The controversial Akaka Bill will be debated as part of the Small
Business Hawaii (SBH) 30h Annual Business Conference, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ala Moana Hotel Garden lanai and Hibiscus Ballroom, next Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2006.
Theme of the event is, “Small Business 2006: Leading By Example,
Hawaii’s Economic Revitalization.” Small Business Hawaii has been visibly in a top small business leadership role in Hawaii to help bring about this change for years.
A debate on the impact of the Akaka Bill on small businesses in
Hawaii will take place between 11:30 and noon. Featured will be Sandra Puanani Burgess, who along with husband and attorney Bill Burgess, head the group, “Aloha for All,” and Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee, Rowena Akana. A live Q&A session will be included.
The Akaka Bill was lobbied for by Republican Gov. Linda Lingle, the Democrat Hawaii Congressional delegation and parts of the Native Hawaiian movement during 2005 but never came up for a vote in Washington, D.C. Proponents promise a vote this year. There has never been a vote on the bill in Hawaii.
Author of “Flight Capital,” educator and businessman, David Heenan will be the luncheon keynote speaker in the Hibiscus Ballroom and Lex Brodie, who founded SBH in 1975, also will share his memories.
Also speaking will be Pacific Legal Foundation attorney, and architect of Kauai’s “Proposition 13” tax limitation, Robert Thomas, who will discuss tax revolts and eminent domain. Congressman Ed Case (D-2nd) will discuss current federal legislation impacting small business.
Three small business firms have been chosen as awardees of the annual, SBH SUCCESS STORIES, and the entrepreneur-owners will share tips, strategies and profitability techniques.
Bill Green of Kahala Shell will discuss Hawaii’s gas caps. Democrat proponents of the law were invited as well.
In addition to the political and economic speeches, annual SBH business awards will be presented.
Refreshments, validated parking, business exhibit tables, educational business materials and a complete lunch are all part of the conference.
The public is welcome; advance paid reservations are required and because space is limited, advance paid reservations ($40 for SBH members and their guests, $50 for non-members) will be accepted in the order received. Phone SBH (Darlyn) at 808-396-1724 or online at https://www.smallbusinesshawaii.com.
”’Sam Slom is president of Small Business Hawaii and a Republican state Senator.”’