BY SAM SLOM –
9/11: Never Forget.
Some of us have gone to Shanksville, Pennsylvania, to see where Flight 93 crashed after the heroics of Todd Beamer and others who charged the terrorists with the rally cry “Let’s Roll” in an effort to take back the plane. Two people from Hawaii were on Flight 93, while other former Hawaii residents were in the Twin Towers or the Pentagon. There were many heroes that day and some of their stories have been told. New information continues to emerge. This day and the events that changed our world forever should never be forgotten – or repeated. True security does not require a surrender of liberty. Never forget.
No Boots on the Ground? After a tumultuous week involving Syria, and his own Democrats (including Hawaii’s U.S. Rep.Tulsi Gabbard, U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa and U.S. Senator Brian Schatz) opposing his plans for a military strike in Syria, Obama told the Nation last night that everything is under control. What ineptness by the Administration and particularly the European-wannabe, John Kerry. It seems Russian President Putin saved the Obama regime at the last minute, but Obama is taking credit for the “solution.” Whose side are we on? Whose side should we be on? Time to re-read George Washington’s Farewell Address on “Entangling Alliances.”
“Community Matters.” Rick Hamada did a complete, updated report on Smart Business Hawaii and our position on issues and local business leadership on last week’s “Community Matters,’ radio show aired on 7 Clear Channel Hawaii stations. Available on podcast and on the SBH website, smartbusinesshawaii.com
Let the Music Play! The revitalized Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, which kicks off its season on Saturday, October 19, will premiere a 4-piece ensemble at the Small Business Hawaii Entrepreneurial Education Foundation awards dinner on Friday, September 20, from 5:30 – 8 p.m. at the Waialae Country Club.
The 20-minute concert is sponsored by former First LadyVicky Cayetano, head of United Laundry Service, who is the winner of the “SBH Jean Fukuda Civic Leadership Award,” for her role as successful businesswoman, civic leader and cultural advocate.
Cayetano has headed up the effort to reestablish a symphony on Oahu through her role on the board of the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra. “Our goal is to bring great music not only to those who have always enjoyed live orchestral performances, but also to the many people, young and old, of every ethnic background in our state’s rich patchwork of cultures,” Cayetano said.
At the awards dinner, you can look forward to a sumptuous buffet, fun, entertainment, a silent auction, good networking and fabulous entertainment.
Sponsorships still available (contact Malia at 306-3161) or to make reservations, contact Janayhe at SBH at 396-1724.
Bye, Bye Genshiro? According to a statement from Alexander & Baldwin, the company will buy 31 properties in the Kahala district from Japanese billionaire, and local poster child for bad behavior, Genshiro Kawamoto. The sale price, reported in Pacific Business News, is $98 million. If this all takes place, Kawamoto may be able to extricate himself from tax problems in Tokyo, but what ever will the Waialae-Kahala Neighborhood Board have to talk about every month and what will happen to all those bizarre statues littering his properties?
McDonald’s Lim Honored. Victor Lim of McDonald’s of Hawaii, a much revered restaurant owner, has been recognized again for his business talents, community leadership and service. Lim, owner and operator of 6 McDonald’s franchise restaurants in Hawaii, received the 2013 “Al Golin Brand Trust Award.” The award, given to just one franchisee owner of 2,500 across the country, is a major recognition for Victor and for Hawaii. Victor has a long-standing history of working with the Asian-American community, and his credentials include working closely with OCA-Hawaii Chapter. Victor is also the 2008 SBH Jean Fukuda Civic Leadership Award winner. Lim appears on Malia Zimmerman’s “News Behind the News” television series on Wednesday, September 18, at 6:30 p.m. and Monday, September 23, at 1:30 p.m. on O’lelo Channel 54. Way to go, Victor!
Health Connector Disconnecting the Truth. The Hawaii Health Connector, along with similar entities in other states, is the spear point for the Obamacare debacle, which is costing taxpayers millions. The Hawaii Health Connector is starting to heavily advertise to “educate” you as to why we should destroy American healthcare for government control, and is spreading misinformation. For example, there appears to be some confusion about the need to sign up for the Hawaii Health Connector or the Health Insurance Marketplace or whatever their newest name is. The Hawaii Health Connector is totally voluntary! It is an option, not a government mandated requirement. You can continue to buy health insurance the same way you always have using the same broker or representative you are comfortable with. Contrary to what you may be hearing, nothing needs to change here in Hawaii now. Stay tuned for more information about what happens after October 1, 2013. SBH is on it.
Check Your Car Seat. Did you know three out of every four car seats are used incorrectly? The consequences can be devastating. In fact, vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of death for children between the ages of 1 and 13 years old. Farmers Hawaii and the Honolulu Police Department want to help keep our keiki safe on the road. Farmers Hawaiiis holding a Free Community Child Safety Seat Check-up Event on Tuesday, September 17 from 8 am to 10 am at its office in Restaurant Row (500 Ala Moana Boulevard). Certified safety seat technicians from the Honolulu Police Department will be conducting car seat inspections. Call 544-3930 to set up an appointment.
UH Registration Declines. The University of Hawaii has noted a 2.2% decline in fall student enrollment at UH, mainly at the Manoa and Hilo campuses. The University explains the decline as the “rebound” of the Hawaiian economy. More accurate reporting would be to quote the growing dissatisfaction among students who, while local, have transferred to Mainland schools. No broad economic rebound has occurred.
Same Sex Marriage On the Way. Governor Neil Abercrombie and the special interests pushing same sex marriage in Hawaii got their wish Monday. The Governor called a Special Session of the Legislature beginning October 28, which could last anywhere from 3-10 days. In my opinion, this is a waste of time and money for an issue that requires no urgency or special treatment. During the past 12 years, the Legislature met in special Session for purposes other than judicial confirmations twice: Once for rebuilding the economy after 9/11 and once on the Superferry. This is about politicians looking for votes in the 2014 primary election, but in the process, putting their thumb in the eyes of the voters who support them.
Want a Classic Convertible? SBH board member, Jack Schneider of JS Services, is parting with his “baby,” a classic 2002 Trans Am Convertible. This model, the last made Trans Am convertible, is metallic colored and has a powerful 5.7 Liter Engine. There are 103,500 miles on it, but is in great condition thanks to Schneider, its original owner. Asking price – $10,000. Call 808-783-4111 for more information.
SMEI Event Tuesday. The Honolulu Chapter of Sales & Marketing Executives International presents Kurt Matsumoto, Chief Operating Officer, Pulama Lana’i, for a dinner meeting that begins at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 17th, at The Pacific Club. For reservations and more information visitwww.smeihonolulu.org. Join Honolulu Sales and Marketing Executives as Mr. Matsumoto shares the vision of Pulama Lana’i and their commitment to environmental, cultural and economic prosperity across a balanced platform of conservation, preservation, education, energy, hospitality, social services, health care, business development, and community life.
Mel Kaku at SBH SUNRISE. Who will help business during Hawaii’s next emergency? Find out from Mel Kaku, the City’s Director of the Department of Emergency Management, Thursday, September 26, from 7-8:30 a.m. at the Pineapple Room, Macy’s, Ala Moana Center. Kaku’s topic is, “Disaster Support by the City for Small Business.” Networking, full breakfast buffet, and business updates. All participants will be introduced. For information and reservations, contact Jaynahe Self at SBH at 396-1724.
Gordon Trimble on “A Better Day.” Remember former State Senator Gordon Trimble? “Dr. No?” Miss him? Well. You’re in luck: you can see a current interview with Gordon on O’lelo TV, “A Better Day,” (VIEWS, channel 54) on
9/17    Tues     8:30am
9/24    Tues     8:30am
10/01  Tues     8:30am.
Check out News Behind the News with Malia Zimmerman where we discuss Hawaii’s Business Climate. >Click here
SBH Welcomes Young Professionals. Smart Business Hawaii (SBH) is welcoming Young Entrepreneurs. The SBH YOUNG PROFESSIONALS is now up and running. Annual dues are only $75 for those under 30 years. Contact me directly ( SBH@lava.net), go online (www.smartbusinesshawaii.com) or call 396-1724.
Hawaii Reporter.com, Hawaii’s first electronic daily newspaper launched in 2002, has all the breaking news and unlike other publications in town, is still available online with no charge. Award winning Hawaii Reporter and Malia Zimmerman report daily (M-F) on the Rick Hamada Show heard on KHVH radio on 830 AM at 7:05 am. Malia’s show, News Behind the News, airs Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. and Mondays at 1:30 p.m. on Channel 54.Â
Tune in to Panos Prevedouros. SBH Director and UH Engineering Professor Dr. Panos Prevedouros is a weekly guest on Rick Hamada’s morning radio show every Tuesday from 7:05 a.m. to 8 am. Tune in!
Read SB NEWS. Don’t forget to read your current (September) monthly SB NEWS by PDF attachment or link. More expanded news and views for the Hawaii business community. A limited number of printed copies are available for mailing if you call SBH (396-1724).
Want More Business? JOIN SBH! Is YOUR business a member of SBH? No? Lots of benefits. Strong networking organization. Call 396-1724 or go online to  www.smartbusinesshawaii.com.
Want more local business information? Please visit the several SBH websites at www.smartbusinesshawaii.com,www.educate808.com and www.sbhfoundation.org
Celebrating a business milestone? Your business press releases are welcome in the weekly SBH News & Views e-News, which reaches more than 15,000 business owners and government leaders in Hawaii.
As always, SBH appreciates your support, so please consider joining or sending a donation to help SBH continue to assist the private, independent businesses in our community.
Mahalo!
