CrimeStoppers and the Honolulu Police Department want the public’s
assistance in identifying two male suspects in a robbery that occurred on Valentine’s Day, Friday, Feb. 14, 2003, near 3607 Diamond Head Road.

At 2 a.m., two 22-year-old males were sitting on the wall at Diamond Head lookout playing guitar when a white, older model Japanese sedan drove up and parked. Suspect #1 got out of the vehicle holding a baseball bat and struck one male and then the other while demanding money. Suspect #2 stole the guitar that was dropped on the ground. Both suspects fled in the vehicle toward Kahala.

Victim #1 sustained a fractured jaw and ear lacerations that required
plastic surgery. Victim #2 suffered head trauma that required staples to the rear of his head.

Detective Gordon Makashima is requesting that anyone with information about this case contact him at 529-3383. Anonymous calls may be made to CrimeStoppers at 955-8300, *CRIME on your cellular phone. Free cellular calls are provided by AT&T, Nextel Hawaii, and Verizon Wireless Hawaii.

Description of Suspect #1

*Hawaiian/Asian mix male, late 20s

*5’6″ to 5’8″, 180-200 lbs., medium build

*Medium complexion

*Straight, shoulder length black hair

*Wearing a white t-shirt

Description of Suspect #2

*Local mixed male, early 20s

*5’10”, 140 lbs., slim build

*Wearing a black beanie cap, blue t-shirt, brown shorts and work shoes

Suspect Vehicle

*Early 80s, white, 4-door Nissan Sentra or Toyota Corolla (Box shaped mAdel) with dark tinted windows, covered front and back license plates

Honolulu CrimeStoppers Inc., will pay a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information which results in the arrest of a wanted person or the solving of case(s) reported to CrimeStoppers Honolulu Inc. All calls are confidential. Do not approach any suspect. All suspects and wanted fugitives should be considered armed and dangerous. All calls are confidential and anonymous. Persons who participate in the crime, or are victims of the crime are ineligible to receive CrimeStoppers rewards. Be a CrimeStopper and call the hot line at 955-8300 or *Crime on your cellular telephone.

Access the CrimeStoppers Web site at https://www.crimestoppers-honolulu.org or the Student CrimeStoppers Web site at https://www.studentcrimestoppers.org

“Suzanne Gelb Image”

”Gossip – Why Does it Bother Me?”

Dear Dr. Gelb:

A friend shared with me that some people I know have been spreading a false rumor about me. I don’t care about the rumor, but it bothers me when people talk behind my back. I can’t seem to stop being bothered.

Bothered

A: Dr. Gelb says . . .

Dear Bothered:

My motto is “believe nothing we hear and half of what we see.” I am also aware of situations where sometimes so-called friends create the possibility of a rumor and to disguise their suspicion they blame others. That takes the blame off them. Just a thought.

Here are some other sayings I enjoy, “with friends like that, who needs enemies,” and “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words shall never harm me.” Here’s another good one — “Criticism is only an opinion from another, unless the shoe fits. Guilt will make you wear it.”

”Hype — Why Does it Bother Me?”

Dear Dr. Gelb:

I know this person who is good at what he does — marketing. But he expresses so much hype and hot air, and people buy it because of his outgoing personality. Why am I so bothered by his exaggerations? They seem harmless and evidently sell his product.

Manipulated

A: Dr. Gelb says . . .

Dear Manipulated:

I believe that salespeople are taught in school how to capture us in a flood of rhetoric that can keep us from really evaluating whether we need what they are offering, or whether we should reject their offer. The compulsive talking is intended to flood our minds with their product. If they stop talking, then we may possibility say “no” before they finish their delivery.

I would also like to point out that if the compulsive talking is expressed by a friend, then this is invariably a psychological issue derived from having had little, if any, opportunity to express his or her feelings. Such individuals have typically been interrupted by an aggressive, overbearing person, such as a parent or a sibling, who would not allow them to finish expressing a concept.

”’Suzanne J. Gelb, Ph.D., J.D. authors this daily column, Dr. Gelb Says, which answers questions about daily living and behavior issues. Dr. Gelb is a licensed psychologist in private practice in Honolulu. She holds a Ph.D. in Psychology and a Ph.D. in Human Services. Dr. Gelb is also a published author of a book on Overcoming Addictions and a book on Relationships.”’

”’This column is intended for entertainment use only and is not intended for the purpose of psychological diagnosis, treatment or personalized advice. For more about the column’s purpose, see”’ “An Online Intro to Dr. Gelb Says”

”’Email your questions to mailto:DrGelbSays@hawaiireporter.com More information on Dr. Gelb’s services and related resources available at”’ https://www.DrGelbSays.com

The following hearing notices, which are subject to change, were sorted and taken from the Hawaii State Capitol Web site. Please check that site for updates and/or changes to the schedule at

“Hawaii State Legislature Sidebar”

Go there and click on the Hearing Date to view the Hearing Notice.

Hearings notices for both House and Senate measures in all committees:

Hearing

”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB345 SD1 RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLES. CPH

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB550 SD1 RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES. CPH

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB562 RELATING TO TERMINABLE RENTAL ADJUSTMENT CLAUSE VEHICLE LEASES. CPH

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB676 RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLES. CPH

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB680 RELATING TO TOWING. CPH

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB918 SD1 RELATING TO NONPROFIT CORPORATIONS AND ORGANIZATIONS. CPH

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1201 SD1 RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLE FRANCHISES. CPH

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1321 RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH. CPH

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB40 RELATING TO REPLACEMENT OF CANDIDATES ON BALLOTS. JHW

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB368 RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROPERTY DAMAGE. JHW

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB378 RELATING TO ACCRETED LANDS. JHW

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB390 RELATING TO EXPUNGEMENT. JHW

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB479 RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE. JHW

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB552 SD1 RELATING TO LANDOWNERS’ LIABILITY. JHW

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB616 RELATING TO HATE CRIMES. JHW

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB617 RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES. JHW

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB630 RELATING TO DISPOSITION OF CONVICTED DEFENDANTS. JHW

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB633 PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE HAWAII CONSTITUTION TO PREVENT CONDEMNATION OF TRUST LANDS. JHW

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB685 RELATING TO SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS PLACED IN POLL BOOKS. JHW

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB830 RELATING TO CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD CHECKS. JHW

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1002 PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE X, SECTION 2, OF THE HAWAII CONSTITUTION, TO ALLOW THE STUDENT MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION TO VOTE. JHW

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1041 RELATING TO LIABILITY. JHW

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1107 RELATING TO CHAPTER 711, HAWAII REVISED STATUTES. JHW

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1108 PROPOSING AMENDMENTS TO ARTICLE XVII OF THE HAWAII CONSTITUTION. JHW

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1130 RELATING TO THE COURTS. JHW

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1131 RELATING TO TRAFFIC INFRACTIONS. JHW

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1132 RELATING TO FAMILY COURTS. JHW

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1242 RELATING TO FAIR ACCESS FOR STATE GOVERNMENT. JHW

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1415 RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS WITHIN THE CONSERVATION DISTRICT. JHW

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1418 SD1 RELATING TO PUBLIC LAND LIABILITY. JHW

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1418 SD1 RELATING TO PUBLIC LAND LIABILITY. JHW

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1449 RELATING TO PUBLIC MEETINGS. JHW

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1594 RELATING TO THE COMMISSION ON WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT. JHW

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB3 SD1 RELATING TO SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS FOR NORTH HAWAII COMMUNITY HOSPITAL, INC. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB12 SD1 RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB26 RELATING TO THE LEGISLATIVE JOURNALS. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB44 SD1 RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB205 SD2 RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB296 SD1 RELATING TO ETHICS. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB317 SD1 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION OF THE KOREAN WAR COMMISSION. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB318 RELATING TO GOVERNMENT. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB325 RELATING TO SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB361 SD1 RELATING TO THE WEED AND SEED PROGRAM. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB381 SD1 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE PAYMENT OF DAMAGES FOR HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS TRUST INDIVIDUAL CLAIMS. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB386 RELATING TO UTILIZATION OF FEDERAL FUNDS. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB426 SD1 RELATING TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB435 RELATING TO PUBLIC EMPLOYEE HEALTH BENEFITS. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB455 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO THE FRIENDS OF WAIPAHU CULTURAL GARDEN PARK. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB464 SD1 RELATING TO IMPLEMENTATION OF A FIXED RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB474 SD1 RELATING TO THE AUDITOR. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB528 SD1 RELATING TO THE TRANSFER OF COUNTY LANDS AND IMPROVEMENTS. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB534 SD1 RELATING TO AGRICULTURE. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB540 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB546 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR PINEAPPLE RESEARCH. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB577 RELATING TO PUBLIC EMPLOYEES. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB579 SD1 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR DEVELOPMENT OF A NON-EMERGENCY REPORT SYSTEM, KNOWN AS 3-1-1. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB610 SD1 RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL CLAIMS RESOLUTION UNDER THE HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS TRUST. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB611 RELATING TO COURT APPOINTED COUNSEL. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB635 SD1 RELATING TO TRAFFIC FINES. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB643 SD1 RELATING TO BIOPROSPECTING. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB719 RELATING TO AQUACULTURE. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB739 RELATING TO ANATOMICAL GIFTS. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB740 RELATING TO HEALTH. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB759 SD1 RELATING TO THE EMPLOYER-UNION BENEFITS TRUST PLAN. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB761 RELATING TO THE HEALTH BENEFITS TRUST FUND. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB768 RELATING TO COLLECTIVE BARGAINING. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB773 RELATING TO UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB787 RELATING TO DISASTER LEAVE. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB789 RELATING TO PUBLIC EMPLOYEE HEALTH BENEFITS. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB802 SD1 RELATING TO GOVERNMENT RECORDS. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB880 RELATING TO THE LEGISLATURE. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB966 SD1 RELATING TO RESOURCE MAXIMIZATION. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1050 SD1 RELATING TO VETERANS RIGHTS AND BENEFITS. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1065 RELATING TO MANAGED COMPETITION. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1066 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR PUEA CEMETERY. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1068 RELATING TO HEALTH CARE FACILITIES. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1076 SD1 RELATING TO NATURAL AREA RESERVES SYSTEM. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1136 RELATING TO ADMINISTRATIVE DRIVER’S LICENSE REVOCATION. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1139 SD1 RELATING TO FAMILY COURT. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1142 RELATING TO VOTER REGISTRATION. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1151 RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1154 RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1155 SD1 RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1156 RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1238 SD1 RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1241 RELATING TO CANCER EXAMINATIONS. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1249 SD1 RELATING TO SMALL BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER GRANTS. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1251 SD1 RELATING TO A STATE CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1255 SD1 RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL INSPECTIONS. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1257 RELATING TO THE IRRIGATION WATER DEVELOPMENT SPECIAL FUND. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1258 RELATING TO THE AGRIBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1261 RELATING TO PROCUREMENT CARD PAYMENTS. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1264 SD1 MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR CLAIMS AGAINST THE STATE, ITS OFFICERS, OR ITS EMPLOYEES. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1279 SD1 RELATING TO TOBACCO. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1287 RELATING TO THE ALOHA TOWER COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1312 SD1 RELATING TO THE EMPLOYEES’ RETIREMENT SYSTEM. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1332 SD1 RELATING TO THE COMPENSATION OF OFFICIALS IN THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH OF STATE GOVERNMENT. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1333 SD1 RELATING TO THE COMPENSATION OF OFFICIALS IN THE JUDICIAL BRANCH OF STATE GOVERNMENT. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1347 SD1 RELATING TO ELECTIONS. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1357 SD1 RELATING TO VITAL STATISTICS REGISTRATION DISTRICTS. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1358 SD1 MAKING AN EMERGENCY APPROPRIATION FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT (HIPAA) COMPLIANCE. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1367 SD1 RELATING TO THE HAWAII HEALTH SYSTEMS CORPORATION. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1373 SD1 RELATING TO STAFFING FOR FEDERALLY FUNDED PROGRAMS. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1374 RELATING TO THE STATE FIRE COUNCIL. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1393 SD1 RELATING TO THE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS OF STATE GOVERNMENT. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1401 RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1404 SD1 RELATING TO IMPACT FEES. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1408 SD1 RELATING TO STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1410 RELATING TO CLAIMS AGAINST THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AND PROVIDING APPROPRIATIONS THEREFORE. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1413 RELATING TO KIKALA-KEOKEA. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1435 RELATING TO SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1438 MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR COLLECTIVE BARGAINING COST ITEMS. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1439 MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR SALARY INCREASES FOR PUBLIC EMPLOYEES. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1440 RELATING TO COLLECTIVE BARGAINING COST ITEMS. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1441 MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR COLLECTIVE BARGAINING COST ITEMS. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1442 MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR COLLECTIVE BARGAINING COST ITEMS. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1443 MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR COLLECTIVE BARGAINING COST ITEMS. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1444 MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR COLLECTIVE BARGAINING COST ITEMS. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1445 RELATING TO STATE OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES EXCLUDED FROM COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AND MAKING APPROPRIATIONS AND OTHER ADJUSTMENTS. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1465 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR UNIFORM LAWS. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1477 SD1 RELATING TO MUNICIPAL LEASES. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1478 SD1 RELATING TO AIRPORT CONCESSIONAIRES. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1479 SD1 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR VETERANS CEMETERIES. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1489 SD1 RELATING TO PUBLIC ACCESS. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1495 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE HAWAII DROUGHT PLAN. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1519 SD1 RELATING TO COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1555 RELATING TO A LAND EXCHANGE BETWEEN THE STATE OF HAWAII AND THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1675 RELATING TO HEALTH. WAM

2/21/03 9:00 AM SB1676 RELATING TO HEALTH. WAM

”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

2/21/03 10:00 AM HB290 HD1 RELATING TO UNEMPLOYMENT. FIN

2/21/03 10:00 AM HB294 RELATING TO TEMPORARY HEALTH INSURANCE FOR UNEMPLOYED PERSONS. FIN

2/21/03 10:00 AM HB391 HD1 RELATING TO COLLECTIVE BARGAINING. FIN

2/21/03 10:00 AM HB509 HD1 RELATING TO COLLECTIVE BARGAINING IN PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT. FIN

2/21/03 10:00 AM HB510 HD1 RELATING TO GOVERNMENT. FIN

2/21/03 10:00 AM HB531 RELATING TO PUBLIC EMPLOYEES. FIN

2/21/03 10:00 AM HB969 HD1 RELATING TO COLLECTIVE BARGAINING. FIN

2/21/03 10:00 AM HB1593 HD1 RELATING TO LABOR. FIN

”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

2/21/03 11:00 AM HB297 HD1 RELATING TO DRUGS. FIN

2/21/03 11:00 AM HB682 HD1 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO PREVENT CRYSTAL METHAMPHETAMINE USE. FIN

2/21/03 11:00 AM HB1603 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO ESTABLISH AN ADOLESCENT TREATMENT CENTER ON THE ISLAND OF HAWAII. FIN

2/21/03 11:00 AM HB1604 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO PREVENT CRYSTAL METHAMPHETAMINE USE. FIN

”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

2/21/03 11:30 AM HB122 RELATING TO PRESUMPTIVE MEDICAID ELIGIBILITY FOR PREGNANT WOMEN. FIN

2/21/03 11:30 AM HB907 HD1 RELATING TO ADULT RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES. FIN

2/21/03 11:30 AM HB914 HD1 RELATING TO ADULT RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES. FIN

2/21/03 11:30 AM HB925 HD2 RELATING TO ELDER ABUSE. FIN

2/21/03 11:30 AM HB1361 HD1 RELATING TO THE MEDICAID PRESCRIPTION DRUG EXPANSION PROGRAM. FIN

2/21/03 11:30 AM HB1616 HD1 RELATING TO LONG-TERM CARE. FIN

2/21/03 11:30 AM HB1652 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO THE MEDICAID PRESCRIPTION DRUG REBATE SPECIAL FUND. FIN

”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

2/21/03 12:30 PM HB436 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO FUND A SECOND AMBULANCE TO SERVE THE WAIANAE COAST. FIN

2/21/03 12:30 PM HB550 HD1 RELATING TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICAL FACILITIES. FIN

2/21/03 12:30 PM HB551 HD1 RELATED TO THE STATE HEALTH PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY. FIN

2/21/03 12:30 PM HB1412 HD2 RELATING TO PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS. FIN

2/21/03 12:30 PM HB1498 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL AIR TRANSPORT SERVICES FOR THE COUNTY OF MAUI. FIN

2/21/03 12:30 PM SB1 RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT. LBR

2/21/03 12:30 PM SB665 RELATING TO PREPAID HEALTH CARE PLAN. LBR

2/21/03 12:30 PM SB687 RELATING TO LEAVES OF ABSENCE. LBR

2/21/03 12:30 PM SB1070 RELATING TO EXAMINATIONS FOR THE DETERMINATION OF PERMANENT IMPAIRMENT. LBR

2/21/03 12:30 PM SB1426 RELATING TO COLLECTIVE BARGAINING IN PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT. LBR

”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

2/21/03 1:00 PM None Informational Briefing TMG

”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

2/21/03 1:30 PM HB641 HD2 RELATING TO CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD CHECKS. FIN

2/21/03 1:30 PM HB662 HD1 RELATING TO THE HAWAII SPORTS HALL OF FAME. FIN

2/21/03 1:30 PM HB1000 RELATING TO PANAEWA RAINFOREST ZOO. FIN

2/21/03 1:30 PM HB1395 RELATING TO SPECIAL FACILITY PROJECTS. FIN

2/21/03 1:30 PM HB1532 HD1 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE CELEBRATION OF MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY. FIN

2/21/03 1:30 PM HB1554 RELATING TO COUNTY TAXES. FIN

”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

2/21/03 2:30 PM HB657 HD1 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION OF THE KOREAN WAR COMMISSION. FIN

2/21/03 2:30 PM HB1479 HD1 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR A NATIONAL KOREAN WAR MUSEUM IN HAWAII. FIN

2/21/03 2:30 PM HB1590 HD1 RELATING TO VETERANS’ RIGHTS AND BENEFITS. FIN

2/21/03 2:30 PM HB1630 HD1 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR VETERANS CEMETERIES. FIN

”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

2/21/03 2:45 PM SB1109 RELATING TO DEPENDENT ADULTS. HMS

2/21/03 2:45 PM SB1427 RELATING TO RELAY SERVICES FOR DEAF, HARD-OF-HEARING, AND SPEECH-IMPAIRED PERSONS. HMS

2/21/03 2:45 PM SB1492 RELATING TO ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES. HMS

2/21/03 2:45 PM SCR10 REQUESTING AN AUDIT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH’S QUALITY ASSURANCE FOR PROVIDERS OF SERVICES TO THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED. HMS

2/21/03 2:45 PM SCR12 REQUESTING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A TASK FORCE ON GRADUATED PARENTING. HMS

2/21/03 2:45 PM SB51 RELATING TO COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSES. TMG

2/21/03 2:45 PM SB126 SD1 RELATING TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. TMG

2/21/03 2:45 PM SB301 RELATING TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENTS. TMG

2/21/03 2:45 PM SB302 RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION. TMG

2/21/03 2:45 PM SB324 RELATING TO VEHICLE SALVAGE. TMG

2/21/03 2:45 PM SB324 RELATING TO VEHICLE SALVAGE. TMG

2/21/03 2:45 PM SB346 RELATING TO HIGHWAY SAFETY. TMG

2/21/03 2:45 PM SB460 RELATING TO DUNE BUGGIES. TMG

2/21/03 2:45 PM SB689 RELATING TO THE STATEWIDE TRAFFIC CODE. TMG

2/21/03 2:45 PM SB1266 RELATING TO DRIVERS’ LICENSES. TMG

2/21/03 2:45 PM SB1405 RELATING TO COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSING. TMG

2/21/03 2:45 PM SB1406 RELATING TO COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSING. TMG

2/21/03 2:45 PM SB1407 RELATING TO COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSING. TMG

2/21/03 2:45 PM SB1458 RELATING TO SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES. TMG

”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

2/21/03 3:00 PM HB485 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS FOR HANAHAU`OLI SCHOOL. FIN

2/21/03 3:00 PM HB488 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS FOR MID-PACIFIC INSTITUTE. FIN

2/21/03 3:00 PM HB939 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS FOR HOALA SCHOOL. FIN

2/21/03 3:00 PM HB1362 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS FOR ST. PATRICK SCHOOL. FIN

2/21/03 3:00 PM HB1564 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS FOR CHAMINADE UNIVERSITY. FIN

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

“Malia Lt blue top Image”

”’War’ Breaks Out Prior to Senate Recess”

Moments before the state Senate was about to adjourn yesterday, and to begin its 5-day mandatory recess period, Sen. Carol Fukunaga, D-Makiki, rose on a point of personal privilege. Fukunaga, who rarely speaks on the Senate floor, said she wanted to give her colleagues and the community a message of “peace” prior to beginning the recess. Instead, she touted the contents of Senate Concurrent Resolution 21, which urges the President of the United States not to “preemptively start a war with Iraq.”

The resolution, authored by Maui Democrat J. Kalani English, was co-signed by 16 fellow Democrat Senators, but had not yet been scheduled for floor action. The resolution, a highly partisan, one-sided attack on the United States government and President George W. Bush, was the subject of a state House debate a day earlier. Members of the Senate quickly lined up to either defend SCR 21 and its propagandized version of “peace” or to defend the president and America’s military.

Sen. Minority Leader Fred Hemmings, R-Waimanalo, rose to rebut Fukunaga’s call for a peaceful diplomatic resolution of the Middleastern conflict built upon United Nations and International support. Hemmings told the Senate and visitors in the gallery that the United States already is at war and has been fighting terrorism, and he reminded them that more people were killed in the twin towers on Sept. 11 than at Pearl Harbor. He urged strong support for the president and the U.S. Military.

A 45-minute debate ensued, and many other Senators espoused their views about the pending war with Iraq. Democrat Sen. Suzanne Chun-Oakland of Nuuanu gave a teary, emotional call for peace, while the resolution’s author, English, told how he stood in solidarity with the 1,000 anti-war demonstrators from Maui.

Sen. Sam Slom, R-Hawaii Kai, said peace is important, but not peace at any price and that there are worse things than war, such as enslavement and death by dictators like Saddam Hussein. He reminded his colleagues that those in the military desire peace the most, not choosing to be in harms way or to be separated from family and friends. However, these same military personnel accept their responsibility and duty and put their lives on the line for everyone else in America. And now that Hawaii’s military men and women have been called to action, Slom said, the Legislature, at the very least, should show support for them.

Freshman Kauai Sen. Gary Hooser said he resented Slom’s comments, implying those speaking out for peace yesterday did not support the military, though his support was for a resolution attacking the alleged injustices of this nation and its President.

Democrat Sen. Rozalyn Baker of Maui startled many by saying “I am a Vietnam veteran” then corrected herself to say she grew up in the Vietnam era. She too spoke of the importance of peace, but chose to attack the United States, while painting Iraq and its dictatorial regime as “victims” in the current situation.

Minority Floor Leader Bob Hogue, R-Kailua, said he strongly supports the president and urged his colleagues to do the same, saying the president has access to greater information than do members of the Hawaii Legislature.

Democrat Sen. Cal Kawamoto, one of only two active military veterans in the state Senate (the other being Senate President Robert Bunda) did not sign the Democrat resolution, and chose instead to strongly advocate support for Hawaii’s military, now in harms way.

The resolution will be debated again in more detail at a later date, but any action by the state Senate will be even less significant if war with Iraq already has begun.

Immediate reaction from the general public was that this Legislature, which has yet to balance the budget, fix the schools and provide alternative transportation solutions, is way beyond its area of expertise in attempting to influence national and international foreign policy.

”GOP Senators AWOL at Important Confirmation Hearings”

With Gov. Linda Lingle’s 16 cabinet appointees facing Senate confirmation in a Senate with 20 Democrats and 5 Republicans, the appointees need all of the support they can get from a sympathetic public and the Republican Senators who should be supporting them and the first Republican administration in 40 years.

All of the Senate committees, except Ways and Means, allow only one Republican committee member, usually out of a total of 7 to 9 members. Therefore, that Republican needs to play a pivotal role, especially when the conferees or other administration personnel find themselves in a room dominated by individuals and groups testifying in opposition to the administration’s agenda of change.

But several Republicans have dropped out of sight during hearings, not even being present when the governor’s bills are heard or her cabinet members come before Senate committees for review.

For example, Tuesday, in the Senate Judiciary committee hearing of the confirmation of attorney general Mark Bennett and Hawaiian Homes Chair Micah Kane, lone Republican Senate member Bob Hogue did not attend.

On Wednesday, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs appointee Mark Recktenwald went before the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee, and the only Senators to show of the seven member committee were Chair Ron Menor and vice Chair Rozalyn Baker. Republican member Paul Whalen was notably absent.

In other non-confirmation hearings in both the House and Senate, Republican members have had a less than perfect attendance record when administration spokespeople have come to testify. Case in point was last Saturday’s House hearing where the governor’s Senior Policy Advisor Randy Roth and the governor were the subject of an attack at a House hearing where Roth was testifying, rather than the House Democrats focusing on the subject bills and issues. No Republicans helped defend him.

There is tremendous irony in the unwillingness of these Republicans to show up, or speak up, at hearings. For so long, the Republicans seemed to accept the fact they were not going to influence the outcome of hearings or the people who testified from the former Democrat administrations. However, they now have strong allies in the governor’s appointees and spokespeople who need their support, but they aren’t there to further their own agenda or that of the governor.

”Worst Anti-Business Bill Makes Its Way Through Senate”

In the Senate Labor Committee, the baddest of the bad bills reemerged from last year’s Legislature. The so called “successor employer bill,” introduced this year as SB 1 by Sen. Brian Kanno, would force any person or organization that buys an existing business to retain at least 50 percent of all existing employees, no questions asked.

Last year’s bill, dubbed by NFIB’s Hawaii President Bette Tatum as “the worst anti-business bill she’d ever seen,” required a successor employer to retain 100 percent of all former employees. Tatum said this bill was discussed at a national NFIB conference where it won the prize as the worst type of anti-business legislation amongst all the bills from all 50 states.

While the testimony was overwhelmingly in opposition to this bill by businesses, organizations and the state Department of labor, the ILWU said the bill did not go far enough.

The bill, as drafted, would only apply to businesses with 100 or more employees. The ILWU suggested two changes: reduce the number of employees to 50 from 100; and require the employer to retain 100 percent of the employees until, with the union’s approval, the company need only retain 50 percent of their employees.

The examples of mistreatment by successor employers given by the unions in their testimony all involved hotel buyouts extending back to 1986. One former housekeeping employee who formerly worked at one of the affected hotels, sobbed through her testimony and said that she had worked for the hotel for 31 years, and though 66 years of age, had a lot more to offer. The new owners chose not to rehire her, she said, and now it was extremely difficult for her to find work. The former housekeeper later did confide that she received severance benefits and full retirement, but she did not disclose to the committee that she is currently re-employed.

Senate Committee Member Cal Kawamoto asked the ILWU if the union would support an exemption for the construction industry since it is a special industry with a unique set of labor problems. The union spokesperson readily agreed, but when asked about exemptions for the retailers, manufacturing, and food and beverage industries, he declined to give support.

With the room full of uncharacteristic opposition to the measure, the bill’s author, who also is the labor committee chairman, decided to defer decision making until Friday at noon, though a quorum was present. Deferring a vote is a typical trick used by legislative chairs who don’t want opposition present when they pass or kill bills, and they hope by making it inconvenient for the public, they will be more likely to pass or kill without an audience.

”A Different kind of War Being Fought at Lake Wilson”

Even Saddam Hussein might be afraid of the puke green, slimy monster now consuming Lake Wilson on Oahu — it grows faster than a speeding bullet, chokes the life out of fish and is stronger than any pretend monster in Star Trek or Star Wars.

The official name is Salvinia molesta, but it more likely could be categorized as a weapon of mass destruction.

Once a growth in people’s aquariums, the weed is now the biggest and fastest growing pest the state must deal with.

Apparently some bright people dumped their aquariums into the lake, despite all the warnings of fish and wildlife experts who say never, never do that. The weed liked all the sewage it found to grow off of in the once vibrant, sparkling lake, that now is a dumping ground for treated (sometimes raw) sewage.

Now the monster is taking over the entire lake and all the life in it. Only television coverage can do justice in showing off this terror.

The Lake Wilson State Recreation Area has been closed until further notice as one lonely guy hired by the city attempts to use his heavy machinery to remove the weed from the water. He is backed up by city personnel who continue to load up their dump trucks and take the weed to an area where it will be recycled into fertilizer.

Only problem is any headway they make in digging up the weed, is gone by the next day as the weed doubles the area it consumes every day.

How about that Weapon of Mass Destruction Saddam?

”Second Amendment Rights Advocate Alan Gottlieb Visits”

The Second Amendment Foundation and Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms Founder Alan M. Gottlieb of Bellevue, WA, one of the nation’s leading proponents of second amendment gun rights, is visiting Hawaii with his family.

That did not stop the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii President Richard Rowland from arranging a luncheon speaking engagement with Gottlieb and local second amendment rights supporters this Friday at the Pacific Club.

Gottlieb, the author of several books on gun rights, is a popular radio and television talk show guest and is interviewed frequently on second amendment issues by the major national media.

”City Jumps the Gun on BRT Approval”

In the midst of the city administration’s gung ho plans for the in town portion of the $1 billion Bus Rapid Transit system, there appears a glitch.

Michelle Matson, a community activist who is a member of an opposition group closely monitoring the BRT’s progress, and the Chair of the Planning, Land Use and Transportation Committee for the Diamond Head-Kapahulu-St. Louis Heights Neighborhood Board, says there is a question of non-compliance by the City Administration with

“Malia Lt blue top Image”

”’War’ Breaks Out Prior to Senate Recess”

Moments before the state Senate was about to adjourn yesterday, and to begin its 5-day mandatory recess period, Sen. Carol Fukunaga, D-Makiki, rose on a point of personal privilege. Fukunaga, who rarely speaks on the Senate floor, said she wanted to give her colleagues and the community a message of “peace” prior to beginning the recess. Instead, she touted the contents of Senate Concurrent Resolution 21, which urges the President of the United States not to “preemptively start a war with Iraq.”

The resolution, authored by Maui Democrat J. Kalani English, was co-signed by 16 fellow Democrat Senators, but had not yet been scheduled for floor action. The resolution, a highly partisan, one-sided attack on the United States government and President George W. Bush, was the subject of a state House debate a day earlier. Members of the Senate quickly lined up to either defend SCR 21 and its propagandized version of “peace” or to defend the president and America’s military.

Sen. Minority Leader Fred Hemmings, R-Waimanalo, rose to rebut Fukunaga’s call for a peaceful diplomatic resolution of the Middleastern conflict built upon United Nations and International support. Hemmings told the Senate and visitors in the gallery that the United States already is at war and has been fighting terrorism, and he reminded them that more people were killed in the twin towers on Sept. 11 than at Pearl Harbor. He urged strong support for the president and the U.S. Military.

A 45-minute debate ensued, and many other Senators espoused their views about the pending war with Iraq. Democrat Sen. Suzanne Chun-Oakland of Nuuanu gave a teary, emotional call for peace, while the resolution’s author, English, told how he stood in solidarity with the 1,000 anti-war demonstrators from Maui.

Sen. Sam Slom, R-Hawaii Kai, said peace is important, but not peace at any price and that there are worse things than war, such as enslavement and death by dictators like Saddam Hussein. He reminded his colleagues that those in the military desire peace the most, not choosing to be in harms way or to be separated from family and friends. However, these same military personnel accept their responsibility and duty and put their lives on the line for everyone else in America. And now that Hawaii’s military men and women have been called to action, Slom said, the Legislature, at the very least, should show support for them.

Freshman Kauai Sen. Gary Hooser said he resented Slom’s comments, implying those speaking out for peace yesterday did not support the military, though his support was for a resolution attacking the alleged injustices of this nation and its President.

Democrat Sen. Rozalyn Baker of Maui startled many by saying “I am a Vietnam veteran” then corrected herself to say she grew up in the Vietnam era. She too spoke of the importance of peace, but chose to attack the United States, while painting Iraq and its dictatorial regime as “victims” in the current situation.

Minority Floor Leader Bob Hogue, R-Kailua, said he strongly supports the president and urged his colleagues to do the same, saying the president has access to greater information than do members of the Hawaii Legislature.

Democrat Sen. Cal Kawamoto, one of only two active military veterans in the state Senate (the other being Senate President Robert Bunda) did not sign the Democrat resolution, and chose instead to strongly advocate support for Hawaii’s military, now in harms way.

The resolution will be debated again in more detail at a later date, but any action by the state Senate will be even less significant if war with Iraq already has begun.

Immediate reaction from the general public was that this Legislature, which has yet to balance the budget, fix the schools and provide alternative transportation solutions, is way beyond its area of expertise in attempting to influence national and international foreign policy.

”GOP Senators AWOL at Important Confirmation Hearings”

With Gov. Linda Lingle’s 16 cabinet appointees facing Senate confirmation in a Senate with 20 Democrats and 5 Republicans, the appointees need all of the support they can get from a sympathetic public and the Republican Senators who should be supporting them and the first Republican administration in 40 years.

All of the Senate committees, except Ways and Means, allow only one Republican committee member, usually out of a total of 7 to 9 members. Therefore, that Republican needs to play a pivotal role, especially when the conferees or other administration personnel find themselves in a room dominated by individuals and groups testifying in opposition to the administration’s agenda of change.

But several Republicans have dropped out of sight during hearings, not even being present when the governor’s bills are heard or her cabinet members come before Senate committees for review.

For example, Tuesday, in the Senate Judiciary committee hearing of the confirmation of attorney general Mark Bennett and Hawaiian Homes Chair Micah Kane, lone Republican Senate member Bob Hogue did not attend.

On Wednesday, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs appointee Mark Recktenwald went before the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee, and the only Senators to show of the seven member committee were Chair Ron Menor and vice Chair Rozalyn Baker. Republican member Paul Whalen was notably absent.

In other non-confirmation hearings in both the House and Senate, Republican members have had a less than perfect attendance record when administration spokespeople have come to testify. Case in point was last Saturday’s House hearing where the governor’s Senior Policy Advisor Randy Roth and the governor were the subject of an attack at a House hearing where Roth was testifying, rather than the House Democrats focusing on the subject bills and issues. No Republicans helped defend him.

There is tremendous irony in the unwillingness of these Republicans to show up, or speak up, at hearings. For so long, the Republicans seemed to accept the fact they were not going to influence the outcome of hearings or the people who testified from the former Democrat administrations. However, they now have strong allies in the governor’s appointees and spokespeople who need their support, but they aren’t there to further their own agenda or that of the governor.

”Worst Anti-Business Bill Makes Its Way Through Senate”

In the Senate Labor Committee, the baddest of the bad bills reemerged from last year’s Legislature. The so called “successor employer bill,” introduced this year as SB 1 by Sen. Brian Kanno, would force any person or organization that buys an existing business to retain at least 50 percent of all existing employees, no questions asked.

Last year’s bill, dubbed by NFIB’s Hawaii President Bette Tatum as “the worst anti-business bill she’d ever seen,” required a successor employer to retain 100 percent of all former employees. Tatum said this bill was discussed at a national NFIB conference where it won the prize as the worst type of anti-business legislation amongst all the bills from all 50 states.

While the testimony was overwhelmingly in opposition to this bill by businesses, organizations and the state Department of labor, the ILWU said the bill did not go far enough.

The bill, as drafted, would only apply to businesses with 100 or more employees. The ILWU suggested two changes: reduce the number of employees to 50 from 100; and require the employer to retain 100 percent of the employees until, with the union’s approval, the company need only retain 50 percent of their employees.

The examples of mistreatment by successor employers given by the unions in their testimony all involved hotel buyouts extending back to 1986. One former housekeeping employee who formerly worked at one of the affected hotels, sobbed through her testimony and said that she had worked for the hotel for 31 years, and though 66 years of age, had a lot more to offer. The new owners chose not to rehire her, she said, and now it was extremely difficult for her to find work. The former housekeeper later did confide that she received severance benefits and full retirement, but she did not disclose to the committee that she is currently re-employed.

Senate Committee Member Cal Kawamoto asked the ILWU if the union would support an exemption for the construction industry since it is a special industry with a unique set of labor problems. The union spokesperson readily agreed, but when asked about exemptions for the retailers, manufacturing, and food and beverage industries, he declined to give support.

With the room full of uncharacteristic opposition to the measure, the bill’s author, who also is the labor committee chairman, decided to defer decision making until Friday at noon, though a quorum was present. Deferring a vote is a typical trick used by legislative chairs who don’t want opposition present when they pass or kill bills, and they hope by making it inconvenient for the public, they will be more likely to pass or kill without an audience.

”A Different kind of War Being Fought at Lake Wilson”

Even Saddam Hussein might be afraid of the puke green, slimy monster now consuming Lake Wilson on Oahu — it grows faster than a speeding bullet, chokes the life out of fish and is stronger than any pretend monster in Star Trek or Star Wars.

The official name is Salvinia molesta, but it more likely could be categorized as a weapon of mass destruction.

Once a growth in people’s aquariums, the weed is now the biggest and fastest growing pest the state must deal with.

Apparently some bright people dumped their aquariums into the lake, despite all the warnings of fish and wildlife experts who say never, never do that. The weed liked all the sewage it found to grow off of in the once vibrant, sparkling lake, that now is a dumping ground for treated (sometimes raw) sewage.

Now the monster is taking over the entire lake and all the life in it. Only television coverage can do justice in showing off this terror.

The Lake Wilson State Recreation Area has been closed until further notice as one lonely guy hired by the city attempts to use his heavy machinery to remove the weed from the water. He is backed up by city personnel who continue to load up their dump trucks and take the weed to an area where it will be recycled into fertilizer.

Only problem is any headway they make in digging up the weed, is gone by the next day as the weed doubles the area it consumes every day.

How about that Weapon of Mass Destruction Saddam?

”Second Amendment Rights Advocate Alan Gottlieb Visits”

The Second Amendment Foundation and Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms Founder Alan M. Gottlieb of Bellevue, WA, one of the nation’s leading proponents of second amendment gun rights, is visiting Hawaii with his family.

That did not stop the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii President Richard Rowland from arranging a luncheon speaking engagement with Gottlieb and local second amendment rights supporters this Friday at the Pacific Club.

Gottlieb, the author of several books on gun rights, is a popular radio and television talk show guest and is interviewed frequently on second amendment issues by the major national media.

”City Jumps the Gun on BRT Approval”

In the midst of the city administration’s gung ho plans for the in town portion of the $1 billion Bus Rapid Transit system, there appears a glitch.

Michelle Matson, a community activist who is a member of an opposition group closely monitoring the BRT’s progress, and the Chair of the Planning, Land Use and Transportation Committee for the Diamond Head-Kapahulu-St. Louis Heights Neighborhood Board, says there is a question of non-compliance by the City Administration with