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    Lethal Environmental Ethics

    It may be based on a noble quest to safeguard our Earth’s future. But the “good science” of ecology leaves many urgent questions unanswered.

    Why do developed countries impose their environmental ethics on poor countries that are simply trying to pass through a stage they themselves went through? After taking numerous risks to reach their current economic and technological status, why do they tell poor countries to use no energy, agricultural or pest control technologies that might pose some conceivable risk of environmental harm? Why do they tell poor countries to follow sustainable development doctrines that really mean little or no energy or economic development?

    In the 1940s, malaria afflicted 300 million people worldwide, and killed 3 million, every year. With the help of DDT, developed nations eradicated this killer disease. Poor countries in Asia and Africa reduced malaria death rates by 70 percent in the early 1950s.

    But then pressure from developed countries drastically restricted the use of DDT, on the basis of environmental concerns. Last year, malaria again infected over 300 million people and killed over 2 million — most of them in Africa, and half of them children. Those who don’t die are often unable to work for weeks or months on end, sapping economies and health-care resources.

    Biotechnology restrictions imposed by developed countries result in millions facing malnutrition and starvation, eating anything that flies or crawls, and plowing under vast areas of wildlife habitat, in hope of surviving another day. Bans on fossil fuel and hydroelectric power plants mean people chop down forests or risk disease from burning dung.

    If only people in developed countries could see them, too. These people are “passionate about environmental causes,” but they ignore the millions who are poverty stricken, sick, starving and even dying because of misguided environmental policies. They send us aid, but it would be far better if they let us trade with them, develop our resources, set our own policies and determine our own destinies.

    People in developed countries can afford to worry about climate change, endangered bugs and a few hundred more dying of cancer before they are 70. We have to worry about millions of people dying of malaria, typhoid, dysentery and starvation. Millions of parents in sub-Saharan Africa must worry about where they will get their next meal, whether the water they drink will kill them and whether their babies will live beyond age five. As if that is not enough, they worry that HIV/AIDS will kill many who somehow survive these other diseases.

    In the name of “corporate social responsibility,” some companies have been forced by lobbyists to engage in activities that make the predicament of people in poor countries even worse. BP (British Petroleum) and Royal Dutch Shell support organizations and governments that oppose energy and economic development, international trade and the use of DDT. These groups say Africa and India should rely on expensive make-believe energy options, like wind and solar, that further delays our economic, health and environmental progress.

    Meanwhile, in 2001 alone, BP spent $8.5 billion on oil and gas operations, $100 million on its “Beyond Petroleum” advertising campaign, and a mere $33 million on renewable energy.

    To think long term does not give rich countries a license to restrict poor nations from making use of their resources. People need access to health care, they need to trade and they cannot do this when science is turned into a political tool to harass the poor.

    African countries face other tough battles, too. Europe in particular has confined their exports largely to primary products and imposed high tariffs on processed commodities. Many agricultural products from poor countries face quarantine rules that act as trade barriers, if Africans do not follow strict environmental standards.

    Even if they use DDT to stop terrible malaria epidemics or plant genetically modified bananas or sweet potatoes to prevent famines, these standards block our produce out of the richer markets. Along with price-distorting domestic subsidies, these policies have severely impacted economic growth in poor countries.

    A recent Kenya government report concludes that small farmers face such great difficulty in meeting stringent EU market requirements that their exports and revenues have been negatively affected. In 2001, Kenya’s farmers earned only Ksh 20,221 million ($259 million) from the export of flowers, fruits and vegetables. In previous years, Kenya and other East African countries were hard hit by a ban on fish exports.

    Corporate social responsibility ought not be used to impose policies that kill people. It should not be used to render poor populations sick, unproductive and perpetually destitute.

    For rich countries to tell poor nations to invest only in alternative energy and ban chemicals that help control disease-carrying insects – and then claim to be responsible, humanitarian and compassionate – is to engage in hypocrisy of the most lethal kind.

    ”’James Shikwati is director the Inter Region Economic Network (IREN), in Nairobi, Kenya.”’

    Grassroot Perspective – Feb. 13, 2003-Car Not Guilty of Fireworks Explosion; Lawyer Fees Reduced for Tobacco Litigation

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    “Dick Rowland Image”

    ”Shoots (News, Views and Quotes)”

    Today is a law day for shoots. Read and weep, laugh or just scratch your head.

    – Car Not Guilty of Fireworks Explosion

    The search for deep pockets in litigation is never-ending. On a recent Fourth of July, six young people rented a car from Enterprise Rent-A-Car and drove through a neighborhood in Des Moines, Iowa, shooting bottle rockets at pedestrians. One of the bottle rockets exploded prematurely, setting off Roman candles and other fireworks inside the car. Two of the passengers were severely burned and a third died. Since the young man who was actually firing the rockets ended up in jail on an unrelated matter and was effectively judgment-proof, the injured passengers sued Enterprise instead on the legal theory that the owner of a car is responsible for any damages it causes. The jury would have none of it, however, and in October completely exonerated the rent-a-car company. From The National Law Journal

    – Lawyer Fees Reduced for Tobacco Litigation

    Like Attorneys General in many other states, Illinois’ AG Jim Ryan signed a poorly thought out agreement with private law firms to sue tobacco companies on the state’s behalf. When the tobacco companies settled, Illinois was left looking at a $910 million bill — 10 percent of the state’s share of the Master Settlement Agreement — for hardly any legal work. On Dec. 17, the Cook County Circuit Court approved a settlement between the lawyers and the State of Illinois reducing the fee to the still-princely sum of $121 million. From The Chicago Sun-Times

    Above articles are quoted from the Heartland Institute https://www.heartland.org Lawsuit Abuse Fortnighty January 2003.

    ”Roots (Food for Thought)”

    Here is another thoughtful essay from our friend, Bill Hastings, an attorney on the Big Island.

    Jan. 12, 2003

    Dear Editor:

    The several responses to Lisa Vail’s letter regarding seatbelt laws and checkpoints have been enlightening. I am amazed at how little value is attached to individual liberty. Leetha Paogofie tells us that the police don’t make the laws, they only enforce them. Fair enough. But someone in the police departments or their superiors elsewhere in government decides where to expend our limited police resources. That someone decided that it was more important to have “click it or ticket” programs than to focus those resources on “ice” or other law enforcement needs in our community. (By the way, I believe in seatbelts; I’m alive today because I have always used one.)

    An earlier writer suggested that such laws are good, because we know that buckling up is the right and safe thing to do. Moreover, if we are injured or killed as a result of our foolishness, then we or our families may become a burden on society. Therefore, it is appropriate that we be required to act in a way that will protect us from harm.

    By this logic, there are many more significant things that “the Law” ought to require. Why are we wasting time worrying about such a little thing as seatbelt use? We have read recently of the major health problems caused by over-eating. Certainly the cost and suffering in our society flowing from improperly seatbelt use is minuscule compared to that resulting from obesity. Shouldn’t there be a law requiring people to eat properly? Shouldn’t parents be fined or sent to jail if they allow their children to get fat? In fact, shouldn’t the government mandate a well-balance diet: lots of fruits and vegetables, not too much starch or sugar, plenty of protein. Look at the cost and suffering in our community caused by diabetes. Luaus ought to be outlawed; McDonalds should be closed. They create temptations to overeating that few can resist. Restaurants should be required to serve smaller portions. Alcohol use is well known to cause many health problems, which in turn place a major financial burdens on our society. It’s certainly a bigger problem than seatbelts. Prohibition should be brought back.

    WHT recently reported that over 70,000 people die in America each year from the flu. Shouldn’t there be a law against going to work or church or the mall or school when you are sick? Clearly the suffering caused to those innocents who catch the bug from you justifies a fine. (On the other hand, the report said most of the flu victims are elderly, so perhaps removing them from Social Security and Medicare is, on balance, a good thing.)

    Look at divorce: the negative impact on children from a broken home is well documented. They are much more likely to end up dropping out of school, pregnant, on welfare, on drugs, in gangs or otherwise in trouble with the law. The costs to society resulting from divorce are enormous. Surely, divorce should be illegal. (Of course, unhappy marriages aren’t good either; they should be outlawed.)

    Life is full of risks. Surfing is risky; people drown. Jogging and walking are risky; people have heart attacks or get hit by inattentive drivers. Hiking is risky; people get lost or injured. Of course, we all know that driving is very risky. In fact, we should probably all stay in bed all day.

    So, no, I don’t think our lawmakers have a right to outlaw risky behaviors. There shouldn’t be seatbelt laws or helmet laws or laws against riding in the back of pickups or using cell phones while driving. Slippery slides and swings shouldn’t have been removed from our parks and schools. I shouldn’t be required to buy an air bag in my new car.

    I don’t want to live in an antiseptic society where I am only allowed to make “right” choices. (Besides, occasionally what everyone knows is “right” turns out not be right at all.) I don’t want to be fined because my action just might increase my risk of injury. Liberty means nothing if it does not mean the right to make choices considered by some to be stupid or foolish. (Of course, I must accept the consequences of my foolishness.) Only if I directly threaten the person or property of another does my government have the legitimate right to tell me, “No.” Let government warn me of the risks, but please, leave me free to choose.

    Bill Hastings, Kamuela P.O. Box 628 Kamuela, HI 06743.

    ”Evergreen (Today’s Quotes)”

    “Society in every state is a blessing, but Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state, an intolerable one.” — Thomas Paine, Common Sense [1776]

    “Our country has stumbled into socialism during the past half century; by now — 1958 — we have adopted nearly all the things socialists stand for. Those of us who are aware of socialism’s built-in destructiveness have watched this process with apprehension and are forever predicting, or warning against, the impending catastrophe which we think we see hanging over our society. Under socialism, some men are put at the disposal of other men, deliberately, legally, and on principle. Socialism, in other words, is premised in an immoral extension of political power.” — Leonard E. Read, Essays on Liberty, Volume VI [1959]

    ”’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 Being Undecided to Being Down

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    “Suzanne Gelb Image”

    Dear Readers:

    As an added resource, over the next few months I will supplement my answers with self-help materials. Supplemental reading for today’s answers can be found in my book “Welcome Home. A Book About Overcoming Addictions” (pp. 77 for Answer 1; pp. 78 for Answer 2). For more information visit my Web site at https://www.DrGelbSays.com

    ”Confused – What Does it Mean?”

    Dear Dr. Gelb:

    I heard you once on the radio when you were doing that show on KHVH on Sundays, and you said something about that when we think we are confused often it is more that we are undecided. Can you explain again about confusion and indecision, because I sure feel confused a lot?

    Indecision

    A: Dr. Gelb says . . .

    Dear Indecision:

    I recall addressing that issue on my radio show “Are You Listening?” which addressed healthy living issues. By the way, I hope to start the weekly show up again soon. As you may recall, I stopped the show when I decided to attend law school. I will post the information about any start up times on my Web site and I hope that you can tune in.

    And yes, I still advocate the same concepts and approaches that I discussed on the air regarding the emotional and mental dilemmas which society may face as it tries to behave correctly both socially and morally. In many arenas and from many perspectives (e.g., academically, professionally and morally) people face difficult challenges and choices that present conflicting ideas or opinions. This can generate much indecision. This indecision about what to do has nothing, in my opinion, to do with the mind being confused. The mind is merely undecided about what choice to make, or it is waiting for a correct answer to present itself.

    Confusion is noticed when there is the absence of a choice, such as in the case of a deranged personality. Typically, such a personality cannot think clearly, put facts together, or organize thought processes in order to make a decision. This is confusion, whose roots may lie with organic or psychological factors. Such impairment of the mind tends to render it incapable of decision-making. Alzheimer’s can be considered as exemplifying neurological confusion.

    Another misinterpretation about confusion tends to arise when one person is trying to teach another something or is sharing a concept that the listener does not understand (it could be due to not knowing about the subject, for example). However, not understanding something does not mean that the mind is confused. Recall the old saying, “don’t confuse me with facts. My mind is made up.”

    ”Depressed – Why do I go There?”

    Dear Dr. Gelb:

    I feel that I am in a good place with my life, but when something disappointing happens, I get depressed fast. Then it is hard to pull myself out of it. How can I break this cycle?

    Stuck in a Rut

    A: Dr. Gelb says . . .

    Dear Stuck:

    You said it, I didn’t. When “something happens that is disappointing.” So many people use that word to describe feeling depressed, and in my opinion, it is that word which points to why they feel depressed. I do not believe that a sane person experiences clinical depression. I am also of the opinion that many of the behaviors that are perceived as depression are better described as moods. That mood is invariably a result of suppressed or repressed anger.

    When a person feels angry or afraid of something or somebody and they cannot express how they feel, it is not uncommon for them to revert to a mood of passivity rather than to express the rage they feel. This passive behavior is often labeled “depression.” When these emotions can be safely expressed, then the passive mood tends to subside. On the other hand with clinical depression, it is not that easy to dismiss and must be addressed accordingly — such as, by way of medication and intensive psychodrama therapy. (Sometimes hypnosis can positively affect clinical depression).

    ”’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. 13, 2003

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    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 https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/site1/docs/hearing/hearing2.asp?press1=docs&button1=current 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”

    2/13/03 8:30 AM HB309 RELATING TO BUSINESS INCUBATORS. EDB

    2/13/03 8:30 AM HB685 RELATING TO ENTERPRISE ZONE. EDB

    2/13/03 8:30 AM HB1392 HD1 RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY. EDB

    2/13/03 8:30 AM HB1675 RELATING TO TRADITIONAL HAWAIIAN HEALING PRACTICES. HLT/WLH

    2/13/03 8:30 AM HB1123 RELATING TO TERRORISM. PSM

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

    2/13/03 8:45 AM HB6 RELATING TO THE TOBACCO SETTLEMENT MONEYS. HLT

    2/13/03 8:45 AM HB279 RELATING TO HEALTH. HLT

    2/13/03 8:45 AM HB377 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS FOR NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATIONS THAT PROVIDE HEALTH CARE FACILITIES. HLT

    2/13/03 8:45 AM HB378 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS FOR NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATIONS THAT PROVIDE HEALTH CARE FACILITIES. HLT

    2/13/03 8:45 AM HB379 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS FOR NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATIONS THAT PROVIDE HEALTH CARE FACILITIES. HLT

    2/13/03 8:45 AM HB380 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS FOR NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATIONS THAT PROVIDE HEALTH CARE FACILITIES. HLT

    2/13/03 8:45 AM HB381 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS FOR NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATIONS THAT PROVIDE HEALTH CARE FACILITIES. HLT

    2/13/03 8:45 AM HB382 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS FOR NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATIONS THAT PROVIDE HEALTH CARE FACILITIES. HLT

    2/13/03 8:45 AM HB383 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS FOR NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATIONS THAT PROVIDE HEALTH CARE FACILITIES. HLT

    2/13/03 8:45 AM HB384 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS FOR NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATIONS THAT PROVIDE HEALTH CARE FACILITIES. HLT

    2/13/03 8:45 AM HB423 RELATING TO CANCER DETECTION SPECIAL FUND. HLT

    2/13/03 8:45 AM HB434 RELATING TO SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS FOR NORTH HAWAII COMMUNITY HOSPITAL, INC. HLT

    2/13/03 8:45 AM HB436 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO FUND A SECOND AMBULANCE TO SERVE THE WAIANAE COAST. HLT

    2/13/03 8:45 AM HB566 RELATING TO LIABILITY. HLT

    2/13/03 8:45 AM HB651 RELATING TO INFORMED CONSENT. HLT

    2/13/03 8:45 AM HB730 RELATING TO OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS. HLT

    2/13/03 8:45 AM HB903 RELATING TO SCHOOL HEALTH. HLT

    2/13/03 8:45 AM HB909 HD1 RELATING TO NATIVE HAWAIIAN HEALTH. HLT

    2/13/03 8:45 AM HB1178 RELATING TO REGISTRATION OF VITAL STATISTICS. HLT

    2/13/03 8:45 AM HB1186 RELATING TO PSYCHIATRIC FACILITIES. HLT

    2/13/03 8:45 AM HB1419 RELATING TO RESEARCH. HLT

    2/13/03 8:45 AM HB1426 RELATING TO SUBSTANCE ABUSE. HLT

    2/13/03 8:45 AM HB1603 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO ESTABLISH AN ADOLESCENT TREATMENT CENTER ON THE ISLAND OF HAWAII. HLT

    2/13/03 8:45 AM HB1604 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO PREVENT CRYSTAL METHAMPHETAMINE USE. HLT

    2/13/03 8:45 AM HB169 RELATING TO FAMILY CAREGIVERS. HLT/HSH

    2/13/03 8:45 AM HB251 RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A STATE FOOD SECURITY COUNCIL. HLT/HSH

    2/13/03 8:45 AM HB906 RELATING TO ADULT RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES. HLT/HSH

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

    2/13/03 9:00 AM SB508 RELATING TO ELECTRONIC MAIL. CPH

    2/13/03 9:00 AM SB695 RELATING TO PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS. CPH

    2/13/03 9:00 AM SB778 RELATING TO TEMPORARY DISABILITY INSURANCE. CPH

    2/13/03 9:00 AM SB1087 RELATING TO CONDOMINIUMS. CPH

    2/13/03 9:00 AM HB467 HD1 RELATING TO SOLID WASTE. EEP

    2/13/03 9:00 AM HB1328 RELATING TO THE CONSUMER ADVOCATE. EEP

    2/13/03 9:00 AM HB1678 RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL RIGHTS. EEP/WLH

    2/13/03 9:00 AM HB142 RELATING TO SPECIAL NUMBER PLATES. PSM

    2/13/03 9:00 AM HB330 RELATING TO LEAVES OF ABSENCE. PSM

    2/13/03 9:00 AM HB625 RELATING TO ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMS TO INCARCERATION. PSM

    2/13/03 9:00 AM HB857 RELATING TO CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES. PSM

    2/13/03 9:00 AM HB950 RELATING TO E911 AND 311 TELEPHONE SURCHARGES. PSM

    2/13/03 9:00 AM HB1311 RELATING TO DEPUTY SHERIFFS. PSM

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

    2/13/03 9:45 AM HB1260 HD1 RELATING TO PUBLIC SAFETY. PSM

    2/13/03 9:45 AM HB1261 HD1 RELATING TO PUBLIC SAFETY. PSM

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

    2/13/03 11:30 AM HB550 RELATING TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICAL FACILITIES. EDB/HLT

    2/13/03 11:30 AM HB551 RELATED TO THE STATE HEALTH PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY. EDB/HLT

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

    2/13/03 1:15 PM SB425 RELATING TO HIGH TECHNOLOGY. ECD

    2/13/03 1:15 PM SB509 RELATING TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS. ECD

    2/13/03 1:15 PM SB519 MAKING A MATCHING FUNDS APPROPRIATION TO SUPPORT A PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP TO MARKET AND PROMOTE INCENTIVES PROVIDED BY ACT 221, SESSION LAWS OF HAWAII 2001, FOR INVESTORS TO INVEST IN HIGH TECHNOLOGY IN HAWAII. ECD

    2/13/03 1:15 PM SB724 RELATING TO THE KANEOHE BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL. ECD

    2/13/03 1:15 PM SB726 RELATING TO THE SPECIAL ADVISORY COUNCIL FOR TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT. ECD

    2/13/03 1:15 PM SB803 AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS AND MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR DIAMOND HEAD STATE MONUMENT VISITORS CENTER. ECD

    2/13/03 1:15 PM SB812 RELATING TO SMALL BUSINESS HIGH TECHNOLOGY EMPLOYMENT TAX CREDIT. ECD

    2/13/03 1:15 PM SB868 RELATING TO RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION TAX CREDIT. ECD

    2/13/03 1:15 PM SB872 AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS AND MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF STATE PARK FACILITIES. ECD

    2/13/03 1:15 PM SB1053 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR PLANS FOR HE`EIA KEA BEACH PARK. ECD

    2/13/03 1:15 PM SB1211 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS TO ASSIST PROCESSING ENTERPRISES. ECD

    2/13/03 1:15 PM SB1215 RELATING TO TAXATION. ECD

    2/13/03 1:15 PM SB1250 RELATING TO NEW ECONOMY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT. ECD

    2/13/03 1:15 PM SB1450 RELATING TO STATE ENTERPRISE ZONES. ECD

    2/13/03 1:15 PM SB1599 RELATING TO THE DIAMOND HEAD STATE MONUMENT. ECD

    2/13/03 1:15 PM SB1648 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE HAWAII STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION. ECD

    2/13/03 1:15 PM SB1696 RELATING TO THE EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING FUND. ECD

    2/13/03 1:15 PM SB1697 RELATING TO TRANSITION TO WORK. ECD

    2/13/03 1:15 PM SB1704 RELATING TO A FILM PRODUCTION/POST PRODUCTION/HAWAIIAN CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL FACILITY AND WAREHOUSE WITHIN OR NEAR HEEIA STATE PARK. ECD

    2/13/03 1:15 PM SB725 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE KAHUKU AREA AS A HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER. ECD/HTH

    2/13/03 1:15 PM SB9 RELATING TO EDUCATION. EDU/ECD

    2/13/03 1:15 PM SB1433 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION. EDU/ECD

    2/13/03 1:15 PM SB1527 RELATING TO A CONSTRUCTION RESOURCES RESEARCH CENTER. EDU/ECD

    2/13/03 1:15 PM SB826 RELATING TO TIME SHARING. TSM

    2/13/03 1:15 PM SB828 RELATING TO TIME SHARING PLANS. TSM

    2/13/03 1:15 PM SB1081 RELATING TO THE TRANSIENT ACCOMMODATIONS TAX. TSM

    2/13/03 1:15 PM SB1210 RELATING TO THE HAWAII TOURISM AUTHORITY. TSM

    2/13/03 1:15 PM SB1632 RELATING TO TIME SHARE. TSM

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

    2/13/03 1:45 PM SB811 RELATING TO PROMOTION OF HIGH TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRIES IN HAWAII. ECD/TSM

    2/13/03 1:45 PM SB1181 RELATING TO INCOME TAX CREDITS. ECD/TSM

    2/13/03 1:45 PM SB1174 RELATING TO HOTEL CONSTRUCTION AND REMODELING TAX CREDIT. TSM/ECD

    2/13/03 1:45 PM SB1252 RELATING TO TAX CREDITS. TSM/ECD

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

    2/13/03 2:00 PM HB287 RELATING TO PUBLIC EMPLOYEES. JUD

    2/13/03 2:00 PM HB525 RELATING TO ABSENTEE VOTING. JUD

    2/13/03 2:00 PM HB808 RELATING TO THE JUDICIARY. JUD

    2/13/03 2:00 PM HB976 RELATING TO CRIME. JUD

    2/13/03 2:00 PM HB1003 RELATING TO CRIME VICTIM COMPENSATION. JUD

    2/13/03 2:00 PM HB1112 RELATING TO CHAPTER 846E, HAWAII REVISED STATUTES. JUD

    2/13/03 2:00 PM HB1272 HD1 RELATING TO ADVOCACY FOR HUMAN SERVICES. JUD

    2/13/03 2:00 PM HB1547 RELATING TO ELECTIONS. JUD

    2/13/03 2:00 PM HB1636 RELATING TO HAWAIIAN HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION. JUD

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

    2/13/03 2:30 PM SB499 RELATING TO CLEAN POWER. ENE

    2/13/03 2:30 PM SB503 RELATING TO CLEAN WATER.H ENE

    2/13/03 2:30 PM SB527 RELATING TO LAND USE. ENE

    2/13/03 2:30 PM SB557 RELATING TO INVASIVE SPECIES. ENE

    2/13/03 2:30 PM SB588 RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES. ENE

    2/13/03 2:30 PM SB604 RELATING TO ROADSIDE HERBICIDE USE. ENE

    2/13/03 2:30 PM SB722 RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY. ENE

    2/13/03 2:30 PM SB819 RELATING TO CONSERVATION. ENE

    2/13/03 2:30 PM SB843 RELATING TO CONSERVATION OF AQUATIC LIFE, WILDLIFE, AND LAND PLANTS. ENE

    2/13/03 2:30 PM SB1417 RELATING TO ENDANGERED SPECIES. ENE

    2/13/03 2:30 PM None Informational Briefing FIN

    2/13/03 2:30 PM SB624 RELATING TO INFORMED CONSENT. HTH

    2/13/03 2:30 PM SB736 RELATING TO PSYCHOLOGISTS. HTH

    2/13/03 2:30 PM SB1446 RELATING TO TECHNOLOGY. HTH/SAT

    2/13/03 2:30 PM SB1218 RELATING TO HAWAII HEALTH SYSTEMS CORPORATION. SAT

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

    2/13/03 2:45 PM SB1067 RELATING TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. ECD/ENE

    2/13/03 2:45 PM SB1206 RELATING TO TAXATION. ECD/ENE

    2/13/03 2:45 PM SB520 MAKING A MATCHING FUNDS APPROPRIATION TO SUPPORT A PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP TO MARKET AND PROMOTE ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ACTIVITIES AND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN HAWAII BY DEVELOPING AN ALTERNATIVE ENERGY INTERNET PORTAL. ENE/ECD

    2/13/03 2:45 PM SB1080 RELATING TO PENALTIES. ENE/ECD

    2/13/03 2:45 PM SB3 RELATING TO SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS FOR NORTH HAWAII COMMUNITY HOSPITAL, INC. HTH

    2/13/03 2:45 PM SB157 RELATING TO HEALTH. HTH

    2/13/03 2:45 PM SB325 RELATING TO SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS. HTH

    2/13/03 2:45 PM SB683 RELATING TO DIABETES EDUCATION. HTH

    2/13/03 2:45 PM SB747 RELATING TO INSURANCE. HTH

    2/13/03 2:45 PM SB792 RELATING TO ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSES. HTH

    2/13/03 2:45 PM SB800 RELATING TO SUBSTANCE ABUSE. HTH

    2/13/03 2:45 PM SB1022 RELATING TO ADULT RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES. HTH

    2/13/03 2:45 PM SB1062 RELATING TO IMPROVING END-OF-LIFE CARE. HTH

    2/13/03 2:45 PM SB1068 RELATING TO HEALTH CARE FACILITIES. HTH

    2/13/03 2:45 PM SB1357 RELATING TO VITAL STATISTICS REGISTRATION DISTRICTS. HTH

    2/13/03 2:45 PM SB1361 RELATING TO PRESCRIPTION DRUGS. HTH

    2/13/03 2:45 PM SB1469 RELATING TO PEER SUPPORT COUNSELING SESSIONS. HTH

    2/13/03 2:45 PM SB349 RELATING TO EDUCATION. SAT

    2/13/03 2:45 PM SB376 RELATING TO ART. SAT

    2/13/03 2:45 PM SB425 RELATING TO HIGH TECHNOLOGY. SAT

    2/13/03 2:45 PM SB455 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO THE FRIENDS OF WAIPAHU CULTURAL GARDEN PARK. SAT

    2/13/03 2:45 PM SB641 RELATING TO CONTRACTORS. SAT

    2/13/03 2:45 PM SB724 RELATING TO THE KANEOHE BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL. SAT

    2/13/03 2:45 PM SB794 RELATING TO HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE. SAT

    2/13/03 2:45 PM SB1208 RELATING TO HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE. SAT

    2/13/03 2:45 PM SB1242 RELATING TO FAIR ACCESS FOR STATE GOVERNMENT. SAT

    2/13/03 2:45 PM SB1251 RELATING TO A STATE CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER. SAT

    2/13/03 2:45 PM SB1263 RELATING TO ELECTRONIC PROCUREMENT. SAT

    2/13/03 2:45 PM SB1452 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE JAPANESE AMERICAN CITIZENS LEAGUE 75TH ANNIVERSARY NATIONAL CONVENTION. SAT

    2/13/03 2:45 PM SB1489 RELATING TO PUBLIC ACCESS. SAT

    2/13/03 2:45 PM SB1490 RELATING TO PUBLIC ACCESS. SAT

    2/13/03 2:45 PM SB1498 RELATING TO WORKS OF ART. SAT

    2/13/03 2:45 PM SB1501 RELATING TO PUBLIC, EDUCATION, AND GOVERNMENT ACCESS ORGANIZATIONS. SAT

    2/13/03 2:45 PM SB1518 RELATING TO THE HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE. SAT

    2/13/03 2:45 PM SB1608 RELATING TO PUBLIC ACCESS. SAT

    2/13/03 2:45 PM SB1662 RELATING TO CONGRESSWOMAN PATSY T. MINK. SAT

    2/13/03 2:45 PM SB1704 RELATING TO A FILM PRODUCTION/POST PRODUCTION/HAWAIIAN CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL FACILITY AND WAREHOUSE WITHIN OR NEAR HEEIA STATE PARK. SAT

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

    2/13/03 4:00 PM HB1292 PROPOSING AMENDMENTS TO ARTICLE VII, SECTION 8, AND ARTICLE X, SECTION 5, OF THE HAWAII CONSTITUTION, TO PROVIDE THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII WITH COMPLETE AUTONOMY FROM THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH. HED

    2/13/03 4:00 PM HB1466 RELATING TO THE HAWAII HURRICANE RELIEF FUND. HED

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

    Political Tittle-tattle: News and Entertainment from Hawaii's Political Arena

    0

    “Malia Lt blue top Image”

    ”Campaign Spending Bills to Curb Questionable Behavior of Politicians Already at Death’s Door”

    Key bills that are backed by both the governor and the state Campaign Commission have little or no chance of passing this session because chairs in the House and Senate government affairs committees will not hear the bills.

    State Campaign Spending Executive Director Bob Watada says the bills would prevent those bidding on government contracts from making political contributions before and after the job is awarded.

    He says this legislation would be key in breaking the clear link between campaign contributions to county mayors, the governor and others in charge of procurement from contractors seeking favor in the bidding process, something for which Mayor Jeremy Harris’ and his administration are currently being investigated.

    Sen. Cal Kawamoto, D-Waipahu, has all but killed the bills because they have not received a hearing, which needs to be held in his committee. Kawamoto passed a similar bill out of his committee last year with several amendments including exempting legislators from the contribution ban. The bill passed the full Senate and House, but was vetoed by then Gov. Benjamin Cayetano. This year, rather than back the bill again, Kawamoto is refusing to even hear it. Meanwhile he has introduced legislation to dramatically increase the contribution limit to Senators from $4,000 to $24,000 per election cycle.

    In the House, Eric Hamakawa, D-Hilo, also has blocked the campaign spending reform bills from moving forward. Those close to the situation say Hamakawa and other House Democrats are motivated to block many of the governor’s bills because they are trying to render her ineffective for the 2006 gubernatorial campaign and are putting the passage of good legislation at a lower priority than that of politics and power.

    ”Important Ethics Bills Get Hearing Today”

    There are a number of ethics rules that legislators impose on other government officials, but exclude themselves from.

    Typically any chance to reform these exclusions dies in the Legislature. However, the House Legislative Management Committee will hear three extremely important ethics bills today at 2:30 p.m. in the state Capitol room 423 that would help dramatically in curbing government corruption. Those are:

    *Legislative ethics: HB 1529 (LMG, JUD) sets up legislative ethics committees to deal with legislator conflicts of interest, and requires new disclosures for large business clients, family members, and fundraisers during session. Remarkably, the legislature has not adopted a conflict of interest rule since it exempted itself in 1972 from the state ethics code’s conflict of interest section, as required by the state constitution.
    https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessioncurrent/bills/hb1529_.htm
    https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/site1/docs/getstatus2.asp?billno=HB1529

    *Legislative newsletters: HB 751 (LMG) prohibits legislators from mailing legislative newsletters closer than 60 days before an election in which the legislator is a candidate.
    https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessioncurrent/bills/hb751_.htm
    https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/site1/docs/getstatus2.asp?billno=HB751

    *Legislators conflicts of interest: HB 1609 (LMG, JUD) prohibits legislators from taking any official action directly affecting a business or other undertaking in which the legislator has a substantial financial interest or a private undertaking in which the legislator is an agent and prohibits legislators from acquiring a financial interest in certain undertakings.
    https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessioncurrent/bills/hb1609_.htm
    https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/site1/docs/getstatus2.asp?billno=HB1609

    ”Governor Promises to Veto Long-Term Care Tax

    Political Tittle-tattle: News and Entertainment from Hawaii’s Political Arena

    0

    “Malia Lt blue top Image”

    ”Campaign Spending Bills to Curb Questionable Behavior of Politicians Already at Death’s Door”

    Key bills that are backed by both the governor and the state Campaign Commission have little or no chance of passing this session because chairs in the House and Senate government affairs committees will not hear the bills.

    State Campaign Spending Executive Director Bob Watada says the bills would prevent those bidding on government contracts from making political contributions before and after the job is awarded.

    He says this legislation would be key in breaking the clear link between campaign contributions to county mayors, the governor and others in charge of procurement from contractors seeking favor in the bidding process, something for which Mayor Jeremy Harris’ and his administration are currently being investigated.

    Sen. Cal Kawamoto, D-Waipahu, has all but killed the bills because they have not received a hearing, which needs to be held in his committee. Kawamoto passed a similar bill out of his committee last year with several amendments including exempting legislators from the contribution ban. The bill passed the full Senate and House, but was vetoed by then Gov. Benjamin Cayetano. This year, rather than back the bill again, Kawamoto is refusing to even hear it. Meanwhile he has introduced legislation to dramatically increase the contribution limit to Senators from $4,000 to $24,000 per election cycle.

    In the House, Eric Hamakawa, D-Hilo, also has blocked the campaign spending reform bills from moving forward. Those close to the situation say Hamakawa and other House Democrats are motivated to block many of the governor’s bills because they are trying to render her ineffective for the 2006 gubernatorial campaign and are putting the passage of good legislation at a lower priority than that of politics and power.

    ”Important Ethics Bills Get Hearing Today”

    There are a number of ethics rules that legislators impose on other government officials, but exclude themselves from.

    Typically any chance to reform these exclusions dies in the Legislature. However, the House Legislative Management Committee will hear three extremely important ethics bills today at 2:30 p.m. in the state Capitol room 423 that would help dramatically in curbing government corruption. Those are:

    *Legislative ethics: HB 1529 (LMG, JUD) sets up legislative ethics committees to deal with legislator conflicts of interest, and requires new disclosures for large business clients, family members, and fundraisers during session. Remarkably, the legislature has not adopted a conflict of interest rule since it exempted itself in 1972 from the state ethics code’s conflict of interest section, as required by the state constitution.
    https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessioncurrent/bills/hb1529_.htm
    https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/site1/docs/getstatus2.asp?billno=HB1529

    *Legislative newsletters: HB 751 (LMG) prohibits legislators from mailing legislative newsletters closer than 60 days before an election in which the legislator is a candidate.
    https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessioncurrent/bills/hb751_.htm
    https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/site1/docs/getstatus2.asp?billno=HB751

    *Legislators conflicts of interest: HB 1609 (LMG, JUD) prohibits legislators from taking any official action directly affecting a business or other undertaking in which the legislator has a substantial financial interest or a private undertaking in which the legislator is an agent and prohibits legislators from acquiring a financial interest in certain undertakings.
    https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessioncurrent/bills/hb1609_.htm
    https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/site1/docs/getstatus2.asp?billno=HB1609

    ”Governor Promises to Veto Long-Term Care Tax

    Show a Little Respect, Integrity, Mason's Says-House of Representatives – State of Hawaii – Code of Legislative Conduct – House Rule Number 60 – 2003

    0

    After Rep. Bud Stonebraker, R-Hawaii Kai, asked Rep. Roy Takumi, D- Pearl City, to stop talking, laughing and gesturing vigorously and for a little respect for others speaking on the House floor during the House session, Takumi challenged Stonebraker to show him where in the House rules was written that he couldn’t do as he pleased when he pleased, no matter who had the floor.

    Stonebraker showed him the section in the Mason’s Book of House Rules that dictates courtesy and respect must be shown.

    Below is a copy of the rules all House members are given and expected to follow.

    ”’Members should conduct themselves in a respectful manner befitting the office with which they as elected officials have been entrusted, respecting and complying with the law and acting at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity of the House.”’

    ”’Members should not lend the prestige of public office to advance the private interests of themselves or others; nor should members convey or permit others to convey the impression that they are in a special position to unduly influence pending public business before them.”’

    ”’Members should treat their fellow House members, staff, and the general public with respect and courtesy, regardless of political or religious beliefs, race, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, or physical disability.”’

    ”’The legislative duties of members, as prescribed by law and these Rules, should take precedence over all of their other business or professional activities.”’

    ”’Members should freely and willingly accept certain restrictions on their business activities and professional conduct that might be considered burdensome by an ordinary private citizen, and should perform the duties of elected office impartially and diligently.”’

    ”’To the greatest extent reasonably possible, members should:”’

    *”’1. Refrain from allowing family, social, business, or other relationships to unduly influence the member’s legislative conduct or judgment.”’

    *”’2. Refrain from showing bias or prejudice, including but not limited to bias or prejudice based on political or religious beliefs, race, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, or physical disability, in the performance of their official duties.”’

    *”’3. Exercise patience, tolerance, and courtesy to all those with whom they deal with in an official capacity, and require staff and others subject to their direction and control to maintain similar standards of conduct, fidelity, and diligence inherent in public service.”’

    *”’4. Exercise the power of appointment impartially and on the basis of merit, refraining from making unnecessary appointments and approving compensation of appointees beyond the fair value of services rendered.”’

    *”’5. Afford to every person who wishes to participate in the legislative process the opportunity to be heard according to established procedures.”’

    *”’6. Consider at all times whether their conduct would create in reasonable minds the perception that their ability to carry out legislative responsibilities with integrity and independence is either questionable or impaired.”’

    *”’7. Manage their personal interests and obligations so as to minimize the number of votes in which they are in, or may reasonably be perceived to be in, potential conflict.”’

    *”’8. Refrain from using, or permitting the use of, the privileges and prestige of their public office to derive undue personal, professional, or financial benefits for themselves, members of their family, or others with whom they maintain personal, business, or professional relationships.”’

    *”’9. Refrain from engaging in financial and business dealings that involve them in frequent transactions, or continuing business or professional relationships, with those persons likely to derive benefits from public financial matters either pending or already deliberated and voted upon by the House, to the extent that such conduct may reasonably be perceived as personal exploitation of their public office.”’

    *”’10. Refrain from membership in an organization that practices invidious discrimination and gives rise to perceptions that one’s impartiality and ability to serve as a representative are unduly compromised.”’

    ”’Provided by the Hawaii Pro-Democracy Initiative, see:”’
    https://www.newhawaii.org

    Show a Little Respect, Integrity, Mason’s Says-House of Representatives – State of Hawaii – Code of Legislative Conduct – House Rule Number 60 – 2003

    0

    After Rep. Bud Stonebraker, R-Hawaii Kai, asked Rep. Roy Takumi, D- Pearl City, to stop talking, laughing and gesturing vigorously and for a little respect for others speaking on the House floor during the House session, Takumi challenged Stonebraker to show him where in the House rules was written that he couldn’t do as he pleased when he pleased, no matter who had the floor.

    Stonebraker showed him the section in the Mason’s Book of House Rules that dictates courtesy and respect must be shown.

    Below is a copy of the rules all House members are given and expected to follow.

    ”’Members should conduct themselves in a respectful manner befitting the office with which they as elected officials have been entrusted, respecting and complying with the law and acting at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity of the House.”’

    ”’Members should not lend the prestige of public office to advance the private interests of themselves or others; nor should members convey or permit others to convey the impression that they are in a special position to unduly influence pending public business before them.”’

    ”’Members should treat their fellow House members, staff, and the general public with respect and courtesy, regardless of political or religious beliefs, race, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, or physical disability.”’

    ”’The legislative duties of members, as prescribed by law and these Rules, should take precedence over all of their other business or professional activities.”’

    ”’Members should freely and willingly accept certain restrictions on their business activities and professional conduct that might be considered burdensome by an ordinary private citizen, and should perform the duties of elected office impartially and diligently.”’

    ”’To the greatest extent reasonably possible, members should:”’

    *”’1. Refrain from allowing family, social, business, or other relationships to unduly influence the member’s legislative conduct or judgment.”’

    *”’2. Refrain from showing bias or prejudice, including but not limited to bias or prejudice based on political or religious beliefs, race, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, or physical disability, in the performance of their official duties.”’

    *”’3. Exercise patience, tolerance, and courtesy to all those with whom they deal with in an official capacity, and require staff and others subject to their direction and control to maintain similar standards of conduct, fidelity, and diligence inherent in public service.”’

    *”’4. Exercise the power of appointment impartially and on the basis of merit, refraining from making unnecessary appointments and approving compensation of appointees beyond the fair value of services rendered.”’

    *”’5. Afford to every person who wishes to participate in the legislative process the opportunity to be heard according to established procedures.”’

    *”’6. Consider at all times whether their conduct would create in reasonable minds the perception that their ability to carry out legislative responsibilities with integrity and independence is either questionable or impaired.”’

    *”’7. Manage their personal interests and obligations so as to minimize the number of votes in which they are in, or may reasonably be perceived to be in, potential conflict.”’

    *”’8. Refrain from using, or permitting the use of, the privileges and prestige of their public office to derive undue personal, professional, or financial benefits for themselves, members of their family, or others with whom they maintain personal, business, or professional relationships.”’

    *”’9. Refrain from engaging in financial and business dealings that involve them in frequent transactions, or continuing business or professional relationships, with those persons likely to derive benefits from public financial matters either pending or already deliberated and voted upon by the House, to the extent that such conduct may reasonably be perceived as personal exploitation of their public office.”’

    *”’10. Refrain from membership in an organization that practices invidious discrimination and gives rise to perceptions that one’s impartiality and ability to serve as a representative are unduly compromised.”’

    ”’Provided by the Hawaii Pro-Democracy Initiative, see:”’
    https://www.newhawaii.org

    Something is Wrong Here -Her Name is Ms. Lowell

    In ”’The Honolulu Advertiser”’ Feb. 11, there was an article on the new library schedules and the library cutbacks.

    The head of the library system, Virginia Lowell, is clearly determined to punish everybody for not choosing the correct political course.

    As a long supporter and avid user of library resources, I find this attitude terribly short sighted. In the article though was a curious statement that you might want to investigate.

    “Sen. Fred Hemmings, R-25th (Kailua, Waimanalo, Portlock) said the Waimanalo School and Public Library has used money from Verizon to open on Saturdays at no cost to the state, but it would not be allowed to tap into that private money and keep its sixth operating day under Lowell’s plan.”

    “It hurts the children of Waimanalo,” Hemmings says. “It sends the wrong signal to private companies that want to help the community.”

    Now, why, and how, is Verizon being prevented from contributing to the library?

    In typical Advertiser reticence to report anything in depth we get no clue here.

    Isn’t this exactly the opposite from what should be happening?

    Shouldn’t we be encouraging private business to pick up the difference to keep more libraries open?

    Something is very wrong here, and I think it is probably Ms. Lowell.

    ”’Don Newman is a free-lance writer based in Waikiki and can be reached via email at: mailto:newmand001@hawaii.rr.com

    China Airlines #18 and the FAA-From a Mistake to the Absurd

    “Alan headshot Image”

    I enjoyed reading Mike Leidemann (Honolulu Advertiser Transportation Writer) article in the Feb. 9th, Sunday Advertiser headlined “Residents correct on low-flying jet.” This is in reference to the China Airlines flight #18 on Jan. 4th that flew over Honolulu at 6:44 a.m. I believe that China Airlines pilot made a honest mistake and is not the subject of my comments.

    I would like to also add some observations to his article and also reverence the following map posted by the Advertiser and supplied by the Federal Aviation Administration.

    https://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/dailypix/2003/Feb/09/ln01a.gif

    Originally the FAA reported that the China Airlines flight never went over land, but the flight path shows that it flew over Diamond Head, the Ala Wai Canal, Piikoi/Young Street, down South King Street, and over Waterfront Towers at an altitude of 1500 feet (3/10ths of a mile) to 900 feet (2/10ths of a mile). What I find amazing is the FAA was clueless (short for when in doubt, deny everything), about the actual flight and proceeded to discredited the residents of Honolulu with their visual and audio observations. The article said that a resident of Puulei Circle was too scared to get out of bed, I’ll concur, from the flight path map, the 747 flew a half mile from my home on Punchbowl and about 700 feet above my home. I figured that when the plane hit the ground, I would rather be lying down, so I hid under the covers with my cats.

    The other observation is the FAA later stated, “The plane’s approach over land violated local custom and written guidelines used by Honolulu air traffic controllers, but did not break any laws or regulations, said FAA spokesman Paul Turk.” In other words, flights can continue to take this path. Wouldn’t it be better to say, “We haven’t change the permissible flight path in 40 years, but will now change it immediately.”

    We are in a period of national heavy handedness of government in the interest of national security. Let’s not forget common sense, for the people and government agencies that still have some left.