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    Groundbreaking Quarantine Bill Gets Hearing in the House

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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    “Dick Rowland Image”

    ”Shoots (News, Views and Quotes)”

    – Bailing Out the States

    Author: The Editorial Board

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

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

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

    – Doing Medicare Right

    Author: The Editorial Board

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

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

    Full text requires subscription.

    Above summaries are quoted from Galen Institute.

    ”Roots (Food for Thought)”

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

    Dear Editor:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    — Bill Hastings, Kamuela, HI

    ”Evergreen (Today’s Quote)”

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

    ”’See Web site”’ https://www.grassrootinstitute.org ”’for further information. Join its efforts at “Nurturing the rights and responsibilities of the individual in a civil society. …” or email or call Grassroot of Hawaii Institute President Richard O. Rowland at mailto:grassroot@hawaii.rr.com or (808) 487-4959.”’

    From Surviving Childhood to Changing Habits

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    “Suzanne Gelb Image”

    Dear Readers:

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

    ”Childhood – When is it Over?”

    Dear Dr. Gelb:

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

    Time To Grow Up

    A: Dr. Gelb says . . .

    Dear Time:

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

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

    ”Study Habits – Why is Change Difficult?”

    Dear Dr. Gelb:

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

    Proud Mom

    A: Dr. Gelb says . . .

    Dear Mom:

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Legislative Hearing Notices – Feb. 11, 2003

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    The following hearing notices, which are subject to change, were sorted and taken from the Hawaii State Capitol Web site. Please check that site for updates and/or changes to the schedule at https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/site1/docs/hearing/hearing2.asp?press1=docs&button1=current Go there and click on the Hearing Date to view the Hearing Notice.

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

    Hearing

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

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

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

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

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

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

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

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

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

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

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

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

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

    2/11/03 2:00 PM SB519 MAKING A MATCHING FUNDS APPROPRIATION TO SUPPORT A PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP TO MARKET AND PROMOTE INCENTIVES PROVIDED BY ACT 221, SESSION LAWS OF HAWAII 2001, FOR INVESTORS TO INVEST IN HIGH TECHNOLOGY IN HAWAII. ECD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    2/11/03 2:45 PM SB1704 RELATING TO A FILM PRODUCTION/POST PRODUCTION/HAWAIIAN CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL FACILITY AND WAREHOUSE WITHIN OR NEAR HEEIA STATE PARK. SAT/ECD

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

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

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

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

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

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

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

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

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

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

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

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

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

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

    ”Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee”

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Marks of Good Tax Policy

    0

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    In Gaia We Trust – White House Puts Faith in EPA

    0

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

    Grassroot Perspective – Feb. 10, 2003-Dynamic Scoring; The Next Step for Tax Relief and Reform; Freedom's Answer to So-called Smart Growth; The Prairie Dogs That Weren't There

    0

    “Dick Rowland Image”

    ”Shoots (News, Views and Quotes)”

    – Dynamic Scoring

    By Kevin A. Hasset

    Congressional Testimony, May 2, 2002, American Enterprise Institute

    Pundits and politicians are calling for a new way of estimating
    government revenue and the cost of spending programs. Those estimates are currently calculated using a method known as static scoring. But some economists argue that static scoring may not fully account for key economic variables and can create biases toward greater government spending and against tax cuts. A new method, know as dynamic scoring, could resolve those problems.

    AEI scholar Kevin A. Hasset testified on dynamic scoring before the House Budget Committee.

    Above article is quoted from https://www.heritage.org/insider

    – The Next Step for Tax Relief and Reform

    By Daniel J. Mitchell

    President Bush’s tax relief package, by reducing tax rates on work,
    saving, and investment, will boost economic growth and reduce the burden of government for all taxpayers; but it should also be viewed only as a first step. Lawmakers should remember that simply handing money to people (for example, through rebates and credits) does not stimulate additional economic activity. To generate economic benefits, tax reform should focus on three goals: lower rates; less double taxation of savings and investments; and simplicity. Lower tax rates on productive behavior lead to a stronger economy because workers, investors, and entrepreneurs are not penalized for creating wealth. Good tax policy also helps control the size of government by reducing tax revenues and keeping resources in the productive sector of the economy. Tax cuts will improve the economy’s performance only if they increase incentives to
    work, save, and invest. This, in turn, will help to generate at least
    some additional revenue and thereby create a virtuous cycle that will allow for further tax reductions.

    Above article is quoted from https://www.heritage.org/insider

    – Freedom’s Answer to So-called Smart Growth

    Smart Growth aims to destroy the American Dream of homeownership and mobility.

    It advocates believe Americans should ride mass transit instead of drive cars and live in high-density apartments instead of low-density suburbs. To achieve these goals, smart growth planners deliberately increase traffic congestion and make housing unaffordable.

    The Vanishing Automobile and Other Urban Myths dispels smart-growth fantasies and presents free-market solutions to urban problems. The American Planning Association says The Vanishing Auto is “compelling and well documented” and “marshals a formidable array of facts” to “lambaste planners’ attempts to limit personal freedom.”

    If you live in a city, town, or suburb, then smart growth is coming to
    you and you need The Vanishing Automobile.

    The Vanishing Automobile is written by Randal O’Toole, senior economist with the Thoreau Institute, adjunct scholar with the Cato Institute, and frequent contributor to Environment & Climate News.

    ”Roots (Food for Thoughts)”

    – The Prairie Dogs That Weren’t There

    By William Perry Pendley

    There is no evidence that Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) employees who charged Lin Drake of Cedar City, Utah with violating the Endangered Species Act (ESA) ever heard this poem: “Yesterday upon the stair, I met a man who wasn’t there. He wasn’t there again today, I wish that man would go away.”

    Nonetheless, the poem encapsulates their case against Drake. For it was those employees who saw prairie dogs on Drake’s property … prairie dogs that were never there and that have, mysteriously, gone away.

    Blame it on the Camera

    In January 1995, Drake bought property in nearby Enoch, Utah, intending to develop a subdivision containing affordable, single-family homes. Later that year, aware that land in the area was home to prairie dogs protected by the ESA, Drake sought to verify his belief that there were no prairie dogs on his property.

    Using a Utah Division of Wildlife map, Drake learned of a prairie dog
    colony to the west, although the map showed no prairie dogs were there in 1992, 1993, and 1994. Just to be sure, Drake hired an engineer to determine the precise relationship between his property and the colony; it was then clear that no part of the colony was on Drake’s land. Thereupon, Drake recorded a subdivision with Iron County.

    On October 2, 1995, state and federal wildlife employees received an
    “anonymous tip” that prairie dogs were on Drake’s land. Two employees visited the area and, though they did not have a map of Drake’s subdivision and were admittedly unaware of its exact boundaries, which were difficult to determine because of the absence of landmarks, said they observed between 74 and 78 prairie dogs on Drake’s land. Amazingly, only two were filmed, because the FWS employee had “a new camera. It was the first time I used it!”

    The next day both employees physically entered upon Drake’s property; they saw no prairie dogs and no prairie dog mounds or holes, active or inactive.

    Nonetheless, that day they notified Drake that prairie dogs were on his land and that he could be fined $200,000 and imprisoned for a year. The next day, one of the FWS employees revisited Drake’s property; again he saw no prairie dogs.

    “No Direct Evidence” of Prairie Dog Mortality

    Over the next six months, Drake beseeched FWS employees to visit his property to learn what he knew: there were no prairie dogs there. From Oct. 11, 1995, until March 26, 1996, FWS employees made numerous visits to Drake’s property. At no time did they see prairie dogs or active prairie dog mounds or holes upon his property.

    Drake’s engineer did find “an old inactive prairie dog colony” on the
    northern corner of Drake’s land, but it had long been abandoned.
    Unsurprisingly, prairie dogs were observed west of Drake’s land, in the known colony.

    There was one exception to all of these failed prairie dog sightings:
    The original FWS employee said that on March 17, 1996 he alone saw two prairie dogs on Drake’s land; again, he was unable to film them.

    Two years later, when Drake was fined $15,000 for violating the ESA by “harming” prairie dogs by disturbing their habitat, he asked for a
    hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ).

    Because the U.S. Supreme Court limits “harm” violations “to significant habitat modifications that actually cause death or injury, as opposed to hypothetical or speculative death or injury,” Drake demanded evidence of “death or injury.” None was produced; even the ALJ admitted, “there is no direct evidence of mortality or injury resulting from [Drake’s] activities.”

    Instead, the FWS relied on its employees’ testimony that the elusive
    prairie dogs whose presence on Drake’s land was never filmed and whose habitat there was never found, had disappeared. They must be dead, killed by Drake’s actions.

    Remarkably, the ALJ upheld Drake’s fine because these were federal
    employees who had no reason to lie and must, therefore, be believed.

    William Perry Pendley is president and chief legal officer of the
    Mountain States Legal Foundation.

    Above article is quoted from www.heartland.org Environment & Climate News July 2002

    ”Evergreen (Today’s Quote)”

    “Self-interest is that indomitable individualistic force within us that urges us on to progress and discovery, but at the same time disposes us to monopolize our discoveries. Competition is that no less indomitable humanitarian force that wrests progress, as fast as it is made, from the hands of the individual and places it as the disposal of all mankind.” — Frederick Bastiat

    ”’See Web site”’ https://www.grassrootinstitute.org ”’for further information. Join its efforts at “Nurturing the rights and responsibilities of the individual in a civil society. …” or email or call Grassroot of Hawaii Institute President Richard O. Rowland at mailto:grassroot@hawaii.rr.com or (808) 487-4959.”’

    Grassroot Perspective – Feb. 10, 2003-Dynamic Scoring; The Next Step for Tax Relief and Reform; Freedom’s Answer to So-called Smart Growth; The Prairie Dogs That Weren’t There

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    “Dick Rowland Image”

    ”Shoots (News, Views and Quotes)”

    – Dynamic Scoring

    By Kevin A. Hasset

    Congressional Testimony, May 2, 2002, American Enterprise Institute

    Pundits and politicians are calling for a new way of estimating
    government revenue and the cost of spending programs. Those estimates are currently calculated using a method known as static scoring. But some economists argue that static scoring may not fully account for key economic variables and can create biases toward greater government spending and against tax cuts. A new method, know as dynamic scoring, could resolve those problems.

    AEI scholar Kevin A. Hasset testified on dynamic scoring before the House Budget Committee.

    Above article is quoted from https://www.heritage.org/insider

    – The Next Step for Tax Relief and Reform

    By Daniel J. Mitchell

    President Bush’s tax relief package, by reducing tax rates on work,
    saving, and investment, will boost economic growth and reduce the burden of government for all taxpayers; but it should also be viewed only as a first step. Lawmakers should remember that simply handing money to people (for example, through rebates and credits) does not stimulate additional economic activity. To generate economic benefits, tax reform should focus on three goals: lower rates; less double taxation of savings and investments; and simplicity. Lower tax rates on productive behavior lead to a stronger economy because workers, investors, and entrepreneurs are not penalized for creating wealth. Good tax policy also helps control the size of government by reducing tax revenues and keeping resources in the productive sector of the economy. Tax cuts will improve the economy’s performance only if they increase incentives to
    work, save, and invest. This, in turn, will help to generate at least
    some additional revenue and thereby create a virtuous cycle that will allow for further tax reductions.

    Above article is quoted from https://www.heritage.org/insider

    – Freedom’s Answer to So-called Smart Growth

    Smart Growth aims to destroy the American Dream of homeownership and mobility.

    It advocates believe Americans should ride mass transit instead of drive cars and live in high-density apartments instead of low-density suburbs. To achieve these goals, smart growth planners deliberately increase traffic congestion and make housing unaffordable.

    The Vanishing Automobile and Other Urban Myths dispels smart-growth fantasies and presents free-market solutions to urban problems. The American Planning Association says The Vanishing Auto is “compelling and well documented” and “marshals a formidable array of facts” to “lambaste planners’ attempts to limit personal freedom.”

    If you live in a city, town, or suburb, then smart growth is coming to
    you and you need The Vanishing Automobile.

    The Vanishing Automobile is written by Randal O’Toole, senior economist with the Thoreau Institute, adjunct scholar with the Cato Institute, and frequent contributor to Environment & Climate News.

    ”Roots (Food for Thoughts)”

    – The Prairie Dogs That Weren’t There

    By William Perry Pendley

    There is no evidence that Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) employees who charged Lin Drake of Cedar City, Utah with violating the Endangered Species Act (ESA) ever heard this poem: “Yesterday upon the stair, I met a man who wasn’t there. He wasn’t there again today, I wish that man would go away.”

    Nonetheless, the poem encapsulates their case against Drake. For it was those employees who saw prairie dogs on Drake’s property … prairie dogs that were never there and that have, mysteriously, gone away.

    Blame it on the Camera

    In January 1995, Drake bought property in nearby Enoch, Utah, intending to develop a subdivision containing affordable, single-family homes. Later that year, aware that land in the area was home to prairie dogs protected by the ESA, Drake sought to verify his belief that there were no prairie dogs on his property.

    Using a Utah Division of Wildlife map, Drake learned of a prairie dog
    colony to the west, although the map showed no prairie dogs were there in 1992, 1993, and 1994. Just to be sure, Drake hired an engineer to determine the precise relationship between his property and the colony; it was then clear that no part of the colony was on Drake’s land. Thereupon, Drake recorded a subdivision with Iron County.

    On October 2, 1995, state and federal wildlife employees received an
    “anonymous tip” that prairie dogs were on Drake’s land. Two employees visited the area and, though they did not have a map of Drake’s subdivision and were admittedly unaware of its exact boundaries, which were difficult to determine because of the absence of landmarks, said they observed between 74 and 78 prairie dogs on Drake’s land. Amazingly, only two were filmed, because the FWS employee had “a new camera. It was the first time I used it!”

    The next day both employees physically entered upon Drake’s property; they saw no prairie dogs and no prairie dog mounds or holes, active or inactive.

    Nonetheless, that day they notified Drake that prairie dogs were on his land and that he could be fined $200,000 and imprisoned for a year. The next day, one of the FWS employees revisited Drake’s property; again he saw no prairie dogs.

    “No Direct Evidence” of Prairie Dog Mortality

    Over the next six months, Drake beseeched FWS employees to visit his property to learn what he knew: there were no prairie dogs there. From Oct. 11, 1995, until March 26, 1996, FWS employees made numerous visits to Drake’s property. At no time did they see prairie dogs or active prairie dog mounds or holes upon his property.

    Drake’s engineer did find “an old inactive prairie dog colony” on the
    northern corner of Drake’s land, but it had long been abandoned.
    Unsurprisingly, prairie dogs were observed west of Drake’s land, in the known colony.

    There was one exception to all of these failed prairie dog sightings:
    The original FWS employee said that on March 17, 1996 he alone saw two prairie dogs on Drake’s land; again, he was unable to film them.

    Two years later, when Drake was fined $15,000 for violating the ESA by “harming” prairie dogs by disturbing their habitat, he asked for a
    hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ).

    Because the U.S. Supreme Court limits “harm” violations “to significant habitat modifications that actually cause death or injury, as opposed to hypothetical or speculative death or injury,” Drake demanded evidence of “death or injury.” None was produced; even the ALJ admitted, “there is no direct evidence of mortality or injury resulting from [Drake’s] activities.”

    Instead, the FWS relied on its employees’ testimony that the elusive
    prairie dogs whose presence on Drake’s land was never filmed and whose habitat there was never found, had disappeared. They must be dead, killed by Drake’s actions.

    Remarkably, the ALJ upheld Drake’s fine because these were federal
    employees who had no reason to lie and must, therefore, be believed.

    William Perry Pendley is president and chief legal officer of the
    Mountain States Legal Foundation.

    Above article is quoted from www.heartland.org Environment & Climate News July 2002

    ”Evergreen (Today’s Quote)”

    “Self-interest is that indomitable individualistic force within us that urges us on to progress and discovery, but at the same time disposes us to monopolize our discoveries. Competition is that no less indomitable humanitarian force that wrests progress, as fast as it is made, from the hands of the individual and places it as the disposal of all mankind.” — Frederick Bastiat

    ”’See Web site”’ https://www.grassrootinstitute.org ”’for further information. Join its efforts at “Nurturing the rights and responsibilities of the individual in a civil society. …” or email or call Grassroot of Hawaii Institute President Richard O. Rowland at mailto:grassroot@hawaii.rr.com or (808) 487-4959.”’

    Wanted Fugitive: Ian Enitan

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    CrimeStoppers and the Navy Regional Security Investigation want the public’s assistance in locating Ian Enitan. Enitan is wanted for a federal warrant for Terroristic Threatening. He is also wanted for questioning for drug and firearms violations. He is believed to possess a dependent military identification card and may be entering military installations. He is a trained in various martial arts and considered armed and dangerous.

    Anyone with information about Enitan may call Investigator Travis Earl directly at 474-6205 or 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 Ian Enitan:

    *Filipino male, 35

    *5’6″, 135 lbs., slim build

    *Black hair, brown eyes

    *Tattoos on right arm, left shoulder, left ankle and left hand

    Officers are reminded the warrant exists in NCIC

    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

    Taking Responsibility for Your Business

    During the past week I received some very interesting email
    messages from my newsletter readers that I would like to share with you.

    Toney wrote: “Jeff, I’ve been reading your e-newsletters for a while
    and may I say they are great! Thank you so much for putting the
    time and effort into them. I appreciate all the advice and honesty that you give.

    “I’m working on building my advertising business and I am a decent
    salesperson, but not really good. In fact, I’m not good enough for
    our needs right now. I need to kick the sales into action
    and make some things happen.

    “How can I look for the right person that would be good in this
    area to work for me setting up some appointments, or for
    that matter, making the sales themselves?

    “I would appreciate any advice you could give on this. I know you’re
    a busy man and may God bless you in everything you are doing for everyone.”

    And Joaquim wrote: “I always read your newsletter with great
    interest and I have been using your ideas to consolidate my
    knowledge and fine-tune my strategies.

    “However I feel you focus more on the side of ‘knowing what
    your customer needs’ rather than ‘creating the need in a customer.’

    “In fact anyone can sell something to someone who needs it. But it’s
    more difficult to sell something to a prospect that didn’t know
    she has a need. That should be the ideal focus for a salesman.

    “After all our Companies are not exactly known for producing
    everything a customer needs. But we certainly produce something
    a customer needs, once created or shown that need. And how
    do we create or show that need? Work, leads, work,
    newsletters, work, information, work. Am I wrong?”

    Ever since I started selling back in the early 1970s, every salesman I
    ever met — or maybe it just seems that way — hated to make sales calls. Face-to-face meetings were OK, but the thought of getting on the telephone to schedule that meeting was downright terrifying.

    Most sales people will do anything they can to
    avoid using the phone, and as a result,

    * They don’t schedule any appointments,

    * They don’t create any opportunities,

    * They don’t close any sales, and

    * They don’t make any money.

    Then they wonder why business — and life — is so tough.

    In Toney’s case, she’s thinking of hiring someone to sell for her. But I think her perspective and attitude is wrong.

    She says she’s a “decent” salesperson, but isn’t making much money
    at this moment. Yet, she’s considering hiring someone to do the sales for her.

    When you’re running a business you’ve two goals:

    *1. Profit: Make a lot of money.

    *2. Cash Flow: Get paid from your customers for the products/services that were purchased.

    I think everybody should have an MBA — a Massive Bank Account!

    In running your business, your goal and objective is to be as efficient, effective and streamlined as you possible can. That means staying focused on the activities, tasks and customers/prospects
    that give you the greatest results.

    The 80/20 rule states:

    * Eighty percent of your business comes from 20 percent of your customers.

    * Eighty percent of your profits comes from 20 percent of your customers.

    * Eighty percent of your results comes from 20 percent of your efforts.

    Let me say it differently: Most of your results come from doing a
    handful of activities with a small number of people. The rest of your time, energy and effort is wasted.

    Focus your time, energy and effort on the activities and people
    that give you the greatest results — and payoff — and stop doing the rest!

    Warren Buffett says, “You don’t need to have extraordinary effort
    to achieve extraordinary results.” You just need to do the ordinary,
    everyday things exceptionally well.

    For Toney to become successful she needs to learn how to use the telephone to find customers.

    Because she doesn’t want to learn how to sell, she wants to hire
    someone to make the calls for her. (Does this sound familiar?)
    But employees cost money, adding to the cost of running the
    business, increasing the fixed overhead and lowering profits.

    The most profitable businesses in their respective industries are the
    ones with the lowest cost structure, i.e. Southwest Airlines, Dell
    Computer, Wal-Mart, and Microsoft.

    The telephone is the best — and least expensive — sales tool you own. Don’t fight the phone. Learn to love it because it saves you time.

    Use the telephone to qualify your prospects before you meet with them. How much time do you spend driving to appointments with people who’ve no interest in doing business with you? Ask some great questions on the phone and you can determine whether
    or not the meeting is necessary.

    Sales managers across corporate America keep pushing “face time,”
    because they think seeing a prospect face to face builds relationships
    and rapport. Change your attitude, think of the telephone as face time.

    Which is more beneficial to you, spending two hours driving to and
    from a client meeting for a fifteen-minute meeting next week,
    or having the same 15-minute meeting on the telephone tomorrow morning?

    Serve your customers. Solve their problems. Deliver what you said you would deliver. And you’ll have a customer for life.

    What could you do with that “extra” two hours that you didn’t spend
    in your car? Why not spend it on the phone looking for new customers.

    This takes me to Joaquim’s question. Once you’re speaking with
    a prospect — either in person or on the phone — how do you
    find out what the customer needs?

    The easiest way to do it is by asking great questions.

    Most sales people sit down with a prospect and start going through
    the catalog or product list showing them everything they have to
    offer, (or explaining the bells and whistles of their newest products).

    It’s done in the hope that the customer will stop the salesperson and
    say I want — need — one of those. I’ll take one in red, yellow, and green.

    But more often than not, the salesman bores the customer to death because the only thing she’s talking about is herself, her products and her company.

    It isn’t enough that you “know” the customer has a need for your product. The customer must ‘know’ that he has a need for your product and that need must be satisfied immediately.

    The best way to get the customer to realize he has a need is to ask
    questions that are aimed directly at the need you’re trying to expose.

    You ask:

    * Power questions,

    * Economic development questions,

    * Financial impact questions.

    You ask questions that make people think. You ask questions that
    challenge them. You ask questions that make them feel uncomfortable. You ask questions that make them squirm.

    And by doing so they discover they do in fact have a need
    for the product you sell, and you’ve made a sale.

    Here are the five things you should be doing to be more successful:

    *1. Learn to love the telephone. Make it your friend. Use it all day long.

    *2. Get focused. Spend your time doing activities and tasks that have a huge payoff.

    *3. Eliminate waste and inefficiency. Don’t be in a hurry to hire more employees.

    *4. Ask great questions. Use questions to help your prospects discover their problems.

    *5. Don’t work harder, Don’t work smarter. ”’Work less.”’

    ”’Reprinted with permission from Jeffrey Mayer’s Succeeding In Business Newsletter. (Copyright, 2002, Jeffrey J. Mayer, Succeeding In Business, Inc.) To subscribe to Jeff’s free newsletter, visit”’ https://www.SucceedingInBusiness.com