Two measures that would allow electronic publication of some or all legal  notices on internet websites were discussed in a joint meting of three Senate committees this afternoon.

“As electronic posting of information has become an accepted and expected way to conduct business, the state should publish public notices online,” said Chief Information Officer Sanjee “Sonny” Bhagowalia.

Newspaper publishers uniformly opposed the bills, saying the notices are more likely to be read in their publications than on government websites.

“Posting public notices solely on a government website amid all the clutter and chatter of the vast Internet is a sure-fire way to obscure this vital and local information from the public,” Ted Dixon, president of the Hawaii Publishers Association, said in written testimony.

The American Association of Retired Persons also opposed the bills.

“Our concern is that people who are not computer literate or without internet access would not be able to access public notice information. This is particularly true of many seniors, disabled, and disadvantaged groups who still rely on newspapers for vital information and would miss public notices if not published in newspapers,” the AARP said.

Dave Kennedy, senior vice president of the Honolulu Star Advertiser, said under questioning from Maui Sen. Roz Baker, D-5^th Dist., that the newspaper receives $890,000 annually for publishing state government legal notices.

But Kennedy called that figure “a very small proportion of our overall revenue.”

He couched his objections to electronic publication in other terms.

“The bottom-line issue here isn't about revenue for us; it's about public access and the public's right to know. That’s something we in the news business take very seriously,” Kennedy testified.

Throughout the country, Kennedy said, laws require newspaper publication of government legal notices for a variety of reasons.

The notices are published by a “party independent of the government,” they are “widely and easily accessible” and copies of them are “archived and are secure from modification and tampering,” said Kennedy.

When questioned by senators about legal notice rate increases imposed by Star Advertiser since it became Oahu’s sole daily newspaper in 2010, Kennedy repeatedly said the current legal ad rate “is 40 per cent less than the year 2000.”

That was back when there were two Honolulu newspapers, the Advertiser and Star Bulletin, that were independently owned but shared joint business operations, including advertising sales.

When the two papers separated and competed with each other, rates for all categories of advertising plummeted.

After the two papers merged in 2010, the surviving Star Advertiser told government agencies it was raising its legal advertising rates between 208% to 264%, depending on the day of publication.

Slightly lower increases were ultimately imposed by the publication last year, but the rates are still substantially higher than those charged when there were two newspapers operating in Honolulu.

The state Judiciary suggested in testimony yesterday that the state should publish legal notices both in newspapers and in online sites.

That would cost the state more money for new electronic publishing equipment and personnel, on top of the continuing print publication costs, the courts acknowledged.

“The Judiciary recognizes the additional costs, but believes that there is still a segment of our community who would be served better through print media,” courts official Kevin Thornton said in written testimony.

Disrespecting a legislator

Photo: Emily Metcalf

invitations to charitable fundraising events, even if the purpose of the gifts is to influence  votes or other official actions.

The state Ethics Commission is opposed to the bill, HB2457, which is similar to another measure introduced by lawmakers last year after the commission’s new executive director advised them they could not accept such gifts.

Now the Attorney General’s office has authored a measure that would allow acceptance of such gifts, worth unlimited amounts of money.

In recommending passage, Deputy Attorney General Robyn Chun said, “Attendance by lawmakers and government officials at events sponsored by charitable entities provides them with educational opportunities to help them keep current with community issues.”

The proposed new law would only ban acceptance of free invitations to golf tournaments organized as fundraisers for non-profits.

Charitable golf tournaments, Chun said, have a “less focused” educational purpose than other events, Chun said.

Ethics Commission executive director Leslie Kondo testified against the new bill, saying it would allow legislators and other state officials “to get more freebies.”

“I urge the committee to remember the statutory purpose of the Ethics Code…to preserve the public’s confidence in state government,” said Kondo.

“There’s some obvious issues about the bill," Kondo said. "Legislators and other state employees can accept free tickets without regard to the cost, without regard to the relationship between the organization and the recipient and without regard to the purpose of the event,” he said.

As written, the administration bill places “no limit as to the number of tickets that a charity can give to the same legislator or the same government official,” said Kondo.

Charities do “great work,” he said, but they also lobby the state to receive state contracts, grants and other benefits, often in competition with other non-profit and for-profit organizations.

The League of Women Voters said in testimony that it “strongly opposes” the bill.

“We see the proposed exemption as a giant step backward,” the league said.

Americans for Democratic Action official Barbara Polk called the bill “a complete violation of the intent of the Ethics Code.”

She said the bill “makes the non-profits look bad, it makes the Legislature look bad and it opens the way for corruption of our entire system,” Polk said.

Blogger Larry Geller, publisher of "Disappeared News," said the measure would allow non-profits to give state employees first-class air travel to attend a charitable fundaiser in Las Vegas as long it wasn't a golf tournament.

"Changing the law as this bill suggests would permit endless abuses," said Geller.

BY MALIA HILL-

“Government does not solve problems; it subsidizes them.”—Ronald Reagan

Each week, we’ll be monitoring the web to find the most interesting, challenging, or important items for those who are concerned about liberty, accountability, and big government.  Here are some of the highlights from the past week:

Health-wise, We’re All Potential One-Percenters

It is the fashion (perhaps out of sheer editorial laziness) to try to break nearly everything into populist arguments about the large majority versus the tiny fraction—the 1% versus the 99%.  Even in health care, we’re told that the majority of health care spending comes from a small minority of patients.  But as John Goodman points out, in the world of health care spending, there’s much more mobility in that minority than you might imagine.  In fact, most of the highest health care spenders in a given year are not in the same category in the following year.  As Goodman explains, this has important ramifications on the purpose of health insurance and makes an argument for treating it more like true insurance.

The car that runs on taxpayer dollars . . . it’s green!

Conspiracy theorists love to speculate on the reasons for the lack of a viable electric car.  Perhaps they should ask whether it’s possible to kill the electric car with government grants and incentives.  Because if it’s possible to bludgeon a project to death by showering it with taxpayer dollars, maybe that could be the explanation for the failure of Ener1, a manufacturer of electric vehicle batteries.  The National Legal and Policy Center has the full story of Ener1, the millions it received in grants and subsidies, and its relationship with Think Global, the international electric car manufacturer that’s so good at going bankrupt that they decided to do it three times.  Those who aren’t as fond of conspiracy might point out that poor business decisions and wasteful spending are at the heart of the debacle, but I think we should go with the conspiracy.  Maybe we could convince people that taking taxpayer money to prop up failing businesses is bad luck.  Hey, I can dream.

Hoping he doesn’t mean what he says

Even the President’s detractors will concede that he has a gift for soaring rhetoric—or, less charitably, a dependence on it.  However, the President’s State of the Union address should have us hoping that his promises really are no more than rhetoric.  Because as you unpack the implications of the promises of that speech, the fell hand of big government makes itself seen more and more clearly, with promise after promise suggesting that the President would use the power of government to compel the American people to realize these ideals.  As Charles Kadlec explains in Forbes, it is a startling plan to expand government power based on a fundamental understanding of American cooperation.

Creating government bullies

Think, for a moment, about bankers and banks.  Chances are you imagined something straight out of a 19^th century cartoon, right down to a pinstriped waistcoat and a cigar.  Now, think about your own local bank.  Unless you recently got into an argument with that one teller who won’t cash a check without a DNA sample, you probably imagined a neighbor or the nice woman who helped you with a loan.  This, in a nutshell, is the problem faced by banks in the backlash of financial scandal and economic uncertainty.  We may not hold a grudge against our local branch, but in the abstract, most people can’t be bothered to shed a tear for the woes of banks.

Why is that a problem?  Because the banking industry is currently facing the wrath of the government regulators who are smarting from similar PR problems, but have the advantage of someone to take it out on (i.e. the banks).  As Robert Barba explains in American Banker, the situation is inherently troubled and primed for retribution and other unfair action against banks.  In the long term, this can not only lead to further economic troubles, but also fosters the growth of unaccountable government, which should trouble anyone who is concerned about personal and economic freedom.

Standing up to the climate cabal

There are few things more certain to get you a ton of angry, hysterical, borderline-libelous responses than questioning the prevailing orthodoxy on global warming.  The best you can hope for is to be mocked by actors and politicians who received their physics degrees at the University of An Inconvenient Truth.  But slowly (very slowly), the voice of scientific reason is starting to be heard.  As in the sixteen eminent scientists who published this letter in the Wall Street Journal, taking issue with any political claim that it is necessary to take dramatic action to address climate change.  Not only do the writers question the science behind the “incontrovertible” claims of global warming (suggesting that they are, on the contrary, quite controvertible), but they also dare to look at the economic realities and cost-benefit factor in creating environmental laws that curtail economic growth.  The letter is worth reading in its entirety, not least of all for the salutary lesson that environmental activists can be every bit as money-driven as the corporations they attack.

Views expressed in this column are intended to promote creative thought, educate, and, we hope, prompt comment. Accordingly, thoughts expressed do not necessarily reflect the official position of Grassroot Institute of Hawaii or the author.

If you want to support the efforts of GRIH to promote individual liberty in Hawaii society, please support HERE.

Please let us know what you think about this reporting. We want to serve your needs, so include your recommendations. Send to maliah@grassrootinstitute.org

Keith Kaneshiro

criminal justice in ways that would release more convicted felons from prisons and jails.

Kaneshiro told legislators he’s afraid the proposed legislation could endanger public safety and deny parole and probation officials necessary discretion in performing their work.

Called the Justice Reinvestment Initiative, the plan would streamline pretrial bail releases of accused felons, shorten probation terms for certain felonies and limit prison stays for some parole violators.

One portion of the governor’s plan would raise the threshold for a felony theft charge from $300 to $750, greatly reducing the amount of jail or probation terms for those offenses.

Proponents say the $300 level has been unchanged since 1986 and is far below the national average of $750. Even the tough-on-crime state of Texas sets the felony theft threshold at $2,500, advocates say.

The administration says initiating the changes to the system would cost some $7 million in upfront spending, but those expenses would be recovered - and millions more dollars saved - because of  reduced prison and jail populations.

Kaneshiro noted that the administration’s bills don’t have budget appropriations written into them and he wondered where the start-up money would come from.

He said he wanted to know how many new parole and probation officers will have to be hired to handle increased workloads.

Department of Public Safety director Jodi Maesaka-Hiarata said she is working with state budget officials to identify sources of funding for the new legislation.

Kaneshiro did support a recommended change to the law which would give state judges more discretion in sentencing second-time drug possession offenders. The law now requires prison time, but the study recommended allowing judges the option of probation.

“I’m not opposed to everything,” Kaneshiro said.

But he cautioned that treatment programs must be expanded and made available to repeat drug possession offenders.

Kaneshiro opposed a proposed change to state law that mandates five-year probation sentences for many lesser felony offenses.

In many localities around the country, three-year terms are standard for such offenses.

Proponents of the three-year maximum note that a probationer is most likely to re-offend within the earliest period of supervision and by the third year, supervision is unnecessary for most offenders.

Kaneshiro arued that probation officers frequently will “bank” such cases, relaxing oversight in the final years of supervision if the probationer has committed no violations.

But the possibility of further action is available to a probation officer if an offender does misbehave in the final stages of his or her sentence, Kaneshiro said.

Judges now can also grant motions for early discharge from probation for model offenders, Kaneshiro said.

The efforts at reforming the system also include a new system to speed preparation of bail eligibility reports for pretrial defendants.

In many cases on Oahu, it can be weeks before the reports are completed and incarcerated defendants are found eligible for release on bail.

Kaneshiro said the new expedited process is now moving so fast that his office has no time to review the reports before a bail hearing occurs.

The lack of review time is now causing his office to move for denial of bail until the reports can be more thoroughly reviewed, the prosecutor said.

Except for Kaneshiro, others testifying were unanimously in favor of the legislation, although the Hawaii Paroling Authority said some fine-tuning may be necessary.

REPORT FROM THE US ATTORNEY'S OFFICE

United States Attorney Florence T. Nakakuni said that according to information produced in court, in July 2006 law enforcement authorities discovered approximately 14 pounds of methamphetamine concealed in the drive shaft of an automobile Hernandez shipped from California to Hawaii. California resident Jose Perez, age 24, and Oahu resident John Gouveia, Jr., age 36, were arrested when they took possession of the automobile in Hawaii. Evidence was also presented in court regarding another automobile which was shipped by Hernandez to Gouveia in Hilo, Hawaii in March 2006 which also contained approximately 14 pounds of methamphetamine. The two shipments formed the basis for two of the three charges for which Hernandez was tried, and the third count charged a conspiracy encompassing both shipments.

In August 2010, a federal district court jury found Gouveia guilty of the three charges but could not reach a unanimous verdict as to Hernandez. On January 27, 2011, Gouveia was sentenced by United States District Judge Susan Oki Mollway to a prison term of 24 years and four months. Perez had previously pled guilty to possessing with intent to distribute and
distributing 14 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, and United States District Judge David A. Ezra sentenced him to a prison term of five years and ten months in April 2007.

The case resulted from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan M. F. Loo.

Scott Ishikawa, spokesperson for the Honolulu Rail Transit Project's Public Involvement Team, told Hawaii Reporter in an email today:

"Construction of the foundation and pillars for the rail guideway is about to begin. We need to be proactive and do everything we can in letting the public know in advance about the work, so they can adjust their commute or make detours to avoid the construction areas. The radio spots also advise the public to watch for our construction crews on the road and to drive safely around them."

He said the cost for the radio spots, including production and airtime is $145,000.

The rail ad reads:

[ANNOUNCER:]

The work on Honolulu's rail transit system is now underway, and the construction on the elevated guideway foundations and pillars is about to begin. This comes after years of study and planning, voter approval, and project funding.

And while every effort is being made to reduce the impact of construction, drivers should expect some delays and detours while construction proceeds.

That's one of the reasons HART - the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation - will be working to keep you informed and up to date throughout the construction process.

When completed, the elevated, electrically-powered trains will run from East Kapolei to Ala Moana Center, with 21 community stations along the way, providing public transportation that is fast, convenient, on-time, and never gets stuck a traffic jam.

Visit HART's website at HonoluluTransit.org for weekly traffic construction updates and more project information.

A message from HART, paid for by Honolulu city taxpayers.

The city spent $5 million before the charter vote in 2008 to promote the rail on the ballot, said Council Member Ann Kobayashi, who questions why additional monies need to be spent now. Taxpayers money should not be spent on lobbying or promoting the project, she said, questioning if they are once again lobbying.

Linda Lingle announces candidacy for U.S. Senate (Photo by Dave Livingston)

SUBMITTED BY THE LINDA LINGLE FOR US SENATE CAMPAIGN - HONOLULU, HAWAII - Former Hawaii Governor and current U.S. Senate candidate Linda Lingle released today a new video spot highlighting her commitment to bipartisanship.

Tom Okamura

Rep. Tom Okamura (District 33 – Aiea, Halawa) has submitted his resignation, effective today.  The following is a statement from Speaker of the House, Calvin K.Y. Say:

"I want to thank Rep. Tom Okamura for his service to the state legislature over the course of his career.  During the few weeks this year that he's been with the House, he has graced us with his unique knowledge, expertise and wisdom as a veteran lawmaker and true public servant.  His health, however, has become a concern, and Rep. Okamura has placed the needs of his district first.  He wants to ensure that the district and his constituents receive the best representation possible and has, therefore, chosen to step down at this time.  We wish him well as he attends to his health."

“By designating Hawai'i County a natural disaster area, President Obama and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack have recognized that the island’s farmers and ranchers have endured enough,” said Governor Abercrombie. “Even today, Big Island residents continue to experience drought conditions ranging from severe to extreme. The USDA’s assistance will help hard working families recover losses and see it through until conditions improve.”

"A drought can be as catastrophic as a hurricane or flood to a farmer or rancher," said Russell Kokubun, chairperson of the Hawai'i Board of Agriculture.  "This disaster assistance is a lifeline for many of our agriculture producers who have been dealing with severe drought conditions for over six years. We truly appreciate this support from the USDA.”

Hawai'i County was formally designated a natural disaster area on Jan. 18, 2012. Qualified farm operators in the designated area are eligible for low interest emergency (EM) loans from USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) to cover losses. Eligible individuals have eight months from the date of the declaration to apply. FSA considers each loan application on its own merits. Additional information is available online at http://disaster.fsa.usda.gov.

According to the National Weather Service, leeward slopes of Hawai'i Island continue to receive little rain. As a result, a classification of “extreme drought” persists in the South Kohala District and Pokakula Region of the Hamakua District. Increased rainfall has resulted in recent improvement from extreme drought in other areas, but the Ka'u and North Kona Districts remain within severe drought parameters. Moderate drought remains over parts of the South Kona District. Pastures and general vegetation from Kawaihae to Pohakuloa are described as being in “very poor” condition, and brush fires continue to be a concern.

Alicia Castro, General Manager of GuamCTS shares

HONOLULU, HAWAII – Hawaii Computer Training and Solutions (HawaiiCTS) is ready for an addition to the family - Guam Computer Training and Solutions (GuamCTS).  To expand the reach of their expertise in both training and IT solutions, the new training facility, website (www.GuamCTS.com), and the grand opening will be officially launched on Tuesday February 21st, 2012 from 5:00pm to 9:00pm at the Guam office, 121 Takano Lane, Rocky Business Center Suite 303, Tamuning, Guam 96913.  HawaiiCTS, with the opening of the GuamCTS training center, will offer the largest range of computer training courses and certifications available throughout Guam and the Pacific Region.

GuamCTS will address both the office and technical training needs for many different market sectors in Guam, from individuals, to small and large business, local Government and the Department of Defense.

Alicia Castro, General Manager of GuamCTS shares, “The team at GuamCTS is looking forward to providing training and working to address the workforce development needs in Guam and throughout the Pacific Rim.  Similar to HawaiiCTS, GuamCTS will also provide IT services from one time project support and computer assistance to IT outsourcing including services for small to large businesses.”

"This office advances our strategic growth plans," shares Sean Fox, Managing Partner at HawaiiCTS.  "The opening of this office underscores our commitment to expand in the Pacific region where we have been delivering training from the Hawaii location, and will further build on our strategic relationships.  Alicia is a great addition to our team and I am confident that with her leadership and experience, GuamCTS will exemplify the same outstanding quality and service to our customer.”

Along with top of the line technology and facilities, GuamCTS has the best instructors available. “Our clients are going to benefit greatly from the time, attention to detail, and investment we have made in the training facility and staff of GuamCTS,” explains Alicia Castro.

Both HawaiiCTS and GuamCTS offer business application courses which include: Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint; Adobe PhotoShop, InDesign, Dreamweaver and many more. Additionally, their Technical Training courses include Microsoft Administration, Exchange, SQL and SharePoint; CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+; ITIL; CISSP; VMware; Project Management (PMP) and many more.

For more information about the GuamCTS office grand opening, please go to www.GuamCTS.com or call (671) 647-4287 or (671) 647-GCTS.

The Computer Training and Solutions group of companies, HawaiiCTS and GuamCTS, have collectively delivered over 10 years of training in Hawaii and Guam. Delivering more courses than any other IT training company, HawaiiCTS and GuamCTS provide businesses and individuals with the choice of  hundreds of courses , delivered by experts, and offered through a number of delivery methods, including Remote Live classes enabling individuals with internet  to access the classes.  For more information, visit www.HawaiiCTS.com or call 808-441-3400.  Follow us on Twitter @HawaiiCTS and Like HawaiiCTS on Facebook.

SUBMITTED BY CONGRESSWOMAN HIRONO'S STAFF

“In Hawaii, we believe in the importance of family and working together to help our kupuna. They shouldn’t have to choose between buying groceries and buying the medications they need,” said Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono (HI-02). “Under the Affordable Care Act, most seniors will save an estimated $4,200 by 2021 as a result of the law.”

The estimated $4,200 in long-term savings for people with Medicare is the result of provisions in the law like preventative services and reduced premiums, as well as efforts to close the prescription drug donut hole.

The donut hole coverage gap is created when Medicare recipients reach their coverage limit and are forced to pay the full cost of their prescription drugs. Last year, under reforms in the Affordable Care Act, people with Medicare who fell into the donut hole received a 50% discount on the cost of brand-name drugs and a 7% discount on generics.

These discounts will grow each year until the donut hole is completely closed by 2020.

In addition to the donut hole savings, the Affordable Care Act has helped to lower average premiums for Medicare Advantage enrollees by 16%.

END

Editors’ Note: Below is a breakdown of the prescription drug savings by county:
County                              People with Medicare        Savings
Kauai                                 1,084                                      $343,229
Hawaii                               2,860                                      $878,891
Honolulu                           15,522                                    $5,003,064
Maui                                  1,805                                      $664,093
STATE TOTAL             21,271                                    $6,889,277

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

SUBMITTED BY CASE FOR SENATE CAMPAIGN

Bush tax cuts. In the ad, Hirono claims that she is “the only candidate who opposed Bush’s tax cuts for the wealthy”. “That’s false”, said Case. “I voted against them as Congressman and have publicly stated on several occasions that I oppose their extension. I say again: they were and are unfair, unnecessary and unaffordable.

“Both Mazie and I had some very specific votes to extend them because they were part of bills to also extend middle class tax relief and, in my case, to eliminate the marriage penalty and extend the food stamp program. Mazie can’t have her cake and eat it too on this claim.

“In any event, there’s no real difference between us on our records and positions. The real opponent here is Lingle, who has always supported tax cuts for the wealthy and has never proposed a way to pay for them and fix our federal budget.

Iraq. In the ad, Hirono claims that she “always opposed the Iraq war.” “Of course, because Mazie didn’t join Congress until ’07, she never had to take a position or cast a tough vote on Iraq until well after most Americans, myself included, believed that our intervention was a mistake,” said Case. “But even then her claim is false: she voted repeatedly to continue spending on the Iraq war.”

Case was not a Member of Congress when the vote to authorize intervention in Iraq was taken in October ’02. However, as a candidate for Congress in late ’02, he said then that based on what he knew, including the Bush administration’s claim that Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction, he probably would have voted for the resolution, as did a majority of then-Senate Democrats including Senators Clinton, Biden, Daschle, Kerry, Reid and Schumer. “Had I known then that there were no WMD in Iraq, I would not have voted for the resolution,” said Case.

Obama/Democrats. In her ad, Hirono says she is “working with President Obama” as a Democrat. “But she certainly didn’t work with President Obama on Iraq and Afghanistan, where she repeatedly voted against the President and a majority of congressional Democrats to defund Iraq and Afghanistan (despite her other votes to continue funding) and to implement a unilateral, unconditional and deadline-specific withdrawal”, said Case.

“Although we should not have intervened in Iraq when and how we did, to cut and run as Mazie voted would have been irresponsible and would have created a far worse situation. Afghanistan was necessary and to cut and run there as Mazie voted was similarly exactly the wrong judgment. In both cases President Obama and most Democrats including me saw it much differently and, I believe, correctly.”

“Bottom line: the ad is both false and misleading. It also doesn’t focus on what voters in ’12, not ’02 or ’10, want to know, which is who can get the job done over the next generation on the challenges of today and tomorrow, like growing our economy and fixing DC. I’m ready to discuss any of this with Mazie out on the campaign trail around Hawai’i when she is.”

(Some of the actual votes of Case and Hirono on the ad claims are below.)

Selected Case Votes on Bush Tax Cuts

Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 (JGTRRA). One of two laws making up the “Bush tax cuts” (along with EGTRRA, adopted in ’01 before Case was elected to Congress). Case voted no.

Working Families Tax Relief Act of 2004. Extended several provisions of JGTRRA set to expire at the end of 2004, including the accelerated marriage penalty tax relief and child tax credit, and extended the basic exemption for the alternative minimum tax (AMT). Case voted yes, along with a majority of Democrats.

Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005. Extended the dividend and capital gains tax reductions and further extended the AMT fix. Case voted against the House version as too expansive and unaffordable but for the final version, which was paid for.

Selected Hirono Votes on Bush Tax Cuts

2008 Congressional Progressive Caucus Budget Substitute. Assumed extension of several provisions of the Bush tax cuts. Hirono voted for; not adopted and opposed by most Democrats.

2011 Congressional Progressive Caucus Budget Substitute. Proposed to fix the AMT and maintain marriage penalty relief, both part of the Bush tax cuts. Hirono voted for; not adopted and opposed by most Democrats.

Selected Hirono Votes on Funding Iraq and Afghanistan

Voted for House Democratic 2007 budget resolution, which included $145.2 billion of “emergency” funding in FY 2008 for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and another $50 billion in FY 2009. (2007, Vote 377)

Voted for 2007 emergency supplemental that appropriated $124.2 billion, 77% of which was for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. (2007, Vote 265)

Voted for House version of the FY2008 defense authorization, which included $189.4 billion in emergency supplemental funds specifically to support operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the general war on terrorism. (2007, Vote 1151)

Voted for FY2008 defense authorization, which included $189.4 billion in emergency supplemental funds specifically to support operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the general war on terrorism. (2008, vote 11)

Voted for 2008 House Democratic budget resolution, which matched the President’s $70 billion FY 2009 request for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. (2008, vote 141)

Selected Hirono Votes on Withdrawing from Iraq and Afghanistan

2007 - HCONRES 99. Called for Iraq troop withdrawal. Final vote: 81 – 340; Hirono Y.

2008 - 2008 - H.AMDT. 971. Called for Iraq troop withdrawal. Final vote: 98 – 322; Hirono  Y.

(President Obama announced his Afghanistan surge-phased withdrawal policy in early ’09.)

2009 - HCONRES 85. Called for Iraq troop withdrawal. Final vote: 84 – 348; Hirono Y.

2010 -HR 4899 (Amendment 4). Called for Iraq troop withdrawal. Final vote: 100-321; Hirono Y.

2011 - H.AMDT.93 (No. 232). To limit use of funds for U. S. military operations in Afghanistan. Final vote: 98 – 331; Hirono  Y.

2011 - H.AMDT.257 (No 3). Progressive Caucus substitute budget amendment to in part withdraw from Afghanistan. Final vote: 83 – 334; Hirono Y.

Honolulu Prosecutor Does Not Support Early Release of Prisoners

Honolulu City Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro admits he is in the minority, but he is not fully supportive of the Justice Reinvestment Initiative’s plan that may lead to the early release of 1,500 prisoners.

In a Senate hearing on Tuesday, Kaneshiro told Senators he is critical of bringing Hawaii’s prisoners from mainland facilities before there is bed space available here, and he opposes taking power away from the Hawaii Paroling Authority.

Senate Judiciary Chair Clayton Hee and Senate Public Safety Chair Will Espero were concerned enough about Kaneshiro’s view they put off decision making on two related bills until next Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Military Would Get Highest Preference When Competing for Government Contracts Under House Plan

House Republicans are supporting a Democrat introduced measure to give government contracting preference to military, including those who have been injured in combat.

HB 2318, which will be heard Thursday, February 2, at 9 a.m. in the House Public Safety & Military Affairs Committee, requires the procurement policy board to adopt rules to promote Hawaii small businesses that include a 5% preference for small businesses, a 7% preference for veterans, and a 9% preference for disabled veterans when apply for government contracts.

Hawaii already gives an edge to veterans who apply for public service jobs. However, Hawaii does not providing preferences when veterans compete for government contracts.

Veterans own an estimated 3 million businesses nationwide, including 10,300 in Hawaii.

House Republicans maintain by dedicating just three percent of the state contracts to companies operated by qualified military veterans, Hawaii would provide $33 million in much-needed state support each year.

The bill was introduced by House Democrats including Rep. MCKELVEY, AQUINO, AWANA, CARROLL, CULLEN, MIZUNO and YAMASHITA.

Slom's Prayerful Protest

Sen. Sam Slom - Photo courtesy of Mel Ah Ching Productions

Hawaii lawmakers have been under verbal attack this year and last by Mitchell Kahle, a self declared Atheist, who successfully pushed both the Senate and Honolulu City Council to stop its daily opening prayer with threats of lawsuits.

The House, headed by House Speaker Calvin Say, has so far refused to halt its opening prayer held daily on session days, and Kahle has made his displeasure known, shouting in the gallery during the daily session and holding a protest outside the Catholic Cathedral on Bishop Street during the recent "Red" Mass, which brought together government and religious leaders.

While the Senate officially stopped its prayer last year on the second day of session because Senate leaders feared litigation, Republican Minority Leader Sam Slom, a frequent contributor to Hawaii Reporter, has his own protest. He says a prayer every day as a part of his closing remarks on the Senate floor.

Kahle continues to show up at the capitol to protest any form of worship. When Slom sees him in the gallery, he specifically addresses his prayer to Kahle.

Looking directly at Kahle in the gallery on Tuesday, Slom said "May God bless and keep us all, including the least of us, the misinformed, and the ignorant."

Slom told his colleagues on opening day, January 18, in these difficult times when so many of our citizens are struggling, they look beyond the Legislature for support and guidance and lawmakers should acknowledge we do not have all of the answers and now more than ever should seek a higher power to help us in our deliberations."

“Dean has been a member of the DAGS team for over a decade and is ready to lead the department in tackling present and future Capital Improvement Projects,” said Governor Abercrombie.

Since 2002, Mr. Seki has worked in the DAGS Public Works Division as a policy and planning analyst.  He has been in state government since 1991, serving in staff positions at the Legislature and the Department of Taxation.

Mr. Seki’s appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.

In October 2011, then State Comptroller Bruce Coppa left DAGS to become the Governor’s Chief of Staff.

“I’m looking forward to working with Dean in his new role as we continue to make the necessary changes in our aging infrastructure and begin to transform our state government with needed technology,” said Mr. Coppa.

Submitted by the governor's office

BY SEN. SAM SLOM

Postal Hike. Did you remember to increase your postage meter to 45¢ since last Friday?  More cost, less service; that is the tried and true government process.

Educational Choice. The Heritage Foundation of Washington, D.C., presents a special program on Educational Choice and a dinner tonight, 5 - 9 pm at the Rainbow Suite in the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Special guest speaker will be King's College prexy Dinesh D'Sousa. Panel members include Jennifer Marshall of Heritage, Allen Cardines of Hawaii Family Forum and yours truly. Go to  Heritage.org for details.

Perry & Price on the Go.  The Jade Dynasty at Ala Moana Center is the new home of the popular Saturday morning live Perry & Price radio show on KSSK.  They are exiting Jimmy Buffet's in Waikiki for free parking and easier access. The show which was at the old Sheraton Waikiki's Hanohano Room, moved to John Dominis, to Buffet's and now Ala Moana. Ratings remain high.

Smoking Hot. The undercover sting by Hawaii Reporter.com last week that revealed UH Professor Lawrence Boyd is tied to an X-rated escort service being run out of his Waikiki apartment has become more bizarre by the day as new details emerge. The "Volcano Girls" Kendra, who Hawaii Reporter's Jim Dooley met during the Sting, is described as "smoking hot." Boyd denied any knowledge of this or the prior police raid in his apartment in 2007 when a prostitute was arrested there. Boyd is a familiar fixture around the Hawaii State Legislature as the official economist of choice for gambling and marijuana legalization, minimum wage increases and all things union.

UI Increase. Small businesses bracing here for another large increase in unemployment compensation taxes in March unless the legislature fast tracks a bill to stall the increase.

Hawaii Kai Lane.  The long overdue extra highway lane connecting Keahole Street with Hawaii Kai Drive, which also is over budget, may be completed in March 2012. It ballooned to be a $4 million project with several delays.

Firing Blanks. The City wants to impose hefty fees at the only public firing range on O'ahu at Koko Head Crater in Hawaii Kai. The money would not go for range improvement; it would go into the City's General Fund.

Fat Boys Coming. The Fat Boys eatery of Kailua makes its debut in Hawaii Kai at the Koko Marina Shopping Center. Good local eats.

Lumber Leaders. The Hawaii Lumber Products Association (HLPA) announced its 2012 Board of Directors and officers including Ken Laughlin, President (Pacific Wood Preserving), Jeff Browning, Vice President (Sause Bros.), Robert B. Kayser, Jr., Treasurer (Gentry Builders, LLC) and Connie Smales, Secretary (Plywood Hawaii, Inc.) See  www.hawaiilumber.com.

The Secret. Victoria Secret's Regina Ossey wowed more than 50 business owners at last Wednesday's SBH Sunrise Networking Breakfast. Her knowledge of retailing, trends and innovation were outstanding. This young woman will go far in the organization.

Monopoly Money. The monopoly paper, Star-Advertiser, is raking in big bucks on its hefty ad increases. Legal notices are a cash cow because law requires they be posted in a "newspaper of general circulation." At a legislative hearing on mortgage foreclosure changes on Tuesday, it was testimony that said in 2008 (before the Star Bulletin shutdown) a judicial foreclosure ad cost $800; it is now $2,000. A non-judicial foreclosure ad costs $4,300. Bad news for the monopoly: electronic publication is coming.

Not Civil. Journalists around town note the electronic Civil Beat newspaper, backed by billionaire Pierre Omidyar (of EBay fame) is filing FOIAs (Freedom of Information Act) requests in order to find out what other news media have requested from various government agencies. Apparently, that is the oldest journalism trick in the book to get stories from the competition. They also say Omidyar is actively trying to lure reporters from other news media.

Carlisle to the Brink. Like the Italian ship captain who abandoned his passengers, it seems Mayor Peter Carlisle wants Honolulu taxpayers to go down with the ever-failing rail project. The money is not there yet and Carlisle insists he will plough ahead, now announcing a $450 million line of credit to pay for the $6 billion steel-on-steel heavy rail. He will lose either in court, or with the election of Ben Cayetano as Mayor later this year.

Brick n' Mortar. Senate Majority Leader Brickwood Galuteria joins me on the Rick Hamada KHVH radio show 7-8 am on Tuesdays (except Thursday next week). Call in.

Case Edging Forward. Ed Case appears to be edging ahead of union and U.S. Senator Dan Inouye favorite Mazie Hirono for the Democratic Primary for U.S. Senator. Don't underestimate the Democrat insiders. The winner will face former Gov. Linda Lingle in the fall.

Pro Bowl Aloha? Last Sunday's NFL Pro Bowl in Hawaii may be the last for some time. The latest contract has expired and rumors persist the popular game will follow the Super Bowl cities. The NFL showcases its top stars in Hawaii and the players love to come here. The Pro Bowl generates thousands of visitors, millions of dollars in spending and we get worldwide good PR. The NFL certainly took into consideration Governor Abercrombie's negative comments about the $4 million state expenditure.

One note about last Sunday's game: did you hear the boos- first time I can remember- from fans thinking some of the players were really dogging it and putting in less than half energy? Even Aaron Rodgers of the Packers was critical after the game. It is, after all, an exhibition for many.

Reapportionment Blues. The Hawaii State Reapportionment Commission met Monday and said it will not be able to finish redrawing lines by today's start for candidate nomination papers. Big losers will be the military, once again disenfranchised here.

Balanced Budget? Reserve now for the next SBH SUNRISE Networking Breakfast, Thursday, February 23, 7 - 8:30 am, featuring Kalbert Young, State Director of Budget & Finance. The networking and breakfast takes place in The Pineapple Room, Macy's Ala Moana, and the public is welcome. Learn what is in store for you this legislative session. Call Darlyn @ SBH, 396-1724 for required advance reservations.

HawaiiReporter.com Reporting.  
Malia Zimmerman owns and edits the award winning Hawaii Reporter.com, Hawaii's first electronic daily newspaper. Hawaii Reporter still is free to all readers. Malia reports daily (M-F) on the Rick Hamada Show, KHVH radio on 830 AM at, 7:40 am.

Want more local business information? Please visit the several SBH websites at:: www.smartbusinesshawaii.com, www.educate808.com and www.sbhfoundation.org.

Ed Case

SUBMITTED BY CASE CAMPAIGN- U. S. Senate candidate Ed Case (D-HI) today publicly asked his Democratic opponent Mazie Hirono to "hit the road" with him statewide to take their candidacies to Hawaii's voters together.

"Voters are entitled to listen to us debate the issues of our day, just as we must be able to do as their United States Senator", Case said in an open letter to Hirono. "I hope you agree that providing voters the opportunity to compare us side-by-side and in person across Hawai'i will bring this election personally to their doorstep and help bridge the widening chasm between government and citizens."

A month ago Case asked the Democratic Party of Hawai'i to host statewide joint presentations by him and Hirono. While the DPH was favorable, Hirono has not agreed.

"Another month has passed and the clock is ticking down", Case wrote, toward the start of Democratic primary voting in less than five months.

Case pointed out that Hirono has a light congressional schedule which will leave her around 100 full days at home before then when she could join Case. Case suggested a number of options to Hirono, including forums on the economy and budget hosted by Hawaii chambers of commerce and other business groups, on Social Security and Medicare hosted by AARP, and on government reform hosted by Common Cause Hawai'i.

Case also asked Hirono to accept, as Case has, an invite by KITV 4 News and Civil Beat to a statewide television debate on June 13th, and to work with him to arrange other statewide TV and radio debates. (Case's open letter to Hirono is below).

Dear Mazie:

Hawai'i voters have a crucial choice to make between us in the Democratic primary for Hawaii's next U. S. Senator. Voting in that primary starts in less than five months. In making that decision, voters are entitled to listen to us debate the issues of our day, just as we must be able to do as their United States Senator.

I hope you agree that providing voters the opportunity to compare us side¥by¥side and in person across Hawai'i will bring this election personally to their doorstep and help bridge the widening chasm between government and citizens. A month ago now [I asked our Democratic Party of Hawai'i http://www.edcase.com/news/entry/letter_to_dante] to host statewide joint presentations between us before the start of primary voting. Our DPH chair responded favorably, as did many DPH members and other voters throughout Hawai'i.

You did not respond, but your spokesperson said that you "will participate in constructive forums which provide voters useful information, have meaningful reach and do not conflict with her congressional duties. We will be releasing our proposed criteria for evaluating joint appearances.Ó I don't believe you have released your criteria or agreed to any such appearances. Another month has passed and the clock is ticking down. The [U. S. House's 2012 schedule http://majorityleader.gov/Calendar/112Congress2ndSession.pdf] shows that you will only be in session for 73 of the 192 days remaining until the August 11th Democratic primary.

Even allowing for travel time, you have at least 100 full days available at home including eight full weeks. Hitting the road with me across the state during your time home will give voters statewide a wealth of "useful information" on critical issues like our economy, budget and Social Security and Medicare and on each of us as their next Senator. I hope you agree that your spokesperson's "meaningful reach" comment was not meant to restrict our joint appearances to one or two carefully scripted TV debates, excluding voters in communities throughout Hawai'i from sizing us up personally. Here are some suggested ways we could take our candidacies right to the voters:

(1) Democrats. Again, ask the DPH and county parties to conduct candidate nights for us and other Democratic candidates.

(2) Economy/budget. Ask the Chamber of Commerce of Hawai'i and other chambers and business organizations in all counties to conduct forums where we can discuss growing our economy and balancing our federal budget.

(3) Seniors. Ask AARP to host a joint discussion on preserving Social Security and Medicare and assurind affordable and available health care for our seniors.

(4) Government reform. Ask Common Cause Hawai'i and other government reform organizations to host a forum on fixing DC. This would be in addition to asking our TV and radio stations statewide to host debates between us. (I hope you will accept now, as I have, KITV 4 News' and Civil Beat's invitation to us to a televised debate on June 13th.) I ask you now for a direct answer on whether you will work with me to schedule statewide joint appearances to bring our candidacies right to voters throughout Hawai'i. What would truly provide voters with an informed choice and invite them back into their government awaits only your commitment to do so.

Aloha, Ed

The 45-year-old Hartford, Connecticut, who relocated to Waimanalo, died suddenly while on January 16 a ski trip in Whistler, Canada leaving behind his wife, Krista M. Boyens, their son, Christian Joseph “CJ”, who is 17 months old, as well as his parents William and Dorothy Boyens and several other family members.

Hours after his death was announced, his Facebook page filled with postings from friends, family and patients who made a commitment to post every 15 minutes to support his wife and share memories and stories for his young son. Friends and family continued to post personal messages as if they are still there.

“I love this trend," says Daniela Stolfi-Tow, former patient and owner of BOSS Hawaii Web Group.   I  think it is comforting for loved ones and is very healing.  People can say the things they want to say, share the stories, connect with others. Its a positive experience and a wonderful to memorialize loved ones for many years to come."

Christian William Boyens M.D

But perhaps the most remarkable of the posts, Stolfi-Tow said, was the page created for his new baby son CJ called "Remembering my dad."  Friends and family post messages to CJ, that will be printed and given to him a little at at time each year of his life as he grows up.

Michael Lawson wrote: "I would like to encourage everyone who sees this post to tag your photos of Christian, and share your stories of him here for CJ and my sister. It's up to us now to make sure CJ knows how wonderful his father was, and what he meant to us."

Stolfi-Tow, an expert in social media, said understandably not all those who lose loved ones might want to keep the pages up and Facebook does honor requests from close family members to deactivate the account of someone who has passed away and offers a Memorial Status.

She said memorializing the page as was done with the doctor's Facebook protects the profile from hacking and restricts it to be only searchable by friends.  This way the profile can stay up so friends and family can share photos and stories for as long as they wish and not have to worry.

Boyens' memorial services is Wednesday morning beginning at 10 a.m. at Hawaii Memorial Cemetery.  Colleagues and friends have started a fund to help provide for his son CJ.  More information can be found on www.drboyens.com

The publication described Rep. Thielen as positioned "at the leading edge of environmental and conservation public policy", and as having earned "a sterling reputation among her peers in state capitols across the nation for her thoughtful leadership on environmental issues".   Republicans for Environmental Protection also thanked Rep. Thielen for her "bold, strong, and forward-thinking leadership".

"The Green Elephant Update" also applauded Rep. Thielen's leadership in promoting alternative energy sources, such as wave energy, saying that she "is a leading expert and proponent of wave energy, which has the potential to make a huge dent in the $7 billion annual sum sent out of state to purchase energy".  Her co sponsorship of Hawaii's greenhouse gas standards legislation was also commended.

"I am honored to be spotlighted in this publication sent to a membership representing national leaders committed to resolving today's environmental and conservation challenges," said Rep. Thielen.

Republicans for Environmental Protection also praised Rep. Thielen's activities as an environmental attorney as well as her commitment to education and early childhood learning.

The article noted that "Cynthia is well liked and respected by her colleagues in both the Democratic and Republican parties, and has received numerous awards from outside organizations recognizing her as an outstanding lawmaker," adding, "She works hard, does not play political games, is bi-partisan, and is a warm caring person who clearly has the interest of Hawaii at heart."

Rep. Thielen represents the 50^th District (Kailua, Kaneohe Bay) and serves in Hawaii's House of Representatives as a ranking member on the Judiciary; Energy & Environmental Protection; Water, Land & Ocean Resources Committees.  She is also co-chair of the bipartisan House of Representative's Women's Caucus and a member of the Consumer Protection & Commerce and Housing Committees.

HAWAII STATE CAPITOL Photo: Emily Metcalf

Hawaii's Rainy Day Fund Almost Dry

Hawaii's so called "Rainy Day Fund" dropped from $60 million to $6 million in 2011 after the majority of lawmakers and Gov. Neil Abercrombie raided the fund to cover a shortfall and balance the state budget.

Kalbert Young, director of the Department of Budget and Finance, announced plans to replenish the fund back to 2011 levels over the next two years to help the state maintain its credit ratings and keep Hawaii state government financially sound.

But yesterday, several government dependent social welfare groups, led by Senate Human Services Chair Suzanne Chun Oakland, D-Nuuanu, demanded the state give the money to them instead as an emergency appropriation and raid what is left in the fund.

Alex Santiago, a former legislator who now heads up a coalition of social welfare organizations, said "it is really difficult out there" and "it is raining."

Senate Minority Leader Sam Slom, R-Hawaii Kai-Diamond Head, told the audience he agreed with Santiago that these are difficult times, but he maintained it is extremely difficult for the taxpayers and small businesses who are called upon to subsidize other groups and fill the state coffers only to see the funds diverted for other purposes.

Slom said many of his legislative colleagues and members of the public are still in denial about the lack of income and thus tax revenues available in Hawaii.

Social service advocates aren't the only ones trying to get their hands on the Rainy Day funds. Lawyers also want their cut. The Department of Human Services has been unable to fund legal settlements they already agreed to, and the department has included those settlements in their emergency request for this year.

Battle for GOP Committeeman Continues After Protest Filed

Hawaii Republican Party members continue to fight over who will be its next national committeeman.

On January 21, party members voted in former Gov. Linda Lingle administrator Ted Liu as committee member over former GOP chair Willes Lee. But after a contentious election, the final outcome was decided by one vote, 30 to 31.

Adrienne King, a member of the Republican state committee, filed a challenge with the state Republican Party on January 29 over the results of the election for national committeeman.

In a letter to party leaders, King claimed “an invalid vote submitted by a person not present in person, or by phone, whose alleged proxy was deemed invalid by the Party attorney, and whose "vote" was e-mailed several days before the election was held, in violation of the rules set forth by you, as Party Chair and the Executive Committee, was nonetheless allowed to be counted, without any authority to do so, was used to break the 30-30 tie.”

“Because the election was decided by one vote, the allowance of this invalid vote cast doubt on the election and rendered the result void,” King said.

King, who also chairs the Oahu League of Republican Voters and was a candidate for lieutenant governor in 2010, said she does not make this challenge lightly.

“I believe the integrity of our Hawaii Republican Party is as stake. We are either a Party that believes in the rule of law or not. There is no middle ground. We are either a Party of principle or not. There is no middle ground. We are either a Party of honor and fairness or not. There is no middle ground.”

“If the intent of the rules is to ensure open, honest, transparent and fair elections, where even the appearance of impropriety is to be avoided at all cost, your decision will be viewed in the same light.”

Anti-Rail Opponents Oppose Intervenors in Federal Lawsuit Challenge

HonoluluTraffic.com founder Cliff Slater, who organized a federal challenge to the city's planned $5.3 billion steel on steel rail project, said their attorneys are protesting the entry of FACE - the Faith Action For Community Equity, PRP - the Pacific Resource Partnership, and Melvin Uesato, as intervenors into the lawsuit against the City and FTA.

"Their interests are well taken care of by the existing horde of lawyers for the city and FTA. Essentially all it would do is create even more paperwork, which will drag out resolution of the case even longer than what the city and FTA are doing right now," Slater said.

Seven plaintiffs are challenging the Environmental Impact Statement prepared by the city and approved by the federal government which promotes the $5.3 billion elevated steel on steel rail project as the best alternative for Oahu.

In addition to retired businessman Cliff Slater, other well-known plaintiffs include former Gov. Benjamin Cayetano, Retired Judge Walter Heen, Sen. Sam Slom’s Small Business Hawaii Foundation, University of Hawaii law professor Randall Roth, Dr. Michael Uechi, and Hawaii's Thousand Friends have raised more than $200,000 to initiate the lawsuit.

More on the web: Opposition to the intervenors are below. Earlier documents in the case are here.

Opposition of Plaintiffs to intervenors.  1/26/2012

Declaration of Yost opposing intervenors. 1/26/2012.

House Speaker Calvin Say - Photo courtesy of House Majority Blog

House Speaker: 'No Disrespect' Bill Not Targeted at Any One Individual

Disrespect a Hawaii legislator and you could face additional penalties under a new House proposal, House Bill 2751, introduced January 25 by House Speaker Calvin Say.

Speaker Say told Hawaii Reporter: "HB 2751 is intended to assist in the maintenance of order and decorum during legislative sessions and committee hearings.  The bill applies to the disruption caused by any person, no matter the person's reason for the disruption or viewpoint on any issue.

"HB 2751 is a product of the House leadership's discussion of disruptions that occurred in the House and Senate chambers in the recent past.  During the discussion, House leadership and staff determined that the policies and procedures for keeping order in the House chambers and committee rooms during sessions and hearings may need clarification.  HB 2571 is intended to provide the clarification.

He notes a companion bill, SB 3026, has been introduced in the Senate.

The legislation, which has been referred to two committees for review, dictates those making “loud, boisterous or incessant shouts,” refusing to remain seated, assaulting any member of the legislature or the public or threatening bodily harm to legislators or members of the public, will be arrested and charged with a misdemeanor.

Hawaii lawmakers have been under verbal attack this year and last by Mitchell Kahle, a self declared Atheist, and his small band of associates, who have pushed both the Senate and City Council to stop its daily opening prayer. The House, headed by Say, has so far refused to stop its opening prayer held daily on session days. Kahle continues to show up at the capitol and the Catholic Cathedral in downtown Honolulu during the Legislative "red mass" and shout at lawmakers during the prayer.

But Say maintains the bill "is not directed at any particular individual."

City Proposes $450 Million Line of Credit for Rail Project

The Federal Transit Administration ordered the city administration December 29 to “further strengthen” the financial plan for its proposed $5.3 billion rail project.

After meeting with FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff in Washington D.C. on January 18, Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle announced yesterday the city will establish a $450 million line of credit.

But University of Hawaii Professor Panos Prevedouros said the open line of credit based on bond float for repayment means that the local taxpayer will shoulder 100 percent of cost overruns.

Bond based line of credit is the worst possible deal, Prevedouros said, and there is no cap.

The public will have a chance to weigh in at a public hearing on the matter, but Council Chair Ernie Martin is already supportive.

The city has collected $810 million in General Excise Tax surcharge revenues for rail and contracted more than 50 percent of the construction.

But there is still a good chance the rail project could be stopped.

There is federal lawsuit challenging its environmental impact and former Gov. Benjamin Cayetano, a rail opponent who has never lost an election in 28 years in office, is now running for Honolulu Mayor to put a halt to it.

Hearing on Controversial Undersea Cable Will Be Held in Senate Today 

Should there be an undersea cable from the Hawaiian Islands to transfer power from Maui County to the more populated island of Oahu?

The Senate takes up the controversial issue on Thursday via Senate Bill 2785.

Henry Curtis, spokesperson for Life of the Land, said there are cheaper and more reliable ways to increase renewable energy.

Curtis maintains and many agree Hawaii needs a robust and inclusive community driven process for developing and promoting our energy future.

But powerful politicians are supporting the project, including U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye and Gov. Neil Abercrombie.

Award of the new job to Infraconsult was posted yesterday on the city’s procurement website.

Although the city sought competitive bids for the project management contract, only Infraconsult submitted an offer, according to the procurement posting.

The same thing happened the last time the city put the rapid transit management contract out for bid in 2009.

Only Infraconsult submitted an offer for that $36.7 million contract and city officials speculated then that other possible bidders felt they could not compete with Infraconsult for the work.

The city first hired Infraconsult for rapid transit-related work under a 2007, $11.9 million contract.

Mayor Peter Carlisle’s office and the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) did not respond today to emailed requests for information about the new contract.

The 2009, $36.7 million Infraconsult contract was supposed to last for five years.

The effective date and duration of the new deal with Infraconsult are not known.

The rail management contract requires Infraconsult to oversee construction and design work for the massive public works project, which will involve operation of an elevated rail system from Kapolei to central Honolulu.

The project’s principal designer, PB Americas, Inc., has ties to Infraconsult, but city auditors found no conflicts of interest or improprieties in previous rail-related contract awards to either of the companies.

Infraconsult was incorporated in 2006 in Arizona by former executives of Parsons Brinckerhoff, the corporate predecessor of PB Americas.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie with State Budget & Finance Director Kalbert Young (photo by Mel Ah Ching Productions)

Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s policy team has implemented a new "Testimony Tracking System" to "find potential conflicts between different agencies sooner rather than later" when it comes to submitting testimony to lawmakers.

Agency directors and staff are given their own log in into the system, which is officially called the “Office of the Governor Legislative Bill Tracker."

Before testifying, they are expected submit their testimony into the bill tracking system for review and approval by the governor himself and his policy team.

The system also allows other department heads to see the testimony.

Donalyn Dela Cruz, the governor’s Deputy Director of Communications, said there was no cost to set up the internal monitoring system, which was created by the Department of Accounting and General Services after the last legislative session and implemented in time for the 2012 session, which began January 18.

All state departments, including the Department of Education and the University of Hawaii, are using the system even though the two education agencies are technically autonomous from the governor’s cabinet.

The system also allows the administration to be more coordinated and organized before presenting its views to state lawmakers and trouble shoot any problems ahead of time, Dela Cruz said.

But some state employees believe this is a statewide crackdown, not coordination.

They say state administrators are being told what legislation they can and cannot testify on and what positions to take.

They are concerned about what is being seen as a lock down on their opinion on what is best for their department and the state.

Also they see it as a lack of transparency since the web site is password protected and discussion in the system is not public.

Dela Cruz said the state administration does keep drafts on its internal web site, which are not public, but when the testimony is finalized, the state administration submits the testimony to the legislature and it then becomes public.

She said the system allows the governor and his policy team to be much more communicative with state workers and let them know where the administration stands on all the issues. The governor has the final say on testimony, she said, and he will eventually decide whether to sign the legislation that is passed out.

• In his State of the State Address this month, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced $1 billion in incentives to attract new investment. Too bad Mr. Cuomo ignores the factors that help keep areas like Buffalo inhospitable to new investment—namely steep tax rates and the high cost of government.
• Sometimes these schemes have done real harm. In the 1970s, the federal government decided to invest $530 million to build a 6.2-mile light-rail system through downtown Buffalo. It was supposed to further spur redevelopment.
• Opened in 1985 and anchored by a transit mall that banned cars, the rail line fell well below ridership projections—and downtown businesses suffered mightily from the lack of traffic. As Buffalo landlord Stephen P. Fitzmaurice wrote in 2009: "Walk down Main Street on the transit mall; aside from a few necessities like drug and cell phone stores, blight dominates." Last month the city received a $15 million federal grant to restore traffic to Main Street.
• These massive investment subsidies failed partly because officials were ill-suited to select the right projects and often instead gave money to favored insiders. Even former Mayor Anthony Masiello described the federal government's redevelopment funds as "a politically motivated system trying to please everybody."
• Image: Main Street in Buffalo: Emptied of traffic and stores by a light-rail infrastructure stimulus project in the 1980s.

Lesson 1: Factors that help keep areas like Honolulu inhospitable to new investment—namely steep tax rates and the high cost of government.

Lesson 2: Rail systems are planned as reasons to spur development. They do not. Quite the opposite they produce blight which cost even more money to reverse.

Lesson 3: Yet another rail line where projected rail ridership was a myth ( a lie.)

Lesson 4: Clueless politicians (i.e., Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann, Current Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle, and Hannemann's managing director Kirk Caldwell, now a candidate for mayor) and appointed boards (HART) are “ill-suited to select the right projects and often instead gave money to favored insiders” (Mr. Malanga refers to pay-to-play politics which are prominent in Hawaii.)

HPD arrest photo of "Lisa"

The officer was investigating an X-rated website called “Volcano Girls” – the same service used by Hawaii Reporter to book a date with an escort in Boyd’s apartment earlier this month.

The outcome of the 2007 case isn't known. The suspect’s name has been blacked out in the police report except for the first name she used, “Lisa.”

According to the report, HPD vice division officer Christopher Johnson, working undercover, booked the appointment with “Lisa” through Volcano Girls and was told the price of the service was $325.

Volcano Girls website

Johnson was given the entry code to apartment 1C at 250 Ohua Avenue in Waikiki – Boyd’s apartment – and was met at the door by “Lisa,” he said in his report.

After she explicitly agreed to perform sex acts, Johnson reported, he gave her $400.

Lisa left the room, then returned with $75 change and a condom, Johnson said in his report. He identified himself as a police officer and opened the apartment door to a team of arresting officers waiting in the hallway, the report said.

Boyd told Hawaii Reporter he knew nothing about the Volcano Girls escort service, was not involved in its activities and was unaware of a prostitution arrest in his apartment in May 2007.

University of Hawaii ProfessorLawrence Boyd

“In May of 2007, I think I was in San Francisco,” he said in a telephone interview on Friday.

A report on the May 15, 2007 incident, written by the then-resident manager of the 250 Ohua condominium project and obtained by Hawaii Reporter, said that after the police left, “the owner of unit 1C approached me and said that the girl (referring to the prostitute) came in to change clothes and that he didn't know what was going on.”

Boyd has owned apartment 1C since 2006.

250 Ohua Avenue

The Volcano Girls website was taken down for maintenance Jan. 20 and now has disappeared completely.

A Hawaii Reporter staffer booked an appointment Jan. 20 with a Volcano Girls escort named “Kendra” which took place in a bedroom inside Boyd’s apartment at 250 Ohua Avenue.

Boyd said Jan. 24 he was not involved in The Volcano Girls operation but had heard reports “a year or so ago” that an escort service was operating out of his building at 250 Ohua Avenue.

The contact number listed on The Volcano Girls web site is registered to a woman named Lorraine Drake. Boyd said he rents a bedroom in his apartment to Drake, a "distant relative" of his wife, Michelle Lorraine Drake.

Lorraine Drake has been unreachable for comment. Boyd said he hasn’t seen or heard from her since Jan. 21.

Photo courtesy of UHERO

BY LOWELL L. KALAPA- Well, Hawaii lawmakers are off and running, promising to exercise care in handling the state’s fragile economy, surrounded by stories of struggling families trying to make ends meet as they lose their second job or see fewer hours.But things have not changed at the State Capitol.  Both the state administration and lawmakers have plans to spend even more all in the name of  “jump starting” the economy.  At the same time, state tax revenues continue to miss forecasts on which lawmakers must base their spending plans.  So, where will lawmakers get the money they want to spend?

What taxpayers should remember is that in the past few years, lawmakers have gone back to the well time and time again to raise taxes that most taxpayers do not see yet feel the pain of every day.  From the higher price for the bag of rice to the larger tab to register the family car, taxpayers have been taken to the cleaners and there is almost nothing left.  Will lawmakers again resort to raising taxes to balance the budget?

Although lawmakers profess that they will take great care in handling the state’s economy, the bills that have already been thrown in the legislative hopper certainly do not reflect that sentiment.  While proposals to raise the obvious taxes like the personal income tax or the dreaded general excise tax are absent, other measures to impose even more burdens on the economy have been introduced.  Proposals include those that would impose new regulations on employers, additional hoops through which new developments must jump, and requiring businesses to insure against identify theft of their customers and employees.

While lawmakers may believe that all of these proposals will “protect” their constituents, they seem to overlook the fact that they will merely impose yet another cost on taxpayers and the economy that can only make it more difficult to recover from the struggle of a sluggish economy.  For the average taxpayer who has not tried to build a building, open a store or just run a business, it may seem hard to fathom that the current list of rules and regulations imposed by laws already on the books make it difficult to survive.

Many an eager young entrepreneur wanting to start a new venture in Hawaii has been slammed with the slew of requirements, from permits to filling out dozens of forms just to open the doors of a new enterprise.  So while lawmakers think that they are helping to “grow” the economy, they have instead managed to make it almost impossible to succeed in Hawaii.  And while those very lawmakers bemoan the “brain drain” of Hawaii’s best and brightest leaving the state never to return, they have no one else to blame but themselves, for they have made the laws that have driven those bright entrepreneurs from the state.

So instead of creating a nurturing environment to help businesses grow and encourage new entrepreneurs, the laws of the state and counties have made it difficult not only to start up a business but also to stay in business and survive.  And why?  It seems that lawmakers seem to view businesses as nasty animals trying to “rip-off” their poor constituents who they think can’t fend for themselves.  Businesses are seen as the “enemy” which must be kept in check by lawmakers.  For those who don’t believe so, one only has to look at the taxes businesses pay, the labor regulations with which they must comply, the permitting hurdles which must be straddled to build out their offices or for stores to deliver their products or services.

What lawmakers don’t seem to realize is that it is the businesses of our community that provide the jobs that their constituents need.  Businesses provide the payrolls that put money in the pockets of consumers who spend that money in the marketplace and on which workers pay taxes to keep government running.

What lawmakers do seem to realize is that businesses have the money that they need to run their campaigns.  As a result, businesses are the “sucker” targets for campaign contributions.  For example, one special interest is sponsoring a $500 campaign fundraiser for a legislator with the obvious goal of insuring that their special interest legislation makes it through the legislative gauntlet.  With that kind of money, how can that legislator turn down the legislation?  Yet, in the long run, that proposal will hit all taxpayers in the pocketbook.

When lawmakers talk about caring for the “fragile” economy, one has to greet that with cynicism as the legislative track record is littered with laws that merely raise the cost of living and doing business in Hawaii.

Photo: Emily Metcalf

BY MIKE MCCARTNEY - 2011 was an outstanding year for Hawai‘i’s tourism economy, with momentum and growth seen across the Hawaiian Islands. The strong numbers could not have been achieved without the hard work and dedication of our visitor industry, as well as the one-of-a-kind destination Hawaii is, through our people, place and culture.

The month of December 2011 reached $1.298 billion in visitor spending, the highest single month on record. Despite the tragedy in Japan last March, we were still able to exceed overall 2010 numbers in spending and arrivals. Since 2009, we have seen consistent growth in our tourism economy that has helped us achieve these strong numbers. However, we recognize that we are still recovering from hard economic times, and businesses continue to face challenges.

By focusing on developing the brand experience through signature events such as the Hawai‘i Food and Wine Festival, PGA Tour events, Hawaiian Islands Invitational Soccer Tournament and Mele Mei, the HTA plans to maintain the growth across the islands throughout 2012. These events, often held during the typically slower shoulder periods, provide a boost to our tourism economy while providing for our community.

Airlift and access to the Hawaiian Islands is essential for our visitor industry to flourish. This year we saw significant increases in airlift to our state from emerging and established markets contributing to the strong year in visitor spending and arrivals. The HTA has worked with our airline partners to establish more direct flights servicing the neighbor islands, which has helped to contribute to longer length of stay on the four major islands and in turn higher visitor spending. We anticipate the announcement of new routes in the first half of 2012, which will also help us continue with the momentum we saw last year.

The Meetings, Conventions and Incentives (MCI) market continued to grow in 2011, up 11.2 percent over 2010. While we were pleased with this increase and are hopeful for a strong 2012 for the MCI market, we continue to look to build and grow this market and are aware of the need to fill the current backlog for future year bookings.

The first quarter of 2012 looks strong.  We will continue to work together with our marketing partners and the visitor industry to sustain the momentum we saw last year and achieve steady growth for another momentous year in 2012.

Mike McCartney is President and CEO of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority

Under the direction of Artistic Advisor, Maestra JoAnn Falletta, the programs beginning in March are sure to please and engage audiences who have been eagerly awaiting a new era of symphonic music in Hawai'i.  There will also be a Hawai'i Symphony Orchestra Pops series to be announced shortly.

Guest stars of the inaugural Hawai'i Symphony season include many artists with ties to Hawai'i, including critically-acclaimed pianist Norman Krieger and conductor JoAnn Falletta. An impressive roster of gifted artists from around the world will travel to Honolulu for these exclusive concerts, including pianist-conductor Jeffrey Kahane, cellist Zuill Bailey, trumpeter Joe Burgstaller, classical guitarist Manuel Barrueco, and pianist Jon Kimura Parker.

The Board, led by Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee Oswald Stender, includes Mona Abadir, CEO of Honu Group; Vicky Cayetano, CEO of United Laundry, Mitch D'Olier, president of Kaneohe Ranch Co.; Barron Guss, president of Altres Corporation; Paul Kosasa, president of ABC Stores; Gabe Lee, executive vice president of American Savings Bank; Mark Polivka, president of Monarch Insurance; and attorney Ken Robbins.  JoAnn Falletta, Music Director of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and the Virginia Symphony, has crafted a Masterworks series that will highlight the return of guest conductor, Naoto Otomo and local favorites like pianist Lisa Nakamichi and violinist Michael Ludwig and feature such popular works as Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, Brahms Piano Concerto and Rodrigo’s Guitar Concerto.

“It is our belief that having a symphony orchestra organization in Hawai'i is critical to the State’s artistic and economic vitality,” said Stender. “We are all thrilled to be making the dream of a new orchestra a reality. “

“Please accept our sincere invitation to become a subscriber to the new Hawai'i Symphony Orchestra season. We look forward to welcoming all orchestral music lovers, community leaders, musicians, as well as residents and visitors, and ask them to show their support by attending at least one Hawai'i Symphony Orchestra concert,” offered Vicky Cayetano.  “If you do, we know you’ll be back.”

Under the continued guidance of Monder and Falletta, the Board and staff will continue to present artistic and business plans to create a healthy and vibrant new resident professional orchestra in Honolulu that will provide all residents, schools and families the artistic, educational, and professional resources they need to thrive and maintain Honolulu as a culturally rich city.  All Masterworks concerts will take place at the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall, in coordination with the staff at the Department of Enterprise Services, who has been extremely helpful in the planning of the upcoming season.

“The start of the new season is extremely good news for the people of Hawai'i, who will be able to enjoy their superb symphony starting next month.  I am deeply grateful to the members of the Board, to Steven Monder and to the musicians for their dedication and firm conviction that the symphony orchestra is a critical artistic, educational and economic resource for our state,” said Falletta.  “We had a limited amount of time to plan the season, which will include some new types of packages and series than what have been offered previously.  This combination of new and old subscription opportunities give patrons the highest quality artists and conductors during this groundbreaking season.”

Tickets will be on sale starting on Wednesday, February 1 at 10:00am by calling the Hawai'i Symphony Box Office at (808) 593-9468, located at Hawaii Opera Plaza at 848 South Beretania, Suite 303.  The Hawai'i Symphony Orchestra website will soon be live at www.hawaiisymphonyorchestra.org.

HAWAI'I SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 2012 MASTERWORKS SEASON

BEETHOVEN’S FIFTH SYMPHONY

SUNDAY, MARCH 4 AT 4:00PM AND TUESDAY, MARCH 6 AT 7:00PM
CONDUCTOR: NAOTO OTOMO
SOLOIST: LISA NAKAMICH, PIANO
Weber
Overture to Oberon
Mozart
Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor, K. 466
Beethoven
Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67

BRAHMS PIANO CONCERTO

THURSDAY, MARCH 22 AT 7:00PM AND FRIDAY, MARCH 23 AT 8:00PM
CONDUCTOR: SHINIK HAHM
SOLOIST: NORMAN KRIEGER, PIANO
Brahms
Hungarian Dance No. 5
Brahms
Piano Concerto No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 15
Sibelius
Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 43

DVORAK’S NEW WORLD

SUNDAY, APRIL 1 AT 4:00PM AND TUESDAY, APRIL 3 AT 7:00PM
CONDUCTOR: JEFFREY KAHANE
SOLOIST: JEFFREY KAHANE, PIANO
Beethoven
Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, Op. 58
Dvorak
Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, Op. 95, From the New World

RUSSIAN EASTER & TCHAIKOVSKY’S 5TH

FRIDAY, APRIL 6 AT 8:00PM AND SATURDAY, APRIL 7 AT 8:00PM
CONDUCTOR: JOANN FALLETTA
SOLOIST: MICHAEL LUDWIG, VIOLIN
Rimsky-Korsakov
Russian Easter Overture, Op. 36
Wieniawski
Violin Concerto No. 2 in D minor, Op. 22
Tchaikovsky
Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op.64

MENDELLSOHN’S ITALIAN SYMPHONY

SUNDAY, APRIL 22 AT 4:00PM AND TUESDAY, APRIL 24 AT 7:00PM
CONDUCTOR: SARAH HICKS
SOLOIST: JOE BURGSTALLER, TRUMPET
Zhou Tian
A Thousand Years of Good Prayers
Arutunian
Trumpet Concerto in A-flat Major
Bach (after Vivaldi)
Concerto in D Major, BWV 972
Mendelssohn
Symphony No. 4 in A Major, Op. 90, Italian

RODRIGO’S GUITAR CONCERTO

FRIDAY, MAY 4 AT 8:00PM AND SUNDAY, MAY 6 AT 4:00PM
CONDUCTOR: JUNICHI HIROKAMI
SOLOIST: MANUEL BARRUECO, GUITAR
Takemitsu
To the Edge of Dream for Guitar and Orchestra
Rodrigo
Concierto de Aranjuez
Rachmaninoff
Symphony No. 2 in E Minor, Op. 27

DVORAK’S CELLO CONCERTO

SUNDAY, MAY 13 AT 4:00PM AND TUESDAY, MAY 15 AT 7:00PM
CONDUCTOR: MAXIMIANO VALDES
SOLOIST: ZUILL BAILEY
Dvorak
Slavonic Dance, Op. 46. No. 8
Dvorak
Cello Concerto in B Minor, Op. 104
Brahms
Symphony No. 3 in F Minor, Op. 90

PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION

SATURDAY, MAY 19 AT 8:00PM AND SUNDAY, MAY 20 AT 4:00PM
CONDUCTOR: JUNG-HO PAK
SOLOIST: JON KIMURA PARKER, PIANO
Tan Dun
Internet Symphony No. 1, "Eroica"
Gershwin
Rhapsody in Blue
Rachmaninoff
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43
Mussorgsky (Ravel)
Pictures at an Exhibition

The facility audit included performance of the operations and records of the NHCH Nuclear Medicine Department with respect to the receipt, storage, usage and disposal of licensed radioactive materials. In addition, the audit inspected patient scheduling practices, radiopharmaceutical prescriptions, and written directives of patients receiving radioactive materials.

Nuclear medicine is a branch of medical imaging that uses small amounts of radioactive material to diagnose and determine the severity of or treat a variety of diseases, including cancer, heart disease, gastrointestinal, endocrine, skeletal and neurological disorders. Because nuclear medicine procedures are able to pinpoint molecular activity within the body, this information enables physicians to identify potential diseases in the earliest stages as well as a patient’s immediate response to therapeutic interventions.

“The results of this audit demonstrate the commitment our staff and physicians have to providing the safest quality care in a highly regulated environment,” says Ken Wood, President and CEO of NHCH.

NHCH Background: North Hawaii Community Hospital (NHCH) is a rural 29-bed acute care hospital located in Kamuela, on the Big Island of Hawaii. Non-profit, community owned and locally governed, the hospital opened in May 1996 and cares for Big Island residents and visitors. NHCH offers an extensive set of hospital services that are centered on patient needs, creating a healing experience for the whole person – mind, body and spirit.

Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and will run through the deadline or while funds are available, whichever comes first. The State anticipates an increase in consumer demand for new electric vehicles this year.

From early January 2011 to mid-January of this year, 528 rebates have been approved for 318 electric vehicles and 210 chargers, with $153,999 remaining in funding as of January 23. The additional funds increase the available total to $303,999. Rebate forms are available on the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism’s (DBEDT) State Energy Office website at electricvehicle.hawaii.gov

The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs will continue administering the EV Ready Rebate Program.

“The State of Hawai'i is definitely becoming a national leader when it comes to the acceptance of vehicles that are 100 percent electric,” said Mark Glick, Energy Program Administrator for the DBEDT’s State Energy Office. “With the cost of gas still on the rise, these vehicles offer consumers a cost-effective, long-term advantage. Expanding the EV Ready Rebate Program not only helps consumers today, but it will help our State in the long run as we work to reach our energy independence goals.”

Hawai'i residents can apply for State rebates of up to $4,500 on purchases of electric vehicles and up to $500 for electric vehicle chargers through the Hawai'i Electric Vehicle (EV) Ready Program. In addition to the State EV rebates, federal tax incentives of up to $7,500 are also available for highway-capable vehicles (the Qualified Plug-in Electric Drive Motor Vehicle credit, which applies to at least 200,000 units per auto manufacturer before it phases out). This allows for the potential of up to $12,500 in rebates and tax credits for an individual.

Many electric vehicle manufacturers are continuing to choose Hawai'i as an ideal location for many reasons, including:
• Consumers' high level of enthusiasm to adopt electric transportation. Hawai'i has the largest number of reservations per capita in the country for the Nissan LEAF.
• Favorable electricity time-of-use EV charging rates from electric utility companies.
• Moderate climate, limited driving distances and a strong tourism industry are ideal for EV utilization.

“EV enthusiasts in Hawai'i have rewarded automakers for rolling out their new electric vehicles in the islands,” stated Dave Rolf, Executive Director of the Hawai'i Automobile Dealers Association. “The highest per capita U.S. market embrace of the Nissan LEAF was in Hawai'i this past year. The State’s addition of $150,000 in Hawai'i state tax rebates for consumers purchasing EVs will help keep the momentum on this important transition to renewable fuels.”

The EV Ready Program is funded by Federal stimulus funds administered by DBEDT. By April 2012, approximately 210 charging stations, at roughly 140 sites across all counties, will be installed as part of the EV Ready Grant Program. Some chargers will have the capacity to charge more than one vehicle at a time.

A listing of publically available EV charging stations in Hawai'i can be found on the Hawai'i Charging Station Database. This database is frequently updated as private and public organizations add charging stations across Hawai'i and as requests to post information are received. The database is available on DBEDT's State Energy Office website at electricvehicle.hawaii.gov.

The EV Ready Grant and Rebate Programs are part of the Transportation Energy Diversification Project, which is supported by funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). These funds are directed for use in the Hawai'i State Energy Program through the U.S. Department of Energy.

DBEDT's Hawai'i Electric Vehicle EV Ready Program has also provided $2.6 million in grants for the systematic installation of electric vehicle chargers across the State; public education and outreach including an EV Ready Guidebook; introduction of EVs to rental car and county fleets; car-sharing services within the hospitality industry; and an online
permitting system for charger installations at single-family residences on O'ahu.

The State of Hawai'i's economic enterprise is to pursue energy independence by building a clean energy economy and reaching 70 percent clean energy by 2030. The DBEDT State Energy Office's mission is to act as a catalyst for efficiency measures, renewable energy resources, transportation initiatives, green jobs, and investments in Hawai'i's economy. For more information, visit www.energy.hawaii.gov.
Submitted by Mark Glick Kathy Yim, Hawaii Energy Program Administrator

US President Barack Obama

BY SHELDON RICHMAN - In his State of the Union speech Tuesday night President Obama played the fairness card in calling for higher taxes on upper-income people. He said:

George Soros

BY Lachlan Markay - George Soros, a billionaire investor and major backer of President Obama, stands to reap a windfall from legislation promoting natural gas-powered vehicles. The White House unveiled a proposal on Thursday that would do just that.

The proposal would offer incentives for companies to buy and use trucks powered by natural gas. Obama announced the effort at a UPS facility in Las Vegas that received stimulus funding to buy natural gas vehicles and build a fueling station for them.

The proposal is remarkably similar to the New Alternative Transportation to Give Americans Solutions (NAT GAS) Act.

One company that stands to benefit handsomely from the president’s proposal is Westport Innovations. The company converts diesel engines to be fueled by natural gas. Wall Street analysts predicted a boom for the company if the NAT GAS Act were passed. CNBC analyst Jim Cramer said he “expects shares to absolutely explode” in the event the legislation were to pass.

Jim Cramer made positive mention of Westport, calling it a solid play on natural gas should Congress pass its pending Natural Gas Act. Westport converts diesel engines (i.e. – those found in semi trailers) into ones that run on natural gas.

Benefiting Westport is that it’s: A) basically first to the market, at least in terms of mass production, and B) high barriers of entry for competition because of the complex technology involved in the transformations.

If Westport reaps the predicted windfall, one of the chief beneficiaries will be George Soros, a major Obama donor and supporter. Soros’s hedge fund holds 3,160,063 company shares (as of its last SEC filing).

Soros has given $384,090 to the Democratic Party, Democratic PACs, and Democratic Candidates in the three election cycles beginning in 2008, including $4,400 to Obama himself, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. He describes himself as “an early supporter of Barack Obama, first in his Senate campaign in Illinois and later when he ran for President. Soros supported Obama in his presidential bid because he believed he could provide the transformational leadership the country needed.”

Last week, Indiana's House and Senate passed a right-to-work bill after weeks of political maneuvering by pro-union politicians hoping to stop the proposal in its tracks. Today, the legislation returns to the state's Senate for a final vote, and Governor Mitch Daniels (R) has promised to sign the bill into law. Meanwhile, a dozen labor unions have protested the measure, with threats to "occupy" the Super Bowl to be held in Indianapolis next week. Nationally, right-to-work states have become a target, as well. Last year, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) took aim at the Boeing Corporation for its decision to locate a new factory in South Carolina, a right-to-work state. The NLRB attempted to stop Boeing from making fundamental decisions about where to do business -- ultimately, it dropped the case after union negotiators reached a deal that benefited their members in a union state.

Proponents of Indiana's measure -- which protects workers from being fired for not paying union dues -- say that the law will help the state attract more businesses and jobs, spurring economic growth. And there's data that proves it. Heritage's James Sherk writes that right-to-work states have lower unemployment rates (9.2 percent) than states without right-to-work laws (9.9 percent). And though critics say that could be a result of regional differences (right-to-work states are mostly in the South and West), research comparing counties across state lines shows that, "The share of manufacturing jobs in counties in right-to-work states is one-third higher than in adjacent counties in non–right-to-work states," as Sherk explains.

It's understandable that states would want the benefits that right to work brings, but it's also understandable why unions oppose it so strongly. When Idaho and Oklahoma passed right-to-work laws, union membership fell 15 percent. Likewise, all the dues the unions collect plummeted right along with their membership. Sherk writes that in Indiana, right to work would save private-sector workers $18.4 million a year. In union-stronghold Michigan, where some are pushing for the law, workers would save $46.4 million a year. And though unions claim that right to work undermines their ability to keep wages high -- truly the bread-and-butter of the union movement -- most studies show that right-to-work laws have little effect on wages in either direction.

All that said, while workers are rejecting unions, they still want their voices heard in the workplace. Sherk explains how systems like these can operate in non-union workplaces:
Many employees (and employers) would like employee involvement (EI) programs and work groups in which workers and supervisors can meet to discuss workplace issues. These programs can take many forms. Examples include self-directed work teams, safety committees, and production committees. The essential element is advancing employee interests through employee involvement.

Polls show that 60 percent of workers prefer EI programs to improve working conditions over either more government regulations or labor unions. Examples of effective EI programs that advance worker interests abound.

The trouble is that current law prohibits non-union employers and employees to work together to improve working conditions. Sherk writes that Congress banned these kinds of programs in order to prevent companies from creating and negotiating with employer-dominated "company unions" to fight off organizing drives -- a senseless prohibition today given that few workers want to unionize, anyhow.

Employee involvement programs can improve working conditions, help companies attract valuable employees, and create an environment that's beneficial to the workers -- and to the company. Congress should give employees and employers this kind of flexibility. And in states where employees are still forced to pay union dues, governments ought to give their employees the right to work without fear of big labor reprisal.

BY CONGRESSMAN RON PAUL, R-TEXAS

The fallacies in their reasoning would be amusing if they weren't so dangerous.  The Fed wants to keep the price of money at essentially zero – in other words "free" – to boost the economy.  But the boost they are attempting won't get here for another three years.  That's not a recovery.  And we've already tried this tactic.  That's how we got into this mess in the first place: with interest rates artificially low for a very long time.  Free money doesn't stimulate growth, as Japan's two lost decades clearly show.  Artificially low interest rates only serve to punish saving, distort market signals, and cause further malinvestment.  They also do nothing to address the only real solution to our economic woes: liquidation of the bad debt that hangs around the neck of the world's economy, preventing recovery.  Artificially low interest rates merely ensure that we remain a debt-financed consumer economy guaranteed to end up with a weaker economy and higher prices.

What baffles me even more is that two decades after the collapse of Soviet planning and decades more since the U.S. and economists purportedly rejected the idea of price setting, we find nothing wrong with the Fed setting the price of money.  We all agree it is a bad idea to have a board saying the price of wheat should be $250 a ton today, or carpenters wages should be $25 an hour until the end of 2014.  But we are perfectly comfortable with having a board set the price of one half of every transaction in our economy.  And our markets are supposedly free.

The Fed policies of low interest rates, Operation Twist, and rounds of quantitative easing are all attempts to keep the economy alive artificially. But the 12 FOMC participants cannot manage the economy any better than the bureaucrats of the Soviet Union.  The policies haven't worked. They won't work. Real economic recovery cannot come until we liquidate the bad debt, until we eradicate the poor decisions we made over the last decade, and start with a sound foundation. It is time we acknowledge the truth of the Fed's activities: they are merely using fancy words for price setting.

Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon was correct in the 1920s when he said "liquidate everything."  That's what we did in the severe depression of 1920-21, and we recovered so quickly it is never even talked about.  We didn't take his advice after the 1929 crash, and ended up with the Great Depression.  We are committing the same mistakes, destined to live in this Great Recession for a decade or more—it has already been four years, the Fed says it will be at least three more!  It's time we start rethinking what the Fed's policies are really doing to our economy, because obviously, by their own admission, they haven't helped.
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Octavia Spencer, winner of award for outstanding performance by a female actor in a supporting role for "The Help," left, and Viola Davis, winner of the award for outstanding performance by a female actor in a leading role for "The Help," pose backstage at the 18th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles, January 29, 2012.

The Help, a movie about African American maids in the 1960s in (the U.S. state of) Mississippi was the big winner at Sunday's 18th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards.

The film won best ensemble, best actress for Viola Davis and best supporting actress for Octavia Spencer.  In accepting her award Davis said the "stain of racism and sexism" is not just for people of color or women, but is "all of our burden."

French actor Jean Dujardin was named best actor for the silent film The Artist, while 82-year-old Christopher Plummer took the supporting actor award for his role in Beginners, where he plays a man who comes to terms with his homosexuality late in life.

The TV drama show winners were Jessica Lange as best actress for American Horror Story on FX and Steve Buscemi as best actor for HBO's Boardwalk Empire which also won the ensemble prize.

For TV movie or miniseries, Kate Winslet won as best actress for HBO's Mildred Pierce, while Paul Giamatti was named best actor for HBO's Too Big to Fail.

Mary Tyler Moore received SAG's lifetime achievement award.  Dick Van Dyke, her co-star in the 1960s television comedy, The Dick Van Dyke Show, presented her the award.

SAG's movie awards are generally seen as a prelude to the culmination of the Hollywood awards season, the Oscars, to be held next month.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and AFP.

Photo: Emily Metcalf

The U.S. government says incomes for American workers increased in December, allowing them to put more money in their savings accounts even as their consumer spending stalled.

In the U.S., consumer spending accounts for 70 percent of the national economy. But the government said Monday that it was little changed in December, even during the height of the holiday shopping season. Consumer spending had increased one-tenth of one percent in November.

Personal income grew by one-half of a percentage point in December, the most in nearly a year. The government said workers, many of whom have had to use savings to pay their bills in recent years, boosted their savings rate to 4 percent last month, up a half percentage point over November.

The country's economy, the world's largest, has been growing at a sluggish pace, up just 1.7 percent in 2011. But it grew at a faster pace — 2.8 percent — in the October-to-December period last year. Officials at the country's central bank, the Federal Reserve, last week predicted growth of up to 2.7 percent for 2012.

In compliance with new restrictions, an Occupy DC demonstrator packs up her camping gear at McPherson Square in Washington, January 30, 2012

Anti-Wall Street protesters are facing a deadline to stop camping at two public parks in Washington D.C. or risk arrest.

The National Park Service warned demonstrators they could be arrested and have their property seized if they fail to adhere to the rules after Noon, Monday.

Protesters have been sleeping in the two parks a short distance from the White House since October, as part of the global Occupy movement against social inequality.

Last week, Republican lawmakers at a House subcommittee hearing questioned the park service on why protesters had been allowed to camp on federal land for so many months.

Fears of potential clashes mounted after police used a stun gun Sunday on one protester, who was arrested on disorderly conduct charges.

The deadline in Washington comes after police in Oakland, California, arrested some 200 anti-Wall Street protesters who attempted to occupy a vacant building.

The Occupy Wall Street movement began in September in New York. It says it represents the "99 percent," the people outside the top one percent of wealth holders.

Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.