BY SAM SLOM – So, let’s get this straight: the Obama Administration told us the U.S. got all of our $14 billion in auto bailout “loans” returned, and new jobs will be created. Turns out neither is true. According to a news report last week, the majority of money ($11 billion) is actually still owed. Taxpayers are still on the hook and no new net jobs have been created by GM or Chrysler. The GM CEO is now quoted as even calling for higher gasoline taxes on Americans. To sell more GM electric cars? Ford never accepted any of the bailouts.
The Tax Foundation, Inc., reports on states reducing or eliminating their film tax credits. The study shows the states have found many promises not kept by the film companies, and infrastructure pledges not honored. Sound familiar? Hawaii legislators were and are being courted by Relativity Media to substantially increase Hawaii’s already generous film tax credits. See the complete story at TFH.org on line or read it locally on HawaiiReporter.com.
Remember the name: Josh Mandel of Ohio. Former Gov. Linda Lingle, who may be a GOP candidate for U.S. Senate in 2012, last week introduced a small group of Hawaii supporters to 33- year-old Ohio State Treasurer and U.S. Senate GOP candidate, Josh Mandel. Mandel, a former U.S. Marine who completed two tours in the Middle East and served on the city council in Cleveland and in the state legislature for two terms, has been described as a “young powerhouse” on the rise by the Washington Post. His would likely take on Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, one of the most liberal members of the U.S. Senate.
Hawaii’s Van Pool subsidized transit service, which lost federal funding last year, will lose its state subsidy at the end of this month. The program is expected to continue with higher costs for the estimated 1,800 riders statewide.
The City & County of Honolulu Council last week approved a new operating budget and higher taxes for all of us. There is no refuge from bigger government and more taxation in Hawaii.
Citing dozens of serious concerns from constituents about the City’s $5.3 billion rail transit project — ranging from skyrocketing cost, diminishing benefits and misinformation from the proponents of the system, including City government — West Oahu City Councilman Tom Berg has scheduled the first of a series of major town hall meetings on the subject.
On June 15th from 7pm to 9pm at the brand new Ewa Makai Middle School in Ewa Beach, Berg will host several guest presenters in order to facilitate the public being able to form an up-to-date understanding of what they can truly expect from the rail project in return for 16 years of higher sales taxes for construction and then higher property taxes in the future for annual operations and maintenance of the rail system.
KITV-TV reporter, Daryl Huff, is leaving television reporting for a new career at AlohaCare.
Sam Choy’s Breakfast, Lunch, & Crab will celebrate its 14th anniversary with a benefit for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Hawaii (RMHC-Hawaii). The event takes place on Monday, June 20, from 6 to 9 p.m “Supporting and developing relationships with local nonprofit organizations is a moral obligation of all businesses,” said James H.Q. Lee of Sam Choy’s BLC. Connecting our anniversary to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Hawaii makes it an even more exciting event.”
Tickets to the benefit are $100 per person, of which $60 is tax-deductible. Tickets may be reserved by calling 973-5683 ext. 240. Payment by credit card will be taken at the time of the ticket reservation. Donations will also be accepted from those who are unable to attend. Checks should be made payable to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Hawaii and mailed to RMHC-Hawaii, P.O. Box 61777, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96839-1777.
Hawaiian Telcom has announced layoffs after emerging from bankruptcy and embarking on a reorganization plan. Initially, 100 union and non-union layoffs were announced but they would be mitigated by new hires, attrition and retirement. However, look for future layoffs as landline use continues to decline, locally and nationally.
The $97 cell phone fine if caught using the phone in your car zooms up to nearly $150 July 1.
Hawaii’s worldwide reputation as the premiere forensics site for indentification of war dead and the missing, will be further enhanced with a new, $60 million, state of the art facility to be constructed then opened in two years.
The Kahala Business Association next meets on Tuesday, June 14 at the Kahala Hotel and Resort (Waialae Ballroom). It is a joint meeting with the Kaimuki Businmess Professional Association. Speaker will be Paul Brewbaker, chair of the state Council on Revenues. For info and reservations contact Judy at 732-7736 or e mail this address.
Ameriprise Financial Services announced longtime Financial Advisor, David C. Livingston, has joined Ameriprise in their Ala Moana Pacific Center office. Livingston, a long time community volunteer, most recently affiliated with Edward Jones.
Listen to Malia Zimmerman of Hawaii Reporter.com, daily (M-F) on the Rick Hamada Show, KHVH radio on 830 AM at 6:20 am. She will report the news behind the news for you.
Save the date: Friday, September 16, the Small Business Hawaii Entrepreneurial Education Foundation will hold its annual small business awards banquet at the Waialae Country Club. You can still nominate Hawaii businesses for various awards. Call Darlyn at 396-1724.
What? Not receiving your copy? Send PR, additional requests and email address to SBH@lava.net or call Darlyn at 396-1724.
Let SBH help you with YOUR business. Just starting a business? Call me personally for help at 396-1724 or email: SBH@lava.net. Smart Business Hawaii Means Business and we’re here to help you..
Aloha,
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