boards can do their jobs depends on the accuracy and completeness of the information they receive from the organizations they are intended to serve.

    When a Board has such a large span of control and responsibility, such as the current DOE board, it is impossible to make fair decisions for all the school districts, because it is impossible to accurately assess their individual needs. The job is just too large for one group to handle.

    Local boards are what is needed but they need to be more than just advisory in nature. The system is still just too big to expect that the voice of advisory boards will be heard and not ignored. Advice is cheap, the saying goes. In this case, without authority to act within legitimate local board guidelines and accountabilities, there will be few if any local gains from real, appropriate decisions that benefit local school districts.

    In short, when local school boards are formed as they are proposed in HB 289 but have no real control and authority to make financial and other decisions for their local school districts, the real problem has not been addressed and this implementation would represent nothing more than an expensive sham. This system will simply not work.

    Real local school boards will establish education policies in their communities, and have the authority to approve their school district budget. True local school boards will hear the local needs, make real decisions in response to them, and then be held accountable along with the schools for making those decisions work.

    HB 289 creates advisory boards that don’t have these authorities. I want local boards who will work together and listen to the input from myself and other community members, and be willing to act upon this advice when it applies. HB 32 only requires one Board of Education member to occasionally listen to my advice at the local level. Why will he/she be willing to respond based on my input when there are thousands of voices from all over the state also seeking to be heard on behalf of their own district’s special needs.

    I want reform that gives each community the right and opportunity to improve the education in each district. I oppose these two bills because they do not enact the real local school board reform that I have addressed in this testimony.

    ”’Jack Randall is an Administrator at Keiki o ka Aina and a resident of Honolulu. He can be reached via email at:”’ mailto:JRanMRan@aol.com

    Open Letter to the Hawaii State Senate-Subject – Reform Animal Quarantine

    Hawaii Reporter
    -
    0

    Feb. 18, 2003

    To: Senator Inouye, Chair; Senator Espero, Vice Chair; Committee on Water, Land and Agriculture (WLA) and Senator Kawamoto, Chair; Senator Espero, Vice Chair; Committee on Transportation, Military Affairs and Government Operations (TMG)

    From: Tom Marzec

    Subj: REFORM ANIMAL QUARANTINE

    Can Hawaii Afford to Neglect Europe Any Longer?-And Miss Out on $335 Million in Revenue for 2003?

    Hawaii Reporter
    -
    0

    Let’s face it, the German-speaking travel market went from fourth place in Hawaii’s precious travel force to last under the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s tenure. The highest spending travel group and every world travel destination is targeting it but us. From 130,000 visitors per year, it plunged to 18,000 and only because no one within the Hawaii Visitor and Convention Bureau or the Hawaii Tourism Authority understands the importance of this market for Hawaii.

    The average German-speaking traveler enjoys three paid vacations per year of at least two weeks each, three times a year. This group books in advance because of necessary adjustments in the working place. All major European Travel Organizations offer group deals one year in advance to adjust to such travel behavior and to be able to fill their special group deals … to be able to offer ”’today”’ a compatible price for one year ”’later.”’ These organizations buy large amounts of dollars in advance to stabilize any fluctuation in currency changes.

    The importance of this travel group — it is not dependent on any staggering economies. Nor is it concerned of any possible war in Iraq. They will travel even during war. Even retirees are financially able to travel. There will be no war on U.S. soil. Germans are only concerned of security and safety. They utilize the German airline Lufthansa, New Zealand Airlines or Air Canada. They are very comfortable with that. Lufthansa connects with UA from L.A or S.F. The others fly direct to Hawaii with stopovers in Canada.

    And then there is the former East Bloc. A population that has been deprived for over 50 years to travel the West. That group is longing to see the western world. There are 17 million former East Germans. There are a great number of German speaking people living in Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary and Romania. This group does not speak any English. It has learned Russian in school. This group is in great need of German-speaking services that are very limited or not at all available in our beautiful state.

    Hawaii once enjoyed 130,000+ visitors from Austria, Switzerland and Germany. That established revenues of about $335 million, not counting expenditures for shopping and restaurants. But then the HTA came on board and failed to maintain this important market.

    Before March of this year travel destinations for 2003/4 will be chosen for this travel group. Yet Hawaii has done nothing to encourage them to visit here. The results speak a clear message. An often over-looked fact is that the world largest tourism fair is held every year in Germany. It emphasizes the importance of said travel European group.

    The World Travel Organization published demographics in February announcing the strongest traveler numbers in world history for 2002 and is predicting even an increase for 2003, despite war worries. But Hawaii is not getting its share. We are spending $31 million on tourism marketing, which is controlled by the HTA, an organization that recently complained, publicly, the HVCB is not spending it wisely.

    And the HTA even publicly says it will cancel all advertisement for at least two months in case of war, the exact opposite of what should be done.

    Now at the same time the Legislature offers $8 million in emergency funding for tourism. That may sound like an excellent idea, but the problem with that it is it will be wasted and spent ineffectively and unwisely. At the same time, the HTA chair, Rex Johnson, announced that not all of it is needed. Someone should tell him he needs every dime — if not more — to get tourism back on its feet.

    On Feb. 21st the HTA announced that it had provided a $20,000 grant to a health firm to attract higher spending travelers to Hawaii, offering Spa and other health-oriented services.

    This nonsense is mind-boggling when markets are neglected that could bring as much as $335+ million in revenues to Hawaii if only someone understood that market.

    In truth I am elated that Ted Liu, the new director of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism and other highly qualified professional business personalities have joined Gov. Lingle to make true change happen, despite taking personal monetary cut backs. And despite having to deal with left overs from the Old Boy’s Club that still spend a lot of time throwing political boulders in progress’s path instead of concentrating on how to make things better for the state. Such incomprehensible and small-minded thinking is an insult to the voters who are very aware of such political games. The only one from that side of the political spectrum who is standing up for Hawaii is Sen. Donna Mercado Kim, and she should be applauded for that.

    The Aloha spirit is a great thing. However, in times of economical difficulties we need minds in charge who finally understand business ”’and”’ Aloha … in that order.

    Let’s target the former German-speaking East Bloc. Let’s target the former German-speaking West Bloc. New Zealand is the best example on what to do to get them. They are coming in large numbers because New Zealand has a working strategy to effectively invite them. And they are coming.

    Let’s get true professionals in charge of tourism marketing, people who are quick to take the action necessary to target that market … now.

    By the way, whatever happened to the planned appointment of a director for tourism?

    ”’Dieter Thate is general manager of Dieter’s Tours (est. 1993) and Kimapa Marketing (est. in 1982). He can be reached by email at:”’ mailto:mail@kimapa.com ”’or visit his Web site at:”’ https://www.kimapa.com

    Grassroot Perspective – Feb. 25, 2003-Worse than Clinton; Governor Dean's Health-care Record

    Hawaii Reporter
    -
    0

    “Dick Rowland Image”

    ”Shoots (News, Views and Quotes)”

    – Worse than Clinton

    By Lew Rockwell

    LewRockwell.com November 9-10, 2002

    Do Republicans really support smaller government?

    Republicans controlled both Houses of Congress from 1995 through 2001, during which time the federal budget grew from $1.4 trillion to $2.1 trillion (about $100 billion annually).

    Since Republicans took control of the House in 1995, federal discretionary spending has grown by a rate of about 7 percent annually.

    Social welfare programs under Bush have grown by $96 billion in just two years, versus $51 billion under six years of Clinton, according to economist Stephen Moore of the Club for Growth.

    ”Roots (Food for Thought)”

    – Governor Dean’s Health-care Record

    Judging from his eleven-year track record, Gov. Howard Dean most wants Vermonters to remember him for his persistent effort to drive down the fraction of Vermonters who lack health insurance coverage.

    The “young doctor-governor” began his effort by pushing Act 160 through to passage in his first legislative session (1992). This act created a Vermont Health Care Authority and charged it with bringing forth two sweeping health care plans. One was to be a single payer plan that Lt. Gov. Dean had championed as in 1991. The other was something called “regulated multi-payer” that Gov. Dean championed in 1992.

    In addition, Act 160 imposed community rating on all health insurance premiums. This practice divorced premium cost from health risk, so that young, healthy families with limited means were required to subsidize the premiums of older, more affluent families with more health problems. As intended, community rating drove most of the private insurers out of the state.

    Other provisions of Act 160 authorized a statewide insurance pool (abandoned in six months), binding state control over hospital budgets, and a “safety net” for customers abandoned by the fleeing insurers (which cost Vermont Blue Cross millions of dollars until effectively repealed by regulatory fiat.)

    In late 1993 the Authority presented the two required plans. They were immediately rejected both by Gov. Dean and by the single payer forces in the Legislature. An effort to legislate a “universal access” plan collapsed so dramatically in the 1994 House that it became a national story in the New York Times. Shortly thereafter the Legislature abolished the Authority.

    In 1995 Dean decided to expand Medicaid instead of attempting a “universal” solution. Eligibility levels were increased until children in families with up to $51,000 income could qualify for benefits. To finance the expansion, the legislature levied taxes on hospitals, nursing homes and tobacco, and even more drastically underpaid providers for the health care services demanded by program participants.

    Eleven Dean years have now gone by. The state share of Medicaid spending has risen from $86.7 million to $263.5 million. And what of the all-important uninsured rate? According to Census Bureau figures, it has gone from 9.5 percent (1992) to 9.7 percent (averaged over 1999-2001). In 1994 — before Medicaid expansion — that data series ranked Vermont second among the states. The 2001 ranking for health insurance coverage placed Vermont 10th in the nation.

    Dean’s defenders will be quick to point out that the Census Bureau data sample is quite small for Vermont, and thus the Vermont percentage jumps erratically between eight and fourteen percent. That is true. However, in 1997 Dean himself crowed about Vermont being 2nd in the nation, based on the 1994 Census data. (At the time he crowed, the newer 1995 data showed Vermont had slipped back to 22nd.) If the governor can refer to Census data to tout his success, others are free to use the same data to reach a less favorable conclusion.

    So here’s the bottom line on the Dean era: Eleven years of dramatic expansion of government health care. The near-destruction of the individual and small group health insurance market. Creation of a true Budget Monster, heading for a projected $95 million deficit by 2008. And yes, a higher fraction of Vermonters without health insurance today than in 1992.

    A reasonable person would have to conclude that the state of Vermont has been doing something wrong here. What’s wrong is the whole strategy of destroying the insurance market, relentlessly expanding government control, and above all shifting from personal responsibility for wellness to government “delivery of services.”

    Vermonters need to recognize that a sound health care system ought to be based not on forced collectivization, underpaying hospitals and doctors, government mandates to take away consumer choice, and ever higher government spending.

    The alternative — personal responsibility, consumer health information, a competitive insurance marketplace, tax-favored medical savings accounts, a high risk pool for the uninsurable, and government assistance limited to those who are unable to deal with their own health problems — ought to be looking a lot more attractive.

    Above article is quoted from The Ethan Allen Institute https://www.ethanallen.org The Ethan Allen Letter December 2002.

    ”Evergreen (Today’s Quote)”

    Ready for some words of wisdom? Here they come courtesy of Hawaii’s own Bud Weisbrod who has the following on his business card:

    “Quo Vadis?

    “In evaluating the socialistic welfare state, it might be timely to reflect on a few basic economic truths, which have been proved many times in the course of history.

    “Governments cannot give to the people what they do not first take away.

    “You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it.

    “You cannot legislate the poor into economic freedom by legislating the wealthy out of it.

    “That which one man receives without working for, another man must work for without receiving.

    “Nothing can kill the initiative of a people more quickly than for half of them to get the idea that they need not work because the other half will feed them, and for the other half to get the idea that it does no good to work since someone else receives the rewards of their labors. …”

    Bud wants you to send the above to your legislator. Contact Bud at mailto:weisbrod@myexcel.com

    ”’See Web site”’ https://www.grassrootinstitute.org ”’for further information. Join its efforts at “Nurturing the rights and responsibilities of the individual in a civil society. …” or email or call Grassroot of Hawaii Institute President Richard O. Rowland at mailto:grassroot@hawaii.rr.com or (808) 487-4959.”’

    Grassroot Perspective – Feb. 25, 2003-Worse than Clinton; Governor Dean’s Health-care Record

    Hawaii Reporter
    -
    0

    “Dick Rowland Image”

    ”Shoots (News, Views and Quotes)”

    – Worse than Clinton

    By Lew Rockwell

    LewRockwell.com November 9-10, 2002

    Do Republicans really support smaller government?

    Republicans controlled both Houses of Congress from 1995 through 2001, during which time the federal budget grew from $1.4 trillion to $2.1 trillion (about $100 billion annually).

    Since Republicans took control of the House in 1995, federal discretionary spending has grown by a rate of about 7 percent annually.

    Social welfare programs under Bush have grown by $96 billion in just two years, versus $51 billion under six years of Clinton, according to economist Stephen Moore of the Club for Growth.

    ”Roots (Food for Thought)”

    – Governor Dean’s Health-care Record

    Judging from his eleven-year track record, Gov. Howard Dean most wants Vermonters to remember him for his persistent effort to drive down the fraction of Vermonters who lack health insurance coverage.

    The “young doctor-governor” began his effort by pushing Act 160 through to passage in his first legislative session (1992). This act created a Vermont Health Care Authority and charged it with bringing forth two sweeping health care plans. One was to be a single payer plan that Lt. Gov. Dean had championed as in 1991. The other was something called “regulated multi-payer” that Gov. Dean championed in 1992.

    In addition, Act 160 imposed community rating on all health insurance premiums. This practice divorced premium cost from health risk, so that young, healthy families with limited means were required to subsidize the premiums of older, more affluent families with more health problems. As intended, community rating drove most of the private insurers out of the state.

    Other provisions of Act 160 authorized a statewide insurance pool (abandoned in six months), binding state control over hospital budgets, and a “safety net” for customers abandoned by the fleeing insurers (which cost Vermont Blue Cross millions of dollars until effectively repealed by regulatory fiat.)

    In late 1993 the Authority presented the two required plans. They were immediately rejected both by Gov. Dean and by the single payer forces in the Legislature. An effort to legislate a “universal access” plan collapsed so dramatically in the 1994 House that it became a national story in the New York Times. Shortly thereafter the Legislature abolished the Authority.

    In 1995 Dean decided to expand Medicaid instead of attempting a “universal” solution. Eligibility levels were increased until children in families with up to $51,000 income could qualify for benefits. To finance the expansion, the legislature levied taxes on hospitals, nursing homes and tobacco, and even more drastically underpaid providers for the health care services demanded by program participants.

    Eleven Dean years have now gone by. The state share of Medicaid spending has risen from $86.7 million to $263.5 million. And what of the all-important uninsured rate? According to Census Bureau figures, it has gone from 9.5 percent (1992) to 9.7 percent (averaged over 1999-2001). In 1994 — before Medicaid expansion — that data series ranked Vermont second among the states. The 2001 ranking for health insurance coverage placed Vermont 10th in the nation.

    Dean’s defenders will be quick to point out that the Census Bureau data sample is quite small for Vermont, and thus the Vermont percentage jumps erratically between eight and fourteen percent. That is true. However, in 1997 Dean himself crowed about Vermont being 2nd in the nation, based on the 1994 Census data. (At the time he crowed, the newer 1995 data showed Vermont had slipped back to 22nd.) If the governor can refer to Census data to tout his success, others are free to use the same data to reach a less favorable conclusion.

    So here’s the bottom line on the Dean era: Eleven years of dramatic expansion of government health care. The near-destruction of the individual and small group health insurance market. Creation of a true Budget Monster, heading for a projected $95 million deficit by 2008. And yes, a higher fraction of Vermonters without health insurance today than in 1992.

    A reasonable person would have to conclude that the state of Vermont has been doing something wrong here. What’s wrong is the whole strategy of destroying the insurance market, relentlessly expanding government control, and above all shifting from personal responsibility for wellness to government “delivery of services.”

    Vermonters need to recognize that a sound health care system ought to be based not on forced collectivization, underpaying hospitals and doctors, government mandates to take away consumer choice, and ever higher government spending.

    The alternative — personal responsibility, consumer health information, a competitive insurance marketplace, tax-favored medical savings accounts, a high risk pool for the uninsurable, and government assistance limited to those who are unable to deal with their own health problems — ought to be looking a lot more attractive.

    Above article is quoted from The Ethan Allen Institute https://www.ethanallen.org The Ethan Allen Letter December 2002.

    ”Evergreen (Today’s Quote)”

    Ready for some words of wisdom? Here they come courtesy of Hawaii’s own Bud Weisbrod who has the following on his business card:

    “Quo Vadis?

    “In evaluating the socialistic welfare state, it might be timely to reflect on a few basic economic truths, which have been proved many times in the course of history.

    “Governments cannot give to the people what they do not first take away.

    “You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it.

    “You cannot legislate the poor into economic freedom by legislating the wealthy out of it.

    “That which one man receives without working for, another man must work for without receiving.

    “Nothing can kill the initiative of a people more quickly than for half of them to get the idea that they need not work because the other half will feed them, and for the other half to get the idea that it does no good to work since someone else receives the rewards of their labors. …”

    Bud wants you to send the above to your legislator. Contact Bud at mailto:weisbrod@myexcel.com

    ”’See Web site”’ https://www.grassrootinstitute.org ”’for further information. Join its efforts at “Nurturing the rights and responsibilities of the individual in a civil society. …” or email or call Grassroot of Hawaii Institute President Richard O. Rowland at mailto:grassroot@hawaii.rr.com or (808) 487-4959.”’

    From Normal Behavior to the Meaning of Life

    Hawaii Reporter
    -
    0

    “Suzanne Gelb Image”

    ”Behavior — What is Normal?”

    Q: Dear Dr. Gelb:

    I know there are many normal ways of doing things, but some normal behavior is not always healthy, like littering or spitting on the sidewalk. Even though we have laws, so many are violated. Why are we so off track?

    Normal

    A: Dr. Gelb says . . .

    Dear Normal:

    I believe that a behavior that is considered normal in our society gains that identity because statistically that particular practice is what most people do. Just because behavior is considered “normal,” does not mean that it is proper or healthy.

    When it comes to ethical and moral behavior, many people tend to take the path of least resistance. This is often a result of an undisciplined mind that has no motivation for positive social conduct. I believe that this is largely what ails our society today. In so many instances, discipline is absent in our schools or homes and our youth are free to live carelessly and selfishly, destroying what was once a relatively constructive and uniform way of life with rules that many abided by and were held accountable for.

    ”Destiny — What is It?”

    Dear Dr. Gelb:

    My 15-year-old is beginning to ask questions that I do not feel equipped to answer — things like what is her purpose on this planet. Yesterday, she asked me about spiritual destiny and death. I love that she reaches out, but I am not sure how to guide her.

    Concerned

    A: Dr. Gelb says . . .

    Dear Concerned:

    I can appreciate your interest in your child’s curiosity about destiny and death, and yes, it is difficult for parents to guide a child when they themselves have little concept of where they came from or where they go after death. Parents who were raised with some type of spiritual background tend to have an easier time discussing these issues.

    As an immigrant to this country I find it interesting that many Americans appear to have been raised with this type of exposure, especially since the founding fathers, who provided the Constitution did so based on their belief in a God who would guide and protect our nation. Although extremists have attempted to destroy these concepts, it is my belief that they will survive attack.

    Perhaps by now you are beginning to get my drift that to teach a child about the here and the hereafter parents need to have a frame of reference upon which to draw. When parents do not have such a foundation, it can be useful to work with some of the high-tech resources that are available, such as researching these issues on the Internet. I know of one family who educated themselves in this way, and after learning together about different paths of faith, they found the concepts and principles that they could live by. Such established methods of behavior can keep families in tact and nations strong.

    Dear Readers:

    Answers to questions in today’s column can be supplemented with excerpts from “Yesterday’s Children” written by psychologists Marti Barham, R.N., Ph.D. and Tom Greene, Ph.D. (pp. 1-2 for Answer 1; pp. 2-3 for Answer 2). For more information visit my Web site at https://www.DrGelbSays.com

    ”’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

    Legislative Hearing Notices – Feb. 25, 2003

    Hawaii Reporter
    -
    0

    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”

    2/25/03 8:30 AM SB85 RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION. JHW

    2/25/03 8:30 AM SB91 SD1 RELATING TO HIGHWAYS. JHW

    2/25/03 8:30 AM SB315 SD1 RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLE DRIVER LICENSING. JHW

    2/25/03 8:30 AM SB463 SD1 RELATING TO KAHO`OLAWE ISLAND RESERVE. JHW

    2/25/03 8:30 AM SB473 SD1 RELATING TO HALFWAY HOUSES. JHW

    2/25/03 8:30 AM SB542 SD1 RELATING TO ORGANIC LABELING. JHW

    2/25/03 8:30 AM SB690 SD1 RELATING TO ELECTIONS. JHW

    2/25/03 8:30 AM SB843 SD1 RELATING TO CONSERVATION OF AQUATIC LIFE, WILDLIFE, AND LAND PLANTS. JHW

    2/25/03 8:30 AM SB1051 RELATING TO PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION. JHW

    2/25/03 8:30 AM SB1418 SD1 RELATING TO PUBLIC LAND LIABILITY. JHW

    2/25/03 8:30 AM SB1521 RELATING TO THE COUNTIES’ EMINENT DOMAIN POWERS. JHW

    2/25/03 8:30 AM SB1554 SD1 RELATING TO NATIVE HAWAIIAN HISTORIC SITES. JHW

    2/25/03 8:30 AM SB1636 SD1 RELATING TO PUBLIC AGENCY MEETINGS AND RECORDS. JHW

    2/25/03 8:30 AM HB248 RELATING TO SMOKING IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS BY PUBLIC EMPLOYEES. LAB

    2/25/03 8:30 AM HB1574 RELATING TO CIVIL SERVICE. LAB

    2/25/03 8:30 AM HCR23 SUPPORTING THE HAWAII STATE COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN. LAB

    2/25/03 8:30 AM HR27 SUPPORTING THE HAWAII STATE COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN. LAB

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

    2/25/03 9:00 AM SB93 SD1 RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF “MEDICAL CARE” UNDER WORKERS’ COMPENSATION LAW. CPH

    2/25/03 9:00 AM SB612 RELATING TO INSURANCE. CPH

    2/25/03 9:00 AM SB683 SD1 RELATING TO DIABETES EDUCATION. CPH

    2/25/03 9:00 AM SB780 RELATING TO TEMPORARY PARTIAL DISABILITY. CPH

    2/25/03 9:00 AM SB792 SD1 RELATING TO ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSES. CPH

    2/25/03 9:00 AM SB949 SD1 RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH AND ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE TREATMENT INSURANCE BENEFITS. CPH

    2/25/03 9:00 AM SB1071 SD1 RELATING TO INDEPENDENT MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS. CPH

    2/25/03 9:00 AM SB1320 RELATING TO MEDICAL SAVINGS ACCOUNTS. CPH

    2/25/03 9:00 AM SB1321 RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH. CPH

    2/25/03 9:00 AM SB1361 SD1 RELATING TO PRESCRIPTION DRUGS. CPH

    2/25/03 9:00 AM SB1582 RELATING TO CHIROPRACTIC. CPH

    2/25/03 9:00 AM SB1270 RELATING TO ANTITRUST. CPH/JHW

    2/25/03 9:00 AM HB1456 RELATING TO THE DEPOSIT BEVERAGE CONTAINER PROGRAM. EEP

    2/25/03 9:00 AM SB235 SD2 RELATING TO GOVERNMENT. WAM

    2/25/03 9:00 AM SB425 SD1 RELATING TO HIGH TECHNOLOGY. WAM

    2/25/03 9:00 AM SB584 RELATING TO STATE FINANCES. WAM

    2/25/03 9:00 AM SB634 SD1 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR TWO COUNSELORS TO TREAT WOMEN INCARCERATED FOR DRUG-RELATED OFFENSES ON MAUI. WAM

    2/25/03 9:00 AM SB637 RELATING TO MISSING CHILDREN. WAM

    2/25/03 9:00 AM SB783 SD1 RELATING TO THE EMPLOYEE’S RETIREMENT SYSTEM FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIANS. WAM

    2/25/03 9:00 AM SB799 SD1 RELATING TO VOLUNTARY EMPLOYEES’ BENEFICIARY ASSOCIATION TRUSTS. WAM

    2/25/03 9:00 AM SB996 RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY. WAM

    2/25/03 9:00 AM SB1172 SD1 RELATING TO AIRLINES. WAM

    2/25/03 9:00 AM SB1400 RELATING TO TAX ADMINISTRATION. WAM

    2/25/03 9:00 AM SB1496 RELATING TO AGRICULTURE. WAM

    2/25/03 9:00 AM SB1599 SD1 RELATING TO THE DIAMOND HEAD STATE MONUMENT. WAM

    2/25/03 9:00 AM HB1275 RELATING TO THE SHORELINE. WLH

    2/25/03 9:00 AM SB1038 SD1 RELATING TO WATER SUPPLY. WLH

    2/25/03 9:00 AM SB1547 RELATING TO MARINE ACTIVITIES. WLH

    2/25/03 9:00 AM HB1319 RELATING TO SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREAS. WLH/EEP

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

    2/25/03 12:00 PM HB282 HD1 RELATING TO THE AUDITOR. FIN

    2/25/03 12:00 PM HB640 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE LOSS MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAM. FIN

    2/25/03 12:00 PM HB714 RELATING TO EDUCATION. FIN

    2/25/03 12:00 PM HB1175 HD1 RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION. FIN

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

    2/25/03 12:30 PM HB155 HD1 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR PINEAPPLE RESEARCH. FIN

    2/25/03 12:30 PM HB293 HD1 RELATING TO THE FARMERS’ MARKET. FIN

    2/25/03 12:30 PM HB523 HD1 RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL TOURISM. FIN

    2/25/03 12:30 PM HB1064 RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION. FIN

    2/25/03 12:30 PM HB1434 HD1 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT. FIN

    2/25/03 12:30 PM HB1465 HD1 RELATING TO INTOXICATING LIQUOR. FIN

    2/25/03 12:30 PM HB49 HD1 RELATING TO TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS. JUD

    2/25/03 12:30 PM HB807 HD1 RELATING TO CHAPTER 291E. JUD

    2/25/03 12:30 PM HB835 RELATING TO PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION. JUD

    2/25/03 12:30 PM HB993 RELATING TO RECONSTRUCTED VEHICLES. JUD

    2/25/03 12:30 PM HB1234 RELATING TO COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSING. JUD

    2/25/03 12:30 PM HB1235 RELATING TO COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSING. JUD

    2/25/03 12:30 PM HB1236 RELATING TO COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSING. JUD

    2/25/03 12:30 PM HB1309 RELATING TO EVIDENCE. JUD

    2/25/03 12:30 PM HB1496 HD1 RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLES. JUD

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

    2/25/03 1:00 PM HB135 RELATING TO INTERNATIONAL MATCHMAKING ORGANIZATIONS. JUD

    2/25/03 1:00 PM HB651 HD1 RELATING TO INFORMED CONSENT. JUD

    2/25/03 1:00 PM HB736 RELATING TO PROFESSIONAL AND VOCATIONAL LICENSES. JUD

    2/25/03 1:00 PM HB976 HD1 RELATING TO CRIME. JUD

    2/25/03 1:00 PM HB980 RELATING TO CIVIL SETTLEMENTS. JUD

    2/25/03 1:00 PM HB1076 RELATING TO APPELLATE JURISDICTION. JUD

    2/25/03 1:00 PM HB1171 HD1 RELATING TO CONCILIATION PANELS. JUD

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

    2/25/03 1:15 PM HB377 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS FOR NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATIONS THAT PROVIDE HEALTH CARE FACILITIES. FIN

    2/25/03 1:15 PM HB378 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS FOR NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATIONS THAT PROVIDE HEALTH CARE FACILITIES. FIN

    2/25/03 1:15 PM HB379 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS FOR NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATIONS THAT PROVIDE HEALTH CARE FACILITIES. FIN

    2/25/03 1:15 PM HB380 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS FOR NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATIONS THAT PROVIDE HEALTH CARE FACILITIES. FIN

    2/25/03 1:15 PM HB381 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS FOR NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATIONS THAT PROVIDE HEALTH CARE FACILITIES. FIN

    2/25/03 1:15 PM HB382 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS FOR NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATIONS THAT PROVIDE HEALTH CARE FACILITIES. FIN

    2/25/03 1:15 PM HB383 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS FOR NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATIONS THAT PROVIDE HEALTH CARE FACILITIES. FIN

    2/25/03 1:15 PM HB384 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS FOR NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATIONS THAT PROVIDE HEALTH CARE FACILITIES. FIN

    2/25/03 1:15 PM HB520 RELATING TO HEALTH CARE FACILITIES. FIN

    2/25/03 1:15 PM HB645 RELATING TO SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS FOR ASSISTING NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATIONS THAT PROVIDE HEALTH CARE FACILITIES TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC. FIN

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

    2/25/03 1:30 PM HB193 RELATING TO LANDOWNERS’ LIABILITY. JUD

    2/25/03 1:30 PM HB284 RELATING TO ELECTIONS. JUD

    2/25/03 1:30 PM HB385 HD1 RELATING TO THE PREVENTION OF WORKPLACE VIOLENCE. JUD

    2/25/03 1:30 PM HB500 RELATING TO FAMILY COURTS. JUD

    2/25/03 1:30 PM HB519 RELATING TO THE ELDER JUSTICE ACT. JUD

    2/25/03 1:30 PM HB524 RELATING TO LANDOWNERS’ LIABILITY. JUD

    2/25/03 1:30 PM HB526 HD1 RELATING TO HOME OCCUPATIONS WITHIN AGRICULTURAL DISTRICTS. JUD

    2/25/03 1:30 PM HB800 HD1 RELATING TO DEPENDENT ADULTS. JUD

    2/25/03 1:30 PM HB1004 RELATING TO DISPOSITION OF CONVICTED DEFENDANTS. JUD

    2/25/03 1:30 PM HB1214 HD1 RELATING TO PUBLIC LAND LIABILITY. JUD

    2/25/03 1:30 PM HB1219 RELATING TO CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES. JUD

    2/25/03 1:30 PM HB1220 RELATING TO THE HAWAII PAROLING AUTHORITY. JUD

    2/25/03 1:30 PM HB1352 RELATING TO ELECTIONS. JUD

    2/25/03 1:30 PM HB1447 RELATING TO IDENTITY THEFT. JUD

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

    2/25/03 2:00 PM SB815 RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS. ENE

    2/25/03 2:00 PM SB1505 RELATING TO INVASIVE SPECIES. ENE

    2/25/03 2:00 PM HB295 HD1 RELATING TO THE PUBLIC LAND TRUST. FIN

    2/25/03 2:00 PM HB1212 HD1 RELATING TO LAND EXCHANGES. FIN

    2/25/03 2:00 PM HB1302 RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS. FIN

    2/25/03 2:00 PM HB1303 RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS. FIN

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

    2/25/03 2:45 PM SB427 RELATING TO GOVERNMENT RECORDS. SAT/JHW

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

    2/25/03 3:00 PM HB21 HD1 RELATING TO CORPORATE DISCLOSURE. FIN

    2/25/03 3:00 PM HB90 RELATING TO LONG-TERM CARE. FIN

    2/25/03 3:00 PM HB146 HD1 RELATING TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. FIN

    2/25/03 3:00 PM HB291 HD1 RELATING TO THE JOB CREATION INCOME TAX CREDIT. FIN

    2/25/03 3:00 PM HB626 RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNT CONTRIBUTION TAX CREDIT. FIN

    2/25/03 3:00 PM HB685 HD1 RELATING TO ENTERPRISE ZONE. FIN

    2/25/03 3:00 PM HB879 RELATING TO TAXATION. FIN

    2/25/03 3:00 PM HB1223 HD1 RELATING TO CONFORMITY OF THE HAWAII INCOME TAX LAW TO THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE. FIN

    2/25/03 3:00 PM HB1394 HD1 RELATING TO TAXATION TO STIMULATE THE ECONOMY. FIN

    2/25/03 3:00 PM HB1400 RELATING TO HOTEL CONSTRUCTION AND REMODELING TAX CREDIT. FIN

    2/25/03 3:00 PM HB1410 RELATING TO TAX CREDITS. FIN

    2/25/03 3:00 PM HB1628 RELATING TO EDUCATIONAL LOANS. FIN

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

    2/25/03 5:30 PM HB91 RELATING TO GOVERNMENT SERVICES. FIN

    2/25/03 5:30 PM HB179 HD1 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE PURCHASE OF LAND IN NORTH KONA. FIN

    2/25/03 5:30 PM HB196 RELATING TO A GEOTHERMAL-TO-HYDROGEN TAX CREDIT. FIN

    2/25/03 5:30 PM HB288 HD1 RELATING TO ENERGY CONSERVATION INITIATIVES. FIN

    2/25/03 5:30 PM HB297 HD1 RELATING TO DRUGS. FIN

    2/25/03 5:30 PM HB298 HD1 RELATING TO CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES. FIN

    2/25/03 5:30 PM HB317 HD2 RELATING TO THE EMPLOYEES’ RETIREMENT SYSTEM. FIN

    2/25/03 5:30 PM HB400 RELATING TO THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCING AGREEMENTS. FIN

    2/25/03 5:30 PM HB413 HD1 RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF ELECTIONS. FIN

    2/25/03 5:30 PM HB473 HD1 RELATING TO THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION. FIN

    2/25/03 5:30 PM HB550 HD1 RELATING TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICAL FACILITIES. FIN

    2/25/03 5:30 PM HB551 HD1 RELATED TO THE STATE HEALTH PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY. FIN

    2/25/03 5:30 PM HB682 HD1 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO PREVENT CRYSTAL METHAMPHETAMINE USE. FIN

    2/25/03 5:30 PM HB737 HD2 RELATING TO CLEAN WATER. FIN

    2/25/03 5:30 PM HB756 HD1 RELATING TO ELECTIONS. FIN

    2/25/03 5:30 PM HB857 RELATING TO CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES. FIN

    2/25/03 5:30 PM HB907 HD1 RELATING TO ADULT RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES. FIN

    2/25/03 5:30 PM HB914 HD1 RELATING TO ADULT RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES. FIN

    2/25/03 5:30 PM HB925 HD2 RELATING TO ELDER ABUSE. FIN

    2/25/03 5:30 PM HB1003 HD1 RELATING TO CRIME VICTIM COMPENSATION. FIN

    2/25/03 5:30 PM HB1077 MAKING EMERGENCY APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE OFFICES OF THE GOVERNOR AND LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR. FIN

    2/25/03 5:30 PM HB1152 RELATING TO STATE FUNDS. FIN

    2/25/03 5:30 PM HB1153 HD1 RELATING TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS RELAY SERVICES. FIN

    2/25/03 5:30 PM HB1154 RELATING TO UNCLAIMED PROPERTY. FIN

    2/25/03 5:30 PM HB1181 MAKING AN EMERGENCY APPROPRIATION FOR THE HAWAII HEALTH SYSTEMS CORPORATION. FIN

    2/25/03 5:30 PM HB1194 MAKING AN EMERGENCY APPROPRIATION FOR MEDICAID. FIN

    2/25/03 5:30 PM HB1195 RELATING TO HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. FIN

    2/25/03 5:30 PM HB1224 RELATING TO THE AMENDMENT OR REPEAL OF OBSOLETE TAX LAWS. FIN

    2/25/03 5:30 PM HB1230 RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION. FIN

    2/25/03 5:30 PM HB1253 RELATING TO PROCUREMENT. FIN

    2/25/03 5:30 PM HB1412 HD2 RELATING TO PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS. FIN

    2/25/03 5:30 PM HB1590 HD1 RELATING TO VETERANS’ RIGHTS AND BENEFITS. FIN

    2/25/03 5:30 PM HB1603 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO ESTABLISH AN ADOLESCENT TREATMENT CENTER ON THE ISLAND OF HAWAII. FIN

    2/25/03 5:30 PM HB1604 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO PREVENT CRYSTAL METHAMPHETAMINE USE. FIN

    2/25/03 5:30 PM HB1613 HD1 RELATING TO NORTH KOHALA. FIN

    2/25/03 5:30 PM HB1616 HD1 RELATING TO LONG-TERM CARE. FIN

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

    Stop the Proposed Tax Increase Set to be Heard in the Senate Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2003

    Hawaii Reporter
    -
    0

    A bill to increase the General Excise Tax from 4 percent to 4.5 percent (a 12.5 percent increase) is set for hearing on Wed., Feb 26 at 9 a.m., Senate Ways & Means Committee, Conference Room 211.

    It’s SB 1626, SD 1. It would increase the GET to 4.5 percent (except for Realtors, who would get a special rate of only 2 percent), add a $100 income tax credit for Hawaii residents (supposedly to help offset the GET on food), and earmark $90 million for education.

    This is potentially a ”’huge”’ tax increase — the GET accounts for almost half of all state tax revenue, and a 12.5 percent increase in the GET would affect virtually everyone.

    ”’Ron Heller can be reached via email at:”’ mailto:rheller@torkildson.com

    The Peter Principles: Divided We Stand

    Hawaii Reporter
    -
    0

    WASHINGTON, Feb. 20 (UPI) — For the Democrats, the warning signs are everywhere. The 2002 off-year elections did not turn out to their benefit. The Republicans increased their majority in the U.S. House, maintained their majority of governorships and actually passed the Democrats in the total number of state legislative seats held across the country — if just by a hair.

    Not only did the GOP reverse the historic trend of the president’s party losing state legislative seats in every midterm election since 1938 but, for the first time since the direct election of senators was instituted after 1913, the president’s party took control of the Senate in an off-year election.

    This is a major setback for a party that came within a few hundred votes of winning the White House in 2000.

    The Rev. Al Sharpton, the political activist who first came to national prominence during New York’s racial unrest in the late 1980s, has thrown his hat into the presidential ring. National Democrats are, understandably, troubled by this development.

    Former Vice President Al Gore received close to 90 percent of the black vote in the 2000 election. When the election results are examined county-by-county rather than state-by-state, the importance of that vote in states Gore won can be clearly seen.

    So overwhelming was his support among blacks that it probably led to Gore’s winning several states including Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota and possibly even Pennsylvania, which he carried by almost 200,000 votes.

    Sharpton, whose National Action Network practices an in-your-face style of political attack, has gained stature and credibility from a public that once considered him highly suspect.

    He first surfaced as a spokesman and adviser to Tawana Brawley, a 15-year-old New York girl who claimed six law enforcement officials had abducted and raped her. Brawley, like Sharpton, is black while the accused officials were all white.

    The allegations later proved unfounded, but not before Sharpton had elevated racial tension in the state to such a fevered pitch that New York Gov. Mario Cuomo, a Democrat, was forced to step in.

    Sharpton, whose candidacy has been likened by many to the 1984 presidential bid by the Rev. Jesse Jackson, gives every indication that he is serious about his run for the Democratic nomination. In one sense he is a natural candidate for the party. He comes out of what is its most increasingly important and generally most reliable voting block — black Americans.

    Donna Brazile, who ran Gore’s 2000 presidential bid and may in fact be the best political strategist and operative the party has, is encouraging that Sharpton’s candidacy be taken seriously. In spite of Sharpton’s checkered past, Brazile is urging fellow Democrats to “debate him” rather than “disown him” if his candidacy is troubled.

    Running from well outside the party establishment, Sharpton may evolve into the real leader of blacks within the Democratic Party who feel the establishment takes them for granted and the Republicans have nothing to offer.

    Brazile, in her analysis of the coming election, repeatedly points to data from the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, a group researching issues of concern to black Americans. A Joint Center survey from last fall found “a noteworthy change in black partisan identification” since the 2000 Bush-Gore contest.

    “In 2002 63 percent of African-Americans were self-identified Democrats,” the studies says. This represents a drop of 11 points since 2000 — something most analysts would see as a hemorrhage in almost any other voting bloc.

    Sharpton may have something to offer these people, making him a potential political power who, quite obviously, cannot be controlled. This kind of thing has been seen before.

    Ross Perot, in his two runs for president from outside the two-party structure, reached out to disaffected populists. Conservative Pat Robertson’s 1988 bid for the GOP nomination, while equally unsuccessful, brought tens of thousands of conservative evangelicals into the GOP. In the final analysis Robertson’s people stayed on the field while, for the most part, Perot’s people went home.

    Sharpton’s presidential run could lead to the creation of a powerful but, like Perot’s, temporary voter bloc. It could also be something more permanent, something that will eventually change the Democratic Party at every level into something much closer to what he believes then it may now be.

    Enter Carol Moseley-Braun, who parlayed the racial tensions of the mid-80s in Chicago into a single term in Washington. She upset entrenched Sen. Alan Dixon in a Democrat primary on her way to becoming the first black woman elected to the U.S. Senate.

    Moseley-Braun is, based on her resume, a more serious candidate than Sharpton. She has actually won elective office.

    Based on her single, scandal-tainted Senate term, however, she is not to be taken seriously — unless, that is, the party solons, who cannot agree on who the presidential nominee should be, conclude that Sharpton cannot be permitted to be the only black voice in the race, the voice of black America.

    This is a hard backhand to Sharpton and may, in fact, exacerbate exactly the kind of divisions that his entry into the race was meant to stop.

    ”’The Peter Principles is a regular column on politics, culture and the media by Peter Roff, UPI political analyst and 20-year veteran of the Washington scene.”’

    Copyright 2003 by United Press International. All rights reserved.

    1...1,9671,9681,969...2,028Page 1,968 of 2,028

    Recent

    Most Commented

    Popular

    Contact us