BY SAM SLOM – Smart Business Hawaii congratulates Ron Williams CEO of Atlantis Adventures who was elected as the new Chairman of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, succeeding Kevin Bloom president of Aston.
We sadly note the passing last month in Bradenton, Florida, of Tony Pereira, III of Midas Hawaii. Tony and his brother Robert have been longtime business and community leaders in Hawaii, purchasing the Midas company with its 11 outlets in 1978 from their father.
The Hawaii Tax Institute Foundation, Chaminade University Educational Foundation and the Hawaii Medical Assurance Association present the 7th annual one-day seminar on “Nonprofit Organizations,” Friday, September 24 at the Pagoda Hotel. One of the speakers is Hugh Jones, Supervising Deputy Attorney General. For information and reservations phone 946-2966 (X130) or FAX 943-3140
Justin Areola, Darren Gallano, Garrison Gamil, Kainoa Ganancial, Dorrien Hermosura, Jobe Ibana, Ian Kahaloa, Christian-James Laroco, Jake Mendoza, Gaston Palipti, Chevez “Rusty” Pascua, Dewayne Sprinkel, Chase Wago, and Hugh Yamashiro. Remember those names. If you see them playing college baseball a few years from now, remember that each of these boys were the power team that brought the Bronco World Series title home to Hawaii in 2010. Randall Wago, Dean Ibana, Greg Palipti, and Michael “Shag” Hermosura are the great coaches who shaped and fine-tuned the team sportsmanship and skills to net this heart-racing, one-in-a-lifetime achievement. The Ewa Beach All-Stars stormed through the Bronco World Series. Winning all six games played in the tournament, these Ewa boys trounced Florida to capture the title, as well as Chinese Taipei and Puerto Rico in earlier match-ups. The All-Stars were unbeaten in winning the Oahu regional, state, and West Zone Tournaments. The boys won 17 games straight in the race to the World Series championship, outscoring opponent teams 149-25 total. The boys put their hearts, minds, time, dedication, and focused energies into becoming the world champions they are. Their coaches gave enormous effort and time as well into nurturing and encouraging the boys. The parents and families also generously supported their sons. Hawaii is very proud of its home-grown team. This Sunday the City is sponsoring a parade for the Waipio little league Champions and other champions in Waipio beginning at 10 am.
The US Department of Transportation recently issued a reminder about the underground digging after three fatalities in June. Construction workers, highway contractors involved in digging activities are encouraged as well as required to call Hawaii One Call Center at 1-866-423-7287 before starting a project. In between 2000 to 2009, there were a total of 38 fatalities, 158 injuries, and $196 million in property damage nationwide as a result of excavation damage. Imagine if a fiber optic cable is damaged, what will happen to your internet connection?
Below is the first actual photo of the City and County of Honolulu’s $6 BILLION rail (train to nowhere) and its idea behind its obvious over estimated ridership projections.
The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs announced the start of the 2010-2011 LifeSmarts Consumer Education Competition. LifeSmarts, the Ultimate Consumer Challenge, is a FREE consumer education competition open to teens in grades 9-12. The competition tests students on their knowledge of Personal Finance, Health and Safety, the Environment, Technology, and Consumer Rights and Responsibilities. Teams may sign up and compete online from September 13, 2010 to December 7, 2010. At the end of the online competition, scores are tabulated and the top scoring teams will be invited to compete at the State Competition to be held in Honolulu on February 12, 2011. The winning team is eligible to represent Hawaii at the National Competition in Los Angeles, California, April 30-May 3, 2011. Teens learn critical life skills in a competitive way that builds teamwork, self-esteem, verbal communications skills and leadership ability. This program will help teens learn how to be smart consumers and learn how to be responsible with their money in a fun way. Please contact Judy Nagasako at 586-3687 on Oahu for more info.
To learn more about where your tax dollars, go for public education visit our new transparency website shining the light on Hawaii’s education issues – www.educate808.com
Paychecks Hawaii, the private, independent, Smart Business Hawaii political action affiliate, announced its picks for the September 18 Primary Election. Only contested races were selected; further endorsements will be made later.
- U.S. Senate: Cam Cavasso
- Governor: John Carroll
- Lt. Governor: Adrienne King
- Mayor – Honolulu: Panos Prevedouros
- Senate (25th): Joe “Builder” Pandolfe
Governor Linda Lingle will address us at our next monthly SBH SUNRISE Networking Breakfast, Thursday, September 30, 7-8:30 am at the Pineapple Room, Macy’s Ala Moana. LIMITED seating; first come first served. Call Darlyn for reservations: 396-1724.
Sam Slom is the President of Smart Business Hawaii and SBH Entrepreneurial Education Foundation