During Tour of 50 of Hawaii’s Small Businesses, Owners Say Lawmakers Ignore Their Concerns

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Supporters Bill Sanborn, candidate for Big Island County Council, Jade Bowman, elementary school teacher at a conversion charter school, and Merv Lopes, legendary Chaminade basketball coach at the Starbucks in Waimea. Jade provided much insight into Bishop Estate's involvement in conversion charter schools. Bill and Merv escorted me around Waimea.
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Supporters Bill Sanborn, candidate for Big Island County Council, Jade Bowman, elementary school teacher at a conversion charter school, and Merv Lopes, legendary Chaminade basketball coach at the Starbucks in Waimea. Jade provided much insight into Bishop Estate's involvement in conversion charter schools. Bill and Merv escorted me around Waimea.

BY ADRIENNE KING – Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and their prosperity is critical to stimulating the economy and improving everyone’s standard of living.

This past week I visited over 50 small businesses in Waimea and Kona. In Waimea I visited a variety of establishments from real estate offices to the Parker Ranch store.

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In Kona, I visited shops and businesses from one end of Ali’i Street to the other talking to owners and managers. I was impressed by the wide variety and quality of goods and services offered. The economic downturn has hit their businesses hard. The dearth of customers was noticeable.

The consistent complaint I hear from small business owners is the failure of the legislature to really listen to and address their concerns.

As a practicing attorney for almost 40 years, my livelihood has depended on my being an effective listener. Really listening involves being sensitive to what is not spoken, and asking questions to ferret out concerns to achieve long term solutions.

As a small business owner with my husband, Sam King, Jr., for the past 25 years, I know how the taxes and regulations imposed on small business inhibit growth and stifle investment.

As your Lieutenant Governor, I will be committed to policies that promote economic development and job growth in Hawaii. I am dedicated to easing the burdens placed on Hawaii’s small businesses and reforming policies that inhibit their growth.

I will work with Duke Aiona to implement effective policies to help our local business community.

In the meantime, I urge you to support our local businesses. Have you been to your local farmers markets? Go check them out. You will be impressed by what is offered.

In Hawaii Kai, for example, may I suggest visiting Otsuji Farm Saturday mornings from 8 AM – 11 AM, at the farm at 459 Pakala Street., and the Hawaii Kai Farmer’s Market Saturday mornings from 9 AM – 1 PM or Tuesdays from 4 PM to 7 PM at the Kaiser High School campus.

Also check out the fabulous and huge variety of plants offered at Nii Nurseries on Kamilonui Place in Kamilonui Valley.

If you are visiting Waimea, check out their farmers market each Saturday morning.

Stop by and say hello to my friends Jane and Micci at their stand and buy something. The poha jam is fabulous!

I have also visited, and spent money, at the markets in Hilo and Maui and Kaua’i, as I am sure many of you have—-but if you have never been, or it has been a while, go again. By supporting each other, we will get through these times and be the stronger for it.


Adrienne King is a candidate for Lieutenant governor in the GOP primary and an attorney

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