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    Light the Candle

    Hawaii Reporter
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    “Malia Lt blue top Image”

    It was one year ago today that Jay McWilliams and I launched HawaiiReporter.com under the banner of “Freedom to Report Real News,” with the firm belief Hawaii’s public deserved a newspaper published by people who did not fear of retaliation by those in government or other powerful positions.

    From the beginning, we understood fully and lived and worked by Winston Churchill’s 1940 statement: “A free press is the unsleeping guardian of every other right that free men prize. It is the most dangerous foe of tyranny.” We’d experienced our share of tyrants who made us deeply appreciate Churchill’s statement –

    Controlling Public Education in Hawaii

    Hawaii Reporter
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    “Laura Brown Image”

    Gov. Linda Lingle’s plea to allow the formation of local school boards and a decentralized public school system in Hawaii has apparently fallen on deaf ears at the state Capitol.

    Though many parents, teachers and taxpayers say they want the ineffective public school system reformed, House Education Chair Roy Takumi and Senate Education Chair Norman Sakamoto silenced debate on the issue by killing the bills without giving the public the benefit of hearings.

    Now, it appears only one Democrat education bill to “reform” the system, House Bill 289, may survive the crossover of bills from House to Senate. The 35 Democrats who signed the bill say the measure will provide administrative support to schools for personnel, fiscal and procurement of services as well as administration and operation of special education programs and special schools.

    Unfortunately, HB 289 duplicates current law as Superintendent Pat Hamamoto already has moved to form multiple-complex administrative areas. The legislation also adds more bureaucracy and protects numerous bureaucrats draining the public education funds with their salaries and benefits.

    The biggest flaw in HB 289 is the legislation permits the school superintendent to organize the Department of Education — rather than the Board of Education as Lingle wants — into clusters, merely etching into stone an additional layer of extraneous administration.

    Another provision of the bill allows the superintendent to unilaterally appoint complex-area advisory boards and to determine the composition and rules governing the boards.

    This law would sound the death knell for community involvement in public education.

    As expected, the 13-member Board of Education — with Member Laura Thielen dissenting — voted last week to support the intent of HB289, but had many questions. These were:

    *Why would the superintendent appoint local advisory boards and not the Board of Education policy?

    *What if a local board recommends an action that is contrary to Board of Education policy?

    *What if a local board recommends an action that is contrary to School Community Based Management policy?

    *What would happen if the Board wanted to reorganize complex-areas?

    The greater question is why would an elected State Board support a structure the Department of Education will then use to prove to the Legislature that the Board itself is outmoded and useless?

    That would mean the superintendent would then have absolute power over approximately 35,000 employees.

    The next step surely will be obtaining the power of taxation to control a budget approaching $2 billion.

    Those who understand the full impact of HB 289 say checks and balances in government will go completely awry and there will be no power great enough to fix the damage brought on by this dangerous bill.

    ”’Laura Brown is the education reporter for HawaiiReporter.com and can be reached via email at”’ mailto:LauraBrown@hawaii.rr.com

    A Case Study in Small Business Success:-Transforming a Practice Into a Self-Sustaining Business

    Hawaii Reporter
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    A friend of mine thought I could provide insight through an outside perspective to a successful businessman, Dr. Thomas Fox. Dr. Tom, I now affectionately call him, was already extremely successful in his cosmetic dentistry practice. Yet he was frustrated with the inability to breakthrough and create a business that would generate cash flow whether he was at the office, or skiing in Aspen for a month.

    The Doctor’s Pain:

    As we worked on the foundational systems in his business, Dr. Tom began to make the successful transition from a “practice” to a self-sustaining business, until a serious challenge crept up for him. Dr. Tom was becoming increasingly distracted with how he was going to bring in enough business to support the growing administrative staff and new doctors he was hiring. Seeing that he was finally ready to eradicate all forms of non-productive marketing for his business, I attempted to help set his mind at ease by starting with an easy example.

    Dr. Tom had been running an ad in the local newspaper for the last three months. It was a simple ad that offered prospects a $260 Dental Wellness Screening, for just $75. He was running this small display ad every Thursday in the Living Section at the cost of $290 for each ad run. After three months the ad had pulled a dismal five prospects into the clinic.

    As successful as Dr. Tom had been in running his “practice,” he recognized that he was entering an entirely new world. Dr. Tom recognized that he needed to make the successful shift from working IN his business, to working ”’on”’ his business — and he wanted to make that shift as quickly as possible. (One of the first books we recommend to all our clients is, The E-Myth Revisited, by Michael Gerber. This accelerated Dr. Tom’s understanding of this concept.)

    At the very beginning of our coaching relationship we had determined that Dr. Tom had some beneficial natural abilities and a driving passion when it came to marketing. So we knew from the start that this would be one the ways for him to make working on his business enjoyable, fulfilling and profitable.

    And now the time had come to put that to use.

    The Solution

    Since the original ad was pretty small there was no room for pictures, logos or even the business name (which currently devoured one-third of the ad space.) I wanted to keep the ad the same size so that Dr. Tom could really grasp the concept of low cost and eliminate all doubt in his mind as to what really made the difference in high impact marketing. Being a graduate of our Small Business, BIG Profits Course, Dr. Tom wrote the rough drafts himself. After a little coaching and a number of revisions later, we had a new ad to run.

    The new ad

    It was with some serious trepidation that Dr. Tom agreed to run the final draft that said:

    Liberal Gay Groups Push Legislators, Governor for Civil Union Bill

    Hawaii Reporter
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    Two versions of a release from the Civil Unions-Civil Rights Movement and the Gay & Lesbian Community Center were sent out last week. One version of the request for support was posted on the gayhawaii.com bulletin board (where, among other things, promiscuous gay men look for quickies) on Feb. 6, which started with the following:

    ”'”Dear Friends: It is time for ACTION from all of us again!! The Civil Unions Bill has been re-introduced again this session.(The new Governor said she would not oppose it if it got to her desk. I know many of you who voted for Governor Lingle wanted “change”; please do your part now to bring it to reality.) We need the below Senators (most importantly if YOU live in their district) to hear from you NOW so it can proceed to hearings. If there is one organization that should never discriminate, it’s our government. Say it clearly and ask them to support HB 1024. Please forward this to your private list NOW.””’

    This is very deceptive. Linda Lingle never said she would sign or approve a civil unions bill if it arrived at her desk as governor.

    Another version of the same solicitation for support went out by direct email from the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Hawaii, which ended with the following quote: ”'”Pau. Illegal president, illegal war–placard at S.F. anti-war rally.””’

    It’s a pathetic slap at President Bush and the administration for his lead on the War on Terrorism. Many gay liberals and liberationists in Hawaii and elsewhere across the country have forgotten the tragedy of 9/11. To many of them it was an isolated incident. Many are affiliated with appeasement-based anti-war/pro-Saddam leftist causes.

    We certainly wanted change in Hawaii; they seem to not understand that they are a big part of the problem for open and private gays and lesbians here.

    We never belonged on their plantation, and an increasing number are walking away from their neo-’60s activism. Hawaii’s gay-liberal
    establishment-activists want Republican monetary and political support when it is convenient for them, but they regard us as second-class citizens, if not worse. They are pathologically anti-business and anti-free enterprise, too. There is no reason to support a Center that is so partisan, rubber-stamp for an increasingly left-leaning Hawaii Democratic Party and political transvestites that claim affiliation, but have virtually no following or respect, in the Hawaii Republican Party.

    Proudly and consistently conservative, Log Cabin Republicans of Hawaii regards civil unions as a non-issue. LCR Hawaii is focused on building a better business climate for ALL Hawaii’s individuals and families, decentralized public schools, restored trust in government, a strong national defense, and most importantly, the HIV/AIDS epidemic, which Republicans have taken the lead on under President Bush and his administration after years of neglect and ignorance by the Clinton Administration.

    Then-state representative and “maverick” democrat Ed Case, who now represents Hawaii’s Second Congressional District, was the first to introduce a civil unions bill. Will he lobby for it now? It was allowed to die in committee in the State House the first time. Will that happen again? Will they bring the bill out to a floor vote? What if they don’t? Will Congressman Ed Case lobby for civil unions in Hawaii? Time will tell.

    The Hawaii Democrats hold a majority in both state houses. They can send this to the floor for a vote if they want to.

    The rest of the message from the Gay & Lesbian Community Center and the Civil Unions-Civil Rights Movement reads as follows:

    ”'”The Civil Unions-Civil Rights Movement has been working feverishly to get the Civil Unions Bill moving and we need the help of the community to be successful. Several Senators are key and we need the constituents of those Senators to call or email their Senators and express support for the Civil Unions Bill, HB 1024: Those Senators are:”’

    *Senator Lorraine Inouye, 1st District (Honokaa-Hilo) 974-4000, ext 67335, mailto:seninouye@capitol.hawai.gov

    *Senator Gordon Trimble, 12th District,(Waikiki-Downtown) 586-7100, mailto:sentrimble@capitol.hawaii.gov

    *Senator Donna Mercado Kim, 14th District,(Alewa Heights-Aiea) 587-7200, mailto:senkim@capitol.hawaii.gov

    *Senator Ron Menor, 17th District, (Waipahu-Mililani) 586-6740, mailto:senmenor@capitol.hawaii.gov

    *Senator Cal Kawamoto, 18th District, (Pearl City-Waipahu)586-6970, mailto:senkawamoto@capitol.hawaii.gov

    *Senator Brian Kanno, 19th District, (Makakilo-Waipahu-Waikele) 586-6830, mailto:senkanno@capitol.hawaii.gov

    *Senator Willie Espero, 20th District,(Waipahu-`Ewa -`Ewa Beach) 586-6360, mailto:senespero@capitol.hawaii.gov

    *Senator Robert Bunda, 22nd District, (Wahiawa-Haleiwa -Sunset Beach) 586-6090, mailto:bunda@capitol.hawaii.gov

    *Senator Bob Hogue, 24th District, (Kaneohe-Kailua) 587-7215, mailto:senhogue@capitol.hawaii.gov

    ”’Calling in the next two days is critical. It won’t take but a minute or two. You can ask to speak to the Senator, or to leave a message with a staffer. Again, these Senators have to hear from their constituents. Please call them at your earliest convenience regarding the Civil Unions Bill, HB 1024.”’

    ”’And now is the time to get ready to present testimony, to drafting a final form. You will need to have these testimonies ready to go, as usually there will be less that 24 hours between the time we’re notified of a hearing and the cut-off deadline to submit your testimony. Please write your own testimony. Testimony that is “cookie cutter” or appears to be copied from someone else’s testimony will be discounted. Talking points are listed at the end of this post, for your convenience. Do not copy them. If you must, reword as your own language is best. Also of note: since this is a partnership bill, it would be most effective if signatures are presented representing same-sex households, i.e. one testimony with two signatures. If we are lucky enough to get this bill moving, we only have five working days maximum, so you can see the importance of being ready.”’

    ”’Following is a testimony template which can be used when crafting
    testimony. Instructional items are colorized, please make sure that they’re removed before submitting your testimony. Some items can be left as is, others need to be added, as noted.”’

    February ___, 2003 (Date that testimony is to be submitted)

    Honorable Representative Eric Hamakawa, Chair, House Judiciary Committee; Honorable Representative Blake Oshiro, Vice-Chair, House Judiciary Committee; Honorable Members of the House Judiciary Committee

    TESTIMONY SUPPORTING HB 1024, Relating to Civil Unions (NOTE THE BOLDING AND FONTING)
    Hearing Scheduled for February ____, 2003, ___ (time and am or pm), Room
    ____ (DATE, TIME AND ROOM NUMBER WILL BE FURNISHED WITH ACTION ALERTS)
    Sergeant-at-Arms: Please make 35 copies and distribute accordingly

    [BODY OF THE TESTIMONY–YOUR REASONS WHY YOU THINK CIVIL UNIONS SHOULD BECOME AVAILABLE IN HAWAII, KEEP IT SHORT–ONE PAGE TOTAL IS BEST]

    Signature(s)

    Contact info: Residence Address, Phone, E-mail

    ”’For HOUSE Hearings, testimony must be sent 24 hours prior to the hearing, which means there is a maximum of 24 hours by the time we learn of a hearing and the time that the testimony is due. (Please note that the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms has a different set of fax numbers, and the Senate does not accept emailed testimony, unlike the House at this juncture).

    *Faxing from Oahu: 586-6501
    *Faxing toll-free from the Big Island: 974-4000 x66501
    *Faxing toll-free from Maui: 984-2400 x66501
    *Faxing toll-free from Kauai: 274-3141 x66501
    *Faxing toll-free from Molokai and Lanai, 1-800-468-4644 x66501
    *Email: mailto:testimony@capitol.hawaii.gov

    TALKING POINTS: HB 1024

    *HB 1024 satisfies the court ruling in the 1996 Baehr v. Miike case in that it allows for the rights, obligations and duties of marriage to be passed to couples without regard to gender (sex), as not to do so violates Article I, Section 5 of the Hawaii State Constitution, forbidding discrimination based on gender (sex).

    *HB 1024 does not require religious solemnization, but rather the whole application process is handled by the Department of Health. Religions and the participants may opt to hold ceremonies, but they are not required to do so.

    *HB 1024 addresses the concerns of the business community relative to health insurance costs, as a civil union requires the same type process of dissolution as a marriage, i.e. by divorce through family court. Civil Unions are not as fluid as the current Reciprocal Beneficiary Law, which allows for dissolution without even having to inform the other partner.

    *HB 1024 is not gender-specific as it allows for two people who are otherwise able to enter into a contractual arrangement to enter into a civil union. A heterosexual couple may enter into it.

    *HB 1024 sets a minimum age requirement of 18. For marriage, the minimal age is 16 without parental consent, and 15 with.

    *HB 1024 forbids a partner from being a member of another civil union or a marriage.

    *HB 1024 would allow for state recognition of substantially similar contractual arrangements generated outside of its jurisdiction.

    Groundbreaking Quarantine Bill Gets Hearing in the House

    Hawaii Reporter
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    The House Agriculture Committee Saturday heard the first bill introduced to totally eliminate quarantine for properly qualified pets, HB 664, HD1.

    Under this landmark legislation called “Ruby’s Law” authored by Representatives David Pendleton, R-Kailua, and Bud Stonebraker, R-Hawaii Kai, pets would need a microchip for identification, two vaccinations no less than 90 days apart and no more than a year apart, a blood test following the last vaccination and a health certificate within 30 days of arrival to Hawaii.

    Owners would need to notify the State Agriculture Department at least 5 days in advance of arrival to schedule inspection. Upon inspection and corroboration of ID, the pet would be released to the owner at the airport.

    Pets not qualified would be quarantined until they did qualify up
    to 120 days, but the intention is to privatize this function for the small percentage of pets expected in this category. The state already authorizes private veterinary and kennel facilities to house quarantined pets.

    Private facilities could be identified on all islands to keep pets closer to home, easing the burden on those from Maui, Lanai, and Molokai which have no authorized facilities. With current quarantine regulations mandating either 120 days or 30 days quarantine, it has proven expensive and harmful to pets and their owners, while increasing the real risk of smuggling.

    Volunteers from the Community Quarantine Reform Coalition have worked hard for over two years to bring this issue to this point. See its Web site at: https://www.quarantinehawaii.com The group now includes roughly a thousand members from across the globe. At least 75 waited three hours to testify.

    The bills are named “Ruby’s Law” to commemorate Susan Tartaglia’s licensed therapy dog, Ruby, who died recently of pesticide
    poisoning after only 10 days in quarantine. Ruby was returned to her as a tin can of ashes with no comment from the state. Susan testified at the hearing along with the owner of Chocolate, Bill Schnurr, who conducted a hunger strike to release his dog from quarantine when she became ill.

    Valery Hopkins, from the Big Island will also testify about her prize German Shepherd that was quarantined in Halawa for four months and was given back to her with seven teeth broken at the nerve line by blunt force trauma, and dragging its hind quarters as he could not walk.

    The Chair of the Agriculture Committee, Rep. Abinsay, did not allow the authors bill to pass, but substituted his own proposal into the bill. The bill now is useless to an estimated 95 percent of incoming pet owners as it requires at least 5-10 months of preparation time to qualify, leaving them to the same old quarantine of 120 days or 30 days with a 90 day prearrival wait. It is particularly a slap in the
    face to our military who comprise 40 percent of the pets in quarantine and almost never have this amount of notice before assignment. It will pass to the Health and Finance Committees of the House where it may be amended again. The group hopes to restore the bill’s original provisions. No hearing dates are yet assigned.

    Sen. Fred Hemmings authored the Senate Companion Bill, SB1175 SD1, and has a committee hearing in the Senate Water, Land and Agriculture Committee next Friday, Feb. 14, 2003, at 1:15 pm in the Capitol Building, Room 224. He also authored SB1531, a bill to eliminate the special fund for quarantine, changing it to a general fund item, which will be heard in the same session. Calls and letters to the governor’s office at 586-0034 and mailto:gov@gov.state.hi.us are urgently needed.

    ”’Chris Quackenbush is the founder of the Community Quarantine Reform Coalition. She can be reached at (808) 277-5737 or via email at:”’ mailto:chris@diamon-fusion.com

    Grassroot Perspective – Feb. 11, 2003-Bailing Out the States; Doing Medicare Right

    Hawaii Reporter
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    “Dick Rowland Image”

    ”Shoots (News, Views and Quotes)”

    – Bailing Out the States

    Author: The Editorial Board

    Source: The Wall Street Journal, 01/08/03

    The best way to help states out of their current fiscal crises is to
    reform the mandates Washington imposes on governors, especially through Medicaid, says The Wall Street Journal. Federal aid, as suggested by Democrats in Congress, would be “a perverse reward for the wildly irresponsible spending of many states during the 1990s boom, and a punishment for the taxpayers of those states – like Colorado — that lived within their means.” The best solution is a simple block grant that states can use as they see fit. States should also try to reform Medicaid themselves by applying for HIFA waivers from the Department of Health and Human Services. “The solution ties in scrapping its ineffective price controls and bureaucracy in favor of a market-driven system,” the Journal says. “Washington can help states make the shift, through legislation or regulatory waivers. The last thing it should help them do now is bail out a broken system.”

    Full text (requires subscription):
    online.wsy.com/article/0,,SB1041896156855220544-email,00.html.

    – Doing Medicare Right

    Author: The Editorial Board

    Source: The Wall Street Journal, 1/6/03

    The Wall Street Journal editors say the politically easy thing for
    legislators to do would be to just add a prescription drug benefit to
    the current Medicare program. “But down this path lie drug price
    controls and, eventually, Canadian-style health care.” Instead, the
    editors conclude that the drug debate gives us an historic chance to
    reform Medicare by introducing market incentives and competition to Medicare. “The solution is to change Medicare into a
    defined-contribution health care model much like the insurance system that covers nine million federal employees and family members,” the editors write. “Instead of directly paying for all medical charges, Medicare should pay seniors to help them buy modern medical insurance, including drug coverage, on the private market.”

    Full text requires subscription.

    Above summaries are quoted from Galen Institute.

    ”Roots (Food for Thought)”

    Here are some thoughts on Taxes from the Big Island. It is well worth a read.

    Dear Editor:

    Mayor Kim has indicated he intends to review and possibly revamp the county property tax structure to create a “fairer” system. I would
    suggest the following principles be considered:

    *1. “Fair” is paying for what you get. We all pay the same for milk and gas. Since it is impossible to determine who gets the most benefit from government, it is easiest to assume we all benefit similarly. Therefore, in a completely fair tax system, each would pay the same dollar amount in tax.

    *2. The “rich” pay more tax under our various tax structures because they have more money and can afford to, not because it is fairer. In fact, the “rich” generally are less dependent on government services than the “poor.” They are financially more able to care for themselves.

    *3. The property tax system should attempt to incorporate taxation based upon the use of government services, overlaid with ability to pay.

    *4. A tax burden placed on unproductive or under-productive property acts as an inducement to further development.

    *5. Taxes are all paid by individuals. Taxes on businesses of any kind or form ultimately translate into some combination of higher prices, lower wages and lower profits. The fact that no one really knows how the tax burden is allocated makes it politically popular to tax businesses. As a policy matter, it is better to know who is paying the tax than not to know.

    Let’s assume that the level of property tax should be kept as is on
    commercially developed property, including resorts. How should the tax burden be allocated among the other categories?

    *1. Undeveloped land should be taxed minimally. Whether in grazing or coffee or completely unused, it requires little in the way of government services. Moreover, placing a high tax burden on developable land encourages development. If we do not want to encourage the development of beachfront or agricultural lands, then we should not place a heavy tax burden on them. Land that generates some income and depends on access over government roads or government-provided water should be taxed at a higher rate than land that is in conservation and not used at all or that is used by the public (for example, Pine Trees). The fact that many undeveloped lots are owned by non-residents makes a high tax rate on them particularly unfair since the owner benefits even less from government services than would a local owner. (I know that it is popular to attempt to shift part of the tax burden out of state, but I am talking about fairness here.)

    *2. With respect to residential land, the current system is upside down. If we assume that all benefit from government services equally, then it makes no sense to provide an exemption to homeowners at all. Others have pointed out that this unfairly burdens rental properties, which in turn results in higher rents for those who can least afford them. Also, rather than exempting the first $40,000 or so of assessed value from any taxation at all — a primary effect being the shifting of the tax burden from East to West Hawaii — there should be no exemptions. Rather, I suggest that the land value be taxed at a low rate, similar to minimally-developed land, and a higher rate be applied to the improvements. Further, the tax rate on the value of the average home should be higher than the rate on additional value. The person with a million dollar home does not use five times the government services as the person with the $200,000 home. I suggest that one rate be set on the first $200,000 to $300,000 in assessed value of the improvements, with a lower rate set on the excess value.

    *3. Tax exemptions for the elderly may not be appropriate. These exemptions could be justified only under a theory that the elderly generally require less in county government services than the rest of the population. Since schools are not financed out of county taxes, the difference in use may not be significant. I also doubt there is much correlation between age and ability to pay. Many elderly are among our wealthiest residents. Many elderly on modest fixed incomes are not burdened with the mortgage payments and costs of caring for children with which their younger neighbors struggle.

    *4. Any concern about overburdening a poor (including elderly) property owner could be addressed with a “circuit breaker,” with the tax burden limited to a percentage of income. However, I believe the above approach would greatly broaden the tax base and should not result in an unacceptably high tax burden on any property owner. (Remember that the poor renter is currently paying a higher rate of property tax in the form of increased rent.) Moreover, considering the high level of unreported income on the island, any system linking taxes with income level will reward those who are cheating the system.

    *5. Broadening the tax base would have the added benefit of placing the cost of additional government programs more squarely upon the population generally. Any system where the majority can demand more public services and impose the cost on a minority is dangerous. There is no limit to what we might ask for when someone else is paying for it.

    The property tax office should have the necessary information on
    property tax assessments to do an analysis as to the rates that would be necessary under the above approach to produce the same amount of revenue as is currently raised. I think it would be a worthwhile exercise. Of course, our local politicians may see raising taxes on the majority and lowering them on the minority as political suicide. However, it would result in a fairer system.

    — Bill Hastings, Kamuela, HI

    ”Evergreen (Today’s Quote)”

    “Unlimited power is in itself a bad and dangerous thing. Human beings are not competent to exercise it with discretion. God alone can be omnipotent, because his wisdom and his justice are always equal to his power. There is no power on earth so worthy of honor it itself, or clothed with rights so sacred, that I would admit its uncontrolled and all-predominant authority. When I see that the right and the means of absolute command are conferred on any power whatever, be it called a people or a king, an aristocracy or a republic, I say there is the germ of tyranny, and I seek to live elsewhere, under other laws.” — Aleixis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America (1835)

    ”’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 Surviving Childhood to Changing Habits

    Hawaii Reporter
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    “Suzanne Gelb Image”

    Dear Readers:

    As an added resource, over the next few months I will be supplementing my responses with references to self-help materials. Supplemental reading for today’s answers can be found in my book “Welcome Home. A Book About Overcoming Addictions” (pp. 69-70 relates to Answer No. 1; pp. 71-72 relates to Answer No. 2). For more information visit my Web site at https://www.DrGelbSays.com

    ”Childhood – When is it Over?”

    Dear Dr. Gelb:

    I had a rough childhood but I feel like I have come out on the other side and am doing fine as an adult. When things go wrong however, I find that my knee-jerk reaction is to blame my past. I really want to leave my childhood behind.

    Time To Grow Up

    A: Dr. Gelb says . . .

    Dear Time:

    I can’t tell you how many people I have heard say that they had a difficult childhood and that they had put it behind them and got on with their lives, only to find that this was wishful thinking. They had been trying to grow up, but they had not had the opportunity to resolve the childhood traumas that caused them to continue to reflect on their past. This is not unlike what you describe. An analogy could be made to those alcoholics who have to be constantly reminded that they do not need a drink in order to be able to get on with their lives.

    Some people have been able to resolve unhealthy ties to the past by identifying the grief and anger that they have repressed about the past. Once these emotions have been externalized in a safe way, by way of catharsis, for example, then it is possible to truly let go of the past. It is also important to forgive oneself for any involvement in unhealthy past relationships. This paves the way for being able get on with one’s life.

    ”Study Habits – Why is Change Difficult?”

    Dear Dr. Gelb:

    My child, who is a sophomore in high school, has always studied at our dining room table. All of a sudden she moved into her room to study. I miss her presence and this feels like a loss. Can you help me understand why I feel this way?

    Proud Mom

    A: Dr. Gelb says . . .

    Dear Mom:

    It is important to grieve one’s losses. That is what crying is about. Crying is a process whereby people can express their losses. We naturally grieve a loss. Understand that we are habitual creatures and habitual behavior is a way of expressing familiarity. You miss the presence of your daughter in the dining room because it is like anything else in the dining room — if you were to remove an item of furniture or picture from that familiar surroundings, even if it was by choice, you would miss it. Your five senses and your energy would miss the presence of anything that was removed from that environment.

    It is not uncommon for parents to find themselves in a position similar to yours, where for whatever reason their child wants more privacy and makes a change in habit as a result. Parents must respect their child’s growing pains and need for more privacy and accept that the child does not need the parents’ presence to feel secure in their own right. It is also important for the parents to grieve the loss of their child’s presence just in that one particular setting, in your case, the dining room.

    Sorry to say but as your daughter grows older, there are likely to be other familiar routines and things that you used to do with her that you will need to let go of. And yes of course, it is a loss and we must grieve our losses and get on with our lives. Happy resolution.

    ”’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. 11, 2003

    Hawaii Reporter
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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”

    2/11/03 8:00 AM HB1260 RELATING TO PUBLIC SAFETY. PSM

    2/11/03 8:00 AM HB1261 RELATING TO PUBLIC SAFETY. PSM

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB196 RELATING TO A GEOTHERMAL-TO-HYDROGEN TAX CREDIT. EEP

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB467 RELATING TO SOLID WASTE. EEP

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB474 HD1 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE EMERGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL WORKFORCE.C EEP

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB647 RELATING TO THE HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BOARD. EEP

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB938 HD1 RELATING TO MILITARY FACILITIES. EEP

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB1038 RELATING TO ROADSIDE HERBICIDE USE. EEP

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB1139 RELATING TO THE ENERGY CONSERVATION INCOME TAX CREDIT. EEP

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB1294 RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENTS. EEP

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB1328 RELATING TO THE CONSUMER ADVOCATE. EEP

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB1492 RELATING TO NET ENERGY METERING. EEP

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB214 RELATING TO RELAY SERVICES FOR DEAF, HARD-OF-HEARING, AND SPEECH-IMPAIRED PERSONS. HLT

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB566 RELATING TO LIABILITY. HLT

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB645 RELATING TO SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS FOR ASSISTING NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATIONS THAT PROVIDE HEALTH CARE FACILITIES TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC. HLT

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB706 RELATING TO OFFENSES AGAINST THE PERSON. HLT

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB721 RELATING TO AMBULANCE SERVICES. HLT

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB913 RELATING TO NURSE STAFFING. HLT

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB944 RELATING TO HAWAII HEALTH SYSTEMS CORPORATION. HLT

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB1355 RELATING TO TAXATION. HLT

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB1419 RELATING TO RESEARCH. HLT

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB1433 RELATING TO NURSING. HLT

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB1498 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL AIR TRANSPORT SERVICES FOR THE COUNTY OF MAUI. HLT

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB90 RELATING TO LONG-TERM CARE. HLT/HSH

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB520 RELATING TO HEALTH CARE FACILITIES. HLT/HSH

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB800 RELATING TO DEPENDENT ADULTS. HLT/HSH

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB1421 RELATING TO HEALTH CARE. HLT/HSH

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB1616 RELATING TO LONG-TERM CARE. HLT/HSH

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB21 HD1 RELATING TO CORPORATE DISCLOSURE. LAB

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB24 RELATING TO PROCUREMENT. LAB

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB50 RELATING TO THE HAWAII PUBLIC EMPLOYEES HEALTH FUND. LAB

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB290 RELATING TO UNEMPLOYMENT. LAB

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB319 HD1 RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII. LAB

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB322 HD1 RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII. LAB

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB385 RELATING TO THE PREVENTION OF WORKPLACE VIOLENCE. LAB

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB387 RELATING TO WORKERS’ COMPENSATION. LAB

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB391 RELATING TO COLLECTIVE BARGAINING. LAB

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB507 HD1 RELATING TO EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIANS. LAB

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB509 RELATING TO COLLECTIVE BARGAINING IN PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT. LAB

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB510 RELATING TO GOVERNMENT. LAB

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB531 RELATING TO PUBLIC EMPLOYEES. LAB

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB570 RELATING TO THE HAWAII PUBLIC EMPLOYEES HEALTH FUND. LAB

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB967 RELATING TO THE OBSTRUCTION OF AN INGRESS OR EGRESS. LAB

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB968 RELATING TO UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS. LAB

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB970 RELATING TO HAWAII EMPLOYER-UNION HEALTH BENEFITS TRUST FUND. LAB

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB1303 RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS. LAB

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB1373 RELATING TO PUBLIC EMPLOYEES. LAB

    2/11/03 8:30 AM HB1639 RELATING TO CRIMINAL LAW. LAB

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB574 RELATING TO CAPTIVE INSURANCE. CPH

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB614 RELATING TO HEALTH INSURANCE. CPH

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB772 RELATING TO FAMILY LEAVE BENEFITS INSURANCE. CPH

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB875 RELATING TO INTERNATIONAL MATCHMAKING ORGANIZATIONS. CPH

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB1315 RELATING TO INSURANCE FRAUD. CPH

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB1316 RELATING TO DENTAL INSURANCE. CPH

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB1322 RELATING TO TAXATION OF PREMIUMS. CPH

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB752 RELATING TO TORTS. EDU/JHW

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB379 RELATING TO THE PUBLIC LAND TRUST. JHW

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB379 RELATING TO THE PUBLIC LAND TRUST. JHW

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB475 PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE V, SECTION 6, OF THE HAWAII CONSTITUTION, TO PROVIDE FOR THE ELECTION OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL. JHW

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB476 RELATING TO CEDED LAND REVENUES. JHW

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB476 RELATING TO CEDED LAND REVENUES. JHW

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB643 RELATING TO BIOPROSPECTING. JHW

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB643 RELATING TO BIOPROSPECTING. JHW

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB705 RELATING TO MARINE RESERVES. JHW

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB705 RELATING TO MARINE RESERVES. JHW

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB712 RELATING TO DISPOSITION OF PROPERTY FORFEITED. JHW

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB1074 RELATING TO BURIAL COUNCILS. JHW

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB1074 RELATING TO BURIAL COUNCILS. JHW

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB1142 RELATING TO VOTER REGISTRATION. JHW

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB1147 RELATING TO ELECTIONS. JHW

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB1152 RELATING TO THE REPRESENTATION OF THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS ON BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND ADVISORY BODIES. JHW

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB1152 RELATING TO THE REPRESENTATION OF THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS ON BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND ADVISORY BODIES. JHW

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB1154 RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS. JHW

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB1154 RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS. JHW

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB1156 RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS. JHW

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB1156 RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS. JHW

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB1157 RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS. JHW

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB1157 RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS. JHW

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB1264 MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR CLAIMS AGAINST THE STATE, ITS OFFICERS, OR ITS EMPLOYEES. JHW

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB1413 RELATING TO KIKALA-KEOKEA. JHW

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB1413 RELATING TO KIKALA-KEOKEA. JHW

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB1437 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE OFFICE OF ELECTIONS. JHW

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB1456 RELATING TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS. JHW

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB1465 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR UNIFORM LAWS. JHW

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB1497 RELATING TO MARINE RESERVES. JHW

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB1497 RELATING TO MARINE RESERVES. JHW

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB1500 RELATING TO ELECTIONS. JHW

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB1514 RELATING TO FORFEITURES. JHW

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB1561 RELATING TO EMINENT DOMAIN. JHW

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB12 RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION. JHW/EDU

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB474 RELATING TO THE AUDITOR. JHW/EDU

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB636 RELATING TO HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE IMMERSION PROGRAM. JHW/EDU

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB640 RELATING TO TUITION WAIVERS FOR NATIVE HAWAIIANS. JHW/EDU

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB1410 RELATING TO CLAIMS AGAINST THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AND PROVIDING APPROPRIATIONS THEREFORE. JHW/EDU

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB1471 RELATING TO SUBSTANCE ABUSE. JHW/EDU

    2/11/03 9:00 AM SB1597 RELATING TO HAWAIIAN EDUCATION. JHW/EDU

    2/11/03 9:00 AM HB38 RELATING TO TOURISM. TAC

    2/11/03 9:00 AM HB523 RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL TOURISM. TAC

    2/11/03 9:00 AM HB662 RELATING TO THE HAWAII SPORTS HALL OF FAME. TAC

    2/11/03 9:00 AM HB688 RELATING TO WORKS OF ART IN PUBLIC BUILDINGS. TAC

    2/11/03 9:00 AM HB1000 RELATING TO PANAEWA RAINFOREST ZOO. TAC

    2/11/03 9:00 AM HB1532 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE CELEBRATION OF MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY. TAC

    2/11/03 9:00 AM HB1650 RELATING TO CONGRESSWOMAN PATSY T. MINK. TAC

    2/11/03 9:00 AM HB1479 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR A NATIONAL KOREAN WAR MUSEUM IN HAWAII. TAC/PSM

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

    2/11/03 9:30 AM HB568 RELATING TO CIVIL SERVICE. LAB

    2/11/03 9:30 AM HB1135 HD1 RELATING TO GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS. LAB

    2/11/03 9:30 AM HB1203 RELATING TO THE ADVISORY COMMITTEES TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS. LAB

    2/11/03 9:30 AM HB1204 RELATING TO THE HAWAII CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION. LAB

    2/11/03 9:30 AM HB1207 RELATING TO THE ELECTION OF JURY TRIALS IN HAWAII CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION MATTERS. LAB

    2/11/03 9:30 AM HB1593 RELATING TO LABOR. LAB

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

    2/11/03 9:45 AM SB870 RELATING TO HOMELESS SERVICES. HMS/CPH

    2/11/03 9:45 AM SB1286 RELATING TO THE HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION OF HAWAII. HMS/CPH

    2/11/03 9:45 AM SB1647 RELATING TO SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE BLIND OR VISUALLY IMPAIRED. HMS/CPH

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

    2/11/03 10:30 AM HB132 RELATING TO PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES AND EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES. LAB

    2/11/03 10:30 AM HB170 RELATING TO CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS. LAB

    2/11/03 10:30 AM HB260 HD1 RELATING TO LANGUAGE ACCESS. LAB

    2/11/03 10:30 AM HB403 RELATING TO THE EMPLOYEES’ RETIREMENT SYSTEM. LAB

    2/11/03 10:30 AM HB1125 RELATING TO OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION. LAB

    2/11/03 10:30 AM HB1304 RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS. LAB

    2/11/03 10:30 AM HB1312 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR DEPUTY SHERIFFS IN THE CIVIL BRANCH OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY. LAB

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

    2/11/03 11:30 AM HB1617 HD1 RELATING TO HEALTH CARE. LAB

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

    2/11/03 1:15 PM SB811 RELATING TO PROMOTION OF HIGH TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRIES IN HAWAII. ECD/TSM

    2/11/03 1:15 PM SB1181 RELATING TO INCOME TAX CREDITS. ECD/TSM

    2/11/03 1:15 PM SB248 SD1 RELATING TO THE CONVENTION CENTER. TSM

    2/11/03 1:15 PM SB248 SD1 RELATING TO THE CONVENTION CENTER. TSM

    2/11/03 1:15 PM SB651 RELATING TO TRANSIT ACCOMMODATIONS TAX. TSM

    2/11/03 1:15 PM SB651 RELATING TO TRANSIT ACCOMMODATIONS TAX. TSM

    2/11/03 1:15 PM SB1040 RELATING TO TRANSIENT ACCOMMODATIONS TAX. TSM

    2/11/03 1:15 PM SB1040 RELATING TO TRANSIENT ACCOMMODATIONS TAX. TSM

    2/11/03 1:15 PM SB1174 RELATING TO HOTEL CONSTRUCTION AND REMODELING TAX CREDIT. TSM/ECD

    2/11/03 1:15 PM SB1252 RELATING TO TAX CREDITS. TSM/ECD

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

    2/11/03 1:25 PM SB499 RELATING TO CLEAN POWER. ENE

    2/11/03 1:25 PM SB588 RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES. ENE

    2/11/03 1:25 PM SB843 RELATING TO CONSERVATION OF AQUATIC LIFE, WILDLIFE, AND LAND PLANTS. ENE

    2/11/03 1:25 PM SB919 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR BIOREMEDIATION RESEARCH. ENE

    2/11/03 1:25 PM SB843 RELATING TO CONSERVATION OF AQUATIC LIFE, WILDLIFE, AND LAND PLANTS. ENE/JHW

    2/11/03 1:25 PM SB1593 RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE. ENE/JHW

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

    2/11/03 1:30 PM SB126 RELATING TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. ECD

    2/11/03 1:30 PM SB837 RELATING TO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT. ECD

    2/11/03 1:30 PM SB900 RELATING TO TAX CREDITS. ECD

    2/11/03 1:30 PM SB901 RELATING TO INSURANCE. ECD

    2/11/03 1:30 PM SB902 RELATING TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. ECD

    2/11/03 1:30 PM SB904 RELATING TO HAWAII EMPLOYERS’ MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY. ECD

    2/11/03 1:30 PM SB906 RELATING TO INCOME TAX ECD

    2/11/03 1:30 PM SB907 RELATING TO TAXATION. ECD

    2/11/03 1:30 PM SB910 RELATING TO TAXATION. ECD

    2/11/03 1:30 PM SB1425 RELATING TO BUSINESS MENTORING OF YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS. ECD

    2/11/03 1:30 PM SB1696 RELATING TO THE EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING FUND. ECD

    2/11/03 1:30 PM SB552 RELATING TO LANDOWNERS’ LIABILITY. ENE

    2/11/03 1:30 PM SB604 RELATING TO ROADSIDE HERBICIDE USE. ENE

    2/11/03 1:30 PM SB1196 RELATING TO NOISE. ENE

    2/11/03 1:30 PM SB1417 RELATING TO ENDANGERED SPECIES. ENE

    2/11/03 1:30 PM SB1610 RELATING TO NET ENERGY METERING. ENE

    2/11/03 1:30 PM SB1682 RELATING TO NET ENERGY METERING. ENE

    2/11/03 1:30 PM None Informational Briefing FIN

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

    2/11/03 1:55 PM HB176 RELATING TO THE WEED AND SEED PROGRAM. JUD/PSM

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

    2/11/03 2:00 PM SB509 RELATING TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS. ECD

    2/11/03 2:00 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

    2/11/03 2:00 PM SB803 AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS AND MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR DIAMOND HEAD STATE MONUMENT VISITORS CENTER. ECD

    2/11/03 2:00 PM SB812 RELATING TO SMALL BUSINESS HIGH TECHNOLOGY EMPLOYMENT TAX CREDIT. ECD

    2/11/03 2:00 PM SB868 RELATING TO RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION TAX CREDIT. ECD

    2/11/03 2:00 PM SB872 AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS AND MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF STATE PARK FACILITIES. ECD

    2/11/03 2:00 PM SB1053 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR PLANS FOR HE`EIA KEA BEACH PARK. ECD

    2/11/03 2:00 PM SB1211 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS TO ASSIST PROCESSING ENTERPRISES. ECD

    2/11/03 2:00 PM SB1215 RELATING TO TAXATION. ECD

    2/11/03 2:00 PM SB1450 RELATING TO STATE ENTERPRISE ZONES. ECD

    2/11/03 2:00 PM SB1599 RELATING TO THE DIAMOND HEAD STATE MONUMENT. ECD

    2/11/03 2:00 PM SB1648 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE HAWAII STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION. ECD

    2/11/03 2:00 PM HB420 RELATING TO TEACHER EDUCATION. EDN/HED

    2/11/03 2:00 PM HB129 HD1 RELATING TO BRIDGE TO HOPE. HED

    2/11/03 2:00 PM HB167 RELATING TO NURSING EDUCATION. HED

    2/11/03 2:00 PM HB318 RELATING TO HUMAN RESOURCES. HED

    2/11/03 2:00 PM HB339 RELATING TO A COLLEGE SAVINGS PROGRAM TAX CREDIT. HED

    2/11/03 2:00 PM HB418 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII. HED

    2/11/03 2:00 PM HB873 RELATING TO ACCESS TO POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION. HED

    2/11/03 2:00 PM HB1093 RELATING TO HIGHER EDUCATION. HED

    2/11/03 2:00 PM HB1564 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS FOR CHAMINADE UNIVERSITY. HED

    2/11/03 2:00 PM HB945 RELATING TO TUITION WAIVERS FOR TEACHERS. HED/EDN

    2/11/03 2:00 PM HB345 RELATING TO HEPATITIS B IMMUNIZATION. HED/HLT

    2/11/03 2:00 PM HB422 RELATING TO A CENTER FOR NURSING. HED/HLT

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

    2/11/03 2:30 PM HB189 HD1 RELATING TO EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVES FOR SEX ASSAULT SURVIVORS IN EMERGENCY ROOMS. JUD

    2/11/03 2:30 PM HB320 HD1 RELATING TO RISK MANAGEMENT. JUD

    2/11/03 2:30 PM HB411 HD1 RELATING TO THE PROHIBITION OF DISCRIMINATION BY PUBLIC ENTITIES AGAINST INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES. JUD

    2/11/03 2:30 PM HB413 RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF ELECTIONS. JUD

    2/11/03 2:30 PM HB554 HD1 RELATING TO GOVERNMENT. JUD

    2/11/03 2:30 PM HB641 HD1 RELATING TO CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD CHECKS. JUD

    2/11/03 2:30 PM HB675 HD1 PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE HAWAII CONSTITUTION TO PREVENT CONDEMNATION OF TRUST LANDS. JUD

    2/11/03 2:30 PM HB925 RELATING TO ELDER ABUSE. JUD

    2/11/03 2:30 PM HB969 HD1 RELATING TO COLLECTIVE BARGAINING. JUD

    2/11/03 2:30 PM HB1092 HD1 RELATING TO EDUCATION. JUD

    2/11/03 2:30 PM HB1166 HD1 RELATING TO THE UNIFORM LIMITED PARTNERSHIP ACT. JUD

    2/11/03 2:30 PM HB1192 RELATING TO BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR ADULT SERVICES PROGRAMS. JUD

    2/11/03 2:30 PM HB1221 RELATING TO THE GARNISHMENT OF COMMITTED PERSONS’ MONEYS. JUD

    2/11/03 2:30 PM HB1277 PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE III, SECTION 16, OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF HAWAII, TO PROVIDE THE LEGISLATURE WITH THE POWER TO RECALL A BILL PRESENTED TO THE GOVERNOR. JUD

    2/11/03 2:30 PM HB1402 HD1 RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES. JUD

    2/11/03 2:30 PM HB1512 RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE AND A TASK FORCE STUDY. JUD

    2/11/03 2:30 PM HB1572 HD1 RELATING TO PARKING FOR DISABLED PERSONS. JUD

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB82 RELATING TO ENTERPRISE ZONES. ECD

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB358 RELATING TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. ECD

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB560 RELATING TO SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT. ECD

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB659 RELATING TO ENTERPRISE ZONE. ECD

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB836 RELATING TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. ECD

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB917 RELATING TO CAPITAL LOAN PROGRAM. ECD

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB1250 RELATING TO NEW ECONOMY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT. ECD

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB1253 RELATING TO ECONOMIC DATA. ECD

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB1254 RELATING TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS. ECD

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB1422 RELATING TO ECONOMIC RECOVERY. ECD

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB1619 RELATING TO TAXATION. ECD

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB1619 RELATING TO TAXATION. ECD

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB1627 RELATING TO COMMUNITY-BASED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. ECD

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB79 RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES. HMS/HTH

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB930 RELATING TO UNIFORM HEALTH CARE DECISION ACT. HMS/HTH

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB956 RELATING TO PRESUMPTIVE MEDICAID ELIGIBILITY FOR PREGNANT WOMEN. HMS/HTH

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB1061 RELATING TO ADULT RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES. HMS/HTH

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB1354 RELATING TO HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. HMS/HTH

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB457 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE WAIPAHU COMMUNITY ADULT DAY HEALTH CENTER AND YOUTH DAY CARE CENTER PILOT PROJECT. HTH/HMS

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB940 RELATING TO ELDER ABUSE. HTH/HMS

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB949 RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH AND ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE TREATMENT INSURANCE BENEFITS. HTH/HMS

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB953 RELATING TO RESPITE CARE SERVICES. HTH/HMS

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB957 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO HIRE PUBLIC HEALTH NURSES FOR EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES FOR INFANTS AND TODDLERS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS. HTH/HMS

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB983 RELATING TO THE TOBACCO SETTLEMENT MONEYS. HTH/HMS

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB1088 RELATING TO LONG-TERM CARE. HTH/HMS

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB1358 MAKING AN EMERGENCY APPROPRIATION FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT (HIPAA) COMPLIANCE. HTH/HMS

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB1399 RELATING TO A LONG-TERM CARE TAX CREDIT. HTH/HMS

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB376 RELATING TO ART. SAT

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB400 AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS AND MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR PHASE II OF THE INSTITUTE FOR ASTRONOMY ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH CENTER. SAT

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB426 RELATING TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. SAT

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB455 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO THE FRIENDS OF WAIPAHU CULTURAL GARDEN PARK. SAT

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB521 RELATING TO AN OFFICE OF TECHNOLOGY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. SAT

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB641 RELATING TO CONTRACTORS. SAT

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB663 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR EXPANSION OF THE OCEANIC INSTITUTE’S AQUACULTURE AND MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH FACILITIES. SAT

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB721 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR A UNIFIED DATABASE SYSTEM OF ALL STATE AGENCIES. SAT

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB794 RELATING TO HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE. SAT

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB834 RELATING TO HIGH TECHNOLOGY BUSINESSES. SAT

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB1208 RELATING TO HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE. SAT

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB1251 RELATING TO A STATE CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER. SAT

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB1263 RELATING TO ELECTRONIC PROCUREMENT. SAT

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB1334 RELATING TO THE STATE INTERNET PORTAL. SAT

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB1449 RELATING TO PUBLIC MEETINGS. SAT

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB1452 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE JAPANESE AMERICAN CITIZENS LEAGUE 75TH ANNIVERSARY NATIONAL CONVENTION. SAT

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB1489 RELATING TO PUBLIC ACCESS. SAT

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB1490 RELATING TO PUBLIC ACCESS. SAT

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB1498 RELATING TO WORKS OF ART. SAT

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB1518 RELATING TO THE HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE. SAT

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB1662 RELATING TO CONGRESSWOMAN PATSY T. MINK. SAT

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB359 RELATING TO FILM INDUSTRY. SAT/ECD

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB406 RELATING TO TAXATION. SAT/ECD

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB425 RELATING TO HIGH TECHNOLOGY. SAT/ECD

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB724 RELATING TO THE KANEOHE BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL. SAT/ECD

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB726 RELATING TO THE SPECIAL ADVISORY COUNCIL FOR TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT. SAT/ECD

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB1227 RELATING TO TAXATION. SAT/ECD

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB1249 RELATING TO SMALL BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER GRANTS. SAT/ECD

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB1685 RELATING TO TAX CREDITS. SAT/ECD

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB1692 RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF MEDICAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY. SAT/ECD

    2/11/03 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/ECD

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

    2/11/03 3:00 PM HB1077 MAKING EMERGENCY APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE OFFICES OF THE GOVERNOR AND LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR. FIN

    2/11/03 3:00 PM HB1180 MAKING AN EMERGENCY APPROPRIATION FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT (HIPAA) COMPLIANCE. FIN

    2/11/03 3:00 PM HB1181 MAKING AN EMERGENCY APPROPRIATION FOR THE HAWAII HEALTH SYSTEMS CORPORATION. FIN

    2/11/03 3:00 PM HB1194 MAKING AN EMERGENCY APPROPRIATION FOR MEDICAID. FIN

    2/11/03 3:00 PM HB1195 RELATING TO HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. FIN

    2/11/03 3:00 PM HB893 HD1 RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII. HED

    2/11/03 3:00 PM HB277 RELATING TO EDUCATION. JUD

    2/11/03 3:00 PM HB470 RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT. JUD

    2/11/03 3:00 PM HB476 HD1 RELATING TO CONSERVATION OF AQUATIC LIFE, WILDLIFE, AND LAND PLANTS. JUD

    2/11/03 3:00 PM HB737 HD1 RELATING TO CLEAN WATER. JUD

    2/11/03 3:00 PM HB1053 RELATING TO CONSERVATION. JUD

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

    2/11/03 3:45 PM HB73 RELATING TO STATE GOVERNMENT. FIN

    2/11/03 3:45 PM HB772 RELATING TO BONDS. FIN

    2/11/03 3:45 PM HB773 RELATING TO BONDS. FIN

    2/11/03 3:45 PM HB1081 RELATING TO THE STATE INTERNET PORTAL. FIN

    2/11/03 3:45 PM HB1154 RELATING TO UNCLAIMED PROPERTY. FIN

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

    2/11/03 4:15 PM HB400 RELATING TO THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCING AGREEMENTS. FIN

    2/11/03 4:15 PM HB405 RELATING TO UTILIZATION OF FEDERAL FUNDS. FIN

    2/11/03 4:15 PM HB691 RELATING TO THE PUBLIC PROCUREMENT CODE. FIN

    2/11/03 4:15 PM HB1104 RELATING TO ELECTRONIC PROCUREMENT. FIN

    2/11/03 4:15 PM HB1253 RELATING TO PROCUREMENT. FIN

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

    2/11/03 4:30 PM None Informational Briefing WPD

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

    2/11/03 5:00 PM HB91 RELATING TO GOVERNMENT SERVICES. FIN

    2/11/03 5:00 PM HB851 RELATING TO TAXATION APPEALS. FIN

    2/11/03 5:00 PM HB1152 RELATING TO STATE FUNDS. FIN

    2/11/03 5:00 PM HB1223 RELATING TO CONFORMITY OF THE HAWAII INCOME TAX LAW TO THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE. FIN

    2/11/03 5:00 PM HB1224 RELATING TO THE AMENDMENT OR REPEAL OF OBSOLETE TAX LAWS. FIN

    2/11/03 5:00 PM HB1225 RELATING TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF TAXES. FIN

    Marks of Good Tax Policy

    Hawaii Reporter
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    As lawmakers debate the merits of this or that tax proposal, it might be worthwhile to review the hallmarks of good tax policy and perhaps check out how some of the latest legislative proposals measure up against these long-honored aspects of good tax policy.

    Nearly everyone agrees that taxes should be fair and equitable — treating people in equal situations alike and those in unique situations differently based on the taxpayer’s ability to pay. An issue discussed here in the past relating to the taxation of pension income would be a case in point. Just because a retiree receives his or her retirement income in the form of a distribution from a 401(k) as opposed to a pension from a defined benefit plan should not prevent that person from also being excluded from paying state taxes on the distribution. If retirees who receive a payment from a defined benefit plan are exempt from paying state income taxes, so should those who receive their retirement income in the form of a distribution from a 401(k) plan.

    A tax should be efficient in that it doesn’t cause extraordinary work to administer it or for that matter for the taxpayer to comply with the law. It should cost little to administer in proportion to the revenues it produces. It should not impose extraordinary burdens with which taxpayers must comply that would cause the economy to perform below par. For example, a county proposal would impose an inefficient tax on motorists by imposing a vehicle tax based on the value of the automobile. Automobiles tend to have unique characteristics and are subject to all sorts of external factors. Determining value of personal property is so difficult and time consuming that it makes for an inefficient tax and costs more to administer than the revenues that might be realized from a personal property tax on that vehicle.

    A tax should affect the economic system as little as possible, that is, it should be neutral and not cause people to stop working or investing or saving or to make other basic changes in their economic lives. A case in point is the luxury tax the federal government levied on yachts back in the 1980s, thinking that only the rich could possibly own yachts and sail boats. In reality, the rich stopped building or buying yachts in the country and either did without or went outside the country to purchase their pleasure boats. But more importantly, the luxury tax put the carpenters and ship fitters out of work. Instead of punishing the rich for buying such luxury items, they punished the poor working stiff who built those ships of luxury.

    A good tax brings with it a certain amount of certainty in that the taxpayer knows what the tax is, the amount imposed, and what is being taxed. A good tax — if there is such a thing — is certain and predictable so that a person knows what tax he or she owes and why. Sometimes problems occur when a new tax is created. Such was the case of the transient accommodations tax when it was first adopted by the 1986 Legislature and implemented in 1987. Because Hawaii had never had a hotel room tax, there was uncertainty as to what was taxable. Initially there was no concrete time period which hotel owners could hold up as a standard by which to determine whether or not they owed the tax. Initially it appeared that a hotel needed to have a paper certificate for each and every room they rented out and it was pointed out the department would have needed empty toilet paper cartons to store all of the certificates.

    A good tax has a broad base so that a lower rate can be maintained. The general excise tax is a good case in point. It taxes nearly all transactions taking place in Hawaii and has one of the lower rates of any transactions tax in the nation.

    That said, exemptions and exclusions erode the tax base and create apathy in those who enjoy those exemptions. A proposal to do away with the tax on food or medical services would insure that the vast majority of the voting public probably would pay even less attention to how lawmakers spend tax dollars as the bulk of their purchases would not contribute to the pot that lawmakers like to spend.

    Tax shifting favors one taxpayer over another, creates confusion and the illusion that taxes are being cut. Such is the case of the tax credit for the Ko Olina development. The favored project gets tax breaks while the rest of us taxpayers keep on making the payments. Oh, and most importantly, we should remember things like businesses don’t pay taxes, only people pay taxes as the tax on things gets passed on to us as people.

    ”’Lowell L. Kalapa is the president of the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, a private, non-profit educational organization. For more information, please call 536-4587 or log on to”’ https://www.tfhawaii.org

    In Gaia We Trust – White House Puts Faith in EPA

    Hawaii Reporter
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    0

    The days are long past for jokingly calling the Episcopal Church “the Republican party at prayer.” Meanwhile the environmental movement continues to represent the American Left at worship. The green crusade has crafted a new way for its own troubling religion to pervert traditional faith. Having fought in federal court to deny its religiosity — and thus continue its life-sustaining flow of taxpayer dollars — the Down With People machine is donning religious vestments and teaming up with the Bush administration to tap the president

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