BY SAM SLOM – Word of Wisdom. Friend Scotty Anderson, chair of Neighborhood Board #3 (Waialae Kahala) among other endeavors, was rummaging through the dictionary and came up with this timely word:
Ineptocracy (in-ep-toc’-ra-cy) – a system of government where the least capable to lead are elected by the least capable of producing; and, where the members of society least likely to sustain themselves or succeed, are rewarded with goods and services paid for by the confiscated wealth of a diminishing number of producers.
SBH Sunrise Tomorrow Features David Carey. Outrigger Enterprises CEO, David Carey, will be SBH’s special guest speaker at the next monthly SBH Sunrise Networking Breakfast, tomorrow, Thursday, April 26, in the Pineapple Room, Macy’s Ala Moana (3rd Floor), from 7 – 8:30 am. Carey will discuss Hawaii’s visitor industry successes-and the challenges of our business climate. Call Darlyn (396-1724) to reserve now.
Outrageous Plea Deal. The plea deal accepted for a rapist and child molestor, of a 14 year old Honolulu girl, by the City Prosecutor and Circuit Judge Karen Ahn on Monday, was outrageous and indefensible. The rapist entered a plea of “no contest” and was rewarded with 5 years probation-not a day of jail time. The prosecutor and judge said the plea arrangement was to spare the girl having to face her accuser and testify in open court. But now, the rapist will roam the streets. He also brutalized the young girl’s brother who tried to save her. That assault charge was dropped before the deal. We say we want to protect the “keiki;” to protect women, and to protect against domestic violence but the government is doing a lousy job. We spend more time bemoaning animal cruelty than enforcing laws against child molestation. This case is just one more reason people have such a low regard for our government and judiciary.
Legislature to End. The State Legislature which opened in January, comes to a close next Thursday, May 3. This Friday is the final action to post bills for voting out of conference committee, next Tuesday (May 1) and Thursday.
Anchors Aweigh! As part of the National Military Appreciation Month, May 2012, David C. Livingston, President of the Honolulu Council of the Navy League is pleased to announce that the Navy League will be hosting the 27th Annual Combined Military Band Concert. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to show appreciation for our Military and to honor the service. The event, free and open to the public, will be held on Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at the Hale Koa Luau Garden starting at 7:00 PM. The open seating will begin at 6:00 PM on a first come, first serve basis.
This year the United States Army will be the military lead and they will be led and conducted by Chief Warrant Officer 3 Lisa M. Guynn, US Army 25th Infantry Division Band. The combined band features outstanding services members from each branch of the military, with each respective conductor taking turns overseeing a myriad of Patriotic songs. There will also be performances by the U.S. Navy Pacific Band, U.S. Marine Forces Pacific Band, and U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific.
Navy League Executive Director, Bob McDermott said, “this event could only be possible with our partners SAIC, Triwest, and Cycle City. These folks are outstanding corporate citizens who want to make sure this concert continues for the enjoyment of both the military and the public!”
Guns. The Department of the Attorney General has released its annual report detailing state firearm registration statistics for calendar year 2011.
President Obama can be credited for gun and ammo increases everywhere because of his anti 2nd amendment stance and weak national defense posture.
A record high total of 15,375 personal/private firearm permit applications were processed statewide during 2011, marking a substantial 20.1% increase from the previous record high of 12,801 applications processed in 2010. Of the applications processed in 2011, 94.0% were approved and resulted in issued permits; 4.5% were approved but subsequently voided after the applicants failed to return for their permits within a specified time period; and 1.5% were rejected due to one or more disqualifying factors.
The 14,460 permits issued statewide in 2011 cover a record high total of 36,804 firearms registered, marking a 17.2% increase from the 31,390 firearms registered in 2010. Just under half, 48.8% (17,949) of the firearms registered during 2011 were imported from out-of-state, with the remainder 51.2% (18,855) accounted for by in-state transfers (i.e., firearms that were already in Hawaii).
The full report can be downloaded from the Crime Prevention and Justice Assistance Division web site by clicking here>>
SBA Awards May 9. Honor Our Best! Register at www.scorehawaii.org
The 25th Annual Statewide SBA Small Business Awards Luncheon
Hosted by SCORE Hawaii
Wednesday, May 9 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village
Winners’ Circle – 11:00 a.m.
Registration – 11:30 a.m.
Luncheon and Awards Presentations – 12 Noon
UH Law School Ranking Falls. UH fails U.S. News law school rankings.
Quite a few schools dipped compared to last year’s ranking. And since there were so many, we’re only going to list the more spectacular failures here (we’re talking double-digit declines): University of Hawaii (dropped 11 spots), University of Wyoming (dropped 14 spots), Willamette (dropped 16 spots), University of Mississippi (dropped 28 spots – not even Dr. Seusscould get them jobs), University of Missouri – Kansas City (dropped 22 spots), Pace (dropped 25 spots), Samford (dropped 15 spots), andUniversity of Montana (dropped 13 spots).
Original source of information can be reviewed here>>
Schatz Crows Over $5 Saving. A key ruling by the state Public Utilities Commission will save Maui electricity consumers about $300,000 a year and will help protect them from soaring oil prices in the future, Lt. Governor Brian Schatz said. Last week, the Hawaii PUC approved an amended power purchase contract between Kaheawa Wind Power, LLC and Maui Electric Company (MECO) which delinks the costs incurred for the renewable energy project with the price of fossil fuels. “The economic benefits of the renegotiated contract are enormous,” said Lt. Governor Schatz. “Kaheawa Wind Farm produces approximately 10 percent of Maui’s entire annual electricity requirements, and the price of this wind power is now substantially below the current cost of generating power using oil. With the new contract, as the price of oil goes up over time, the ratepayer savings will increase.”
Kaheawa Wind Power, owned by UPC Hawaii Wind Partners LLC, operates the 30 megawatt (MW) wind farm at Kaheawa Pastures in Ukumehame, Maui. In the original contract approved by the PUC in March 2005, the total energy costs paid by MECO were based on a composite price: 70 percent came from a fixed payment rate and 30 percent was based on MECO’s filed avoided energy cost data, which is tied to the cost of oil.
The amended contract delinks the price of wind energy from the price of oil in accordance with HRS Chapter 269 and HRS 269-27.2(c), which was enacted after the original MECO wind contract was negotiated. Under the new legislation, payments for renewable energy projects are no longer tied to the price of fossil fuels.
According to the PUC, the amended contract will eventually save Maui’s 67,700 residential and business customers about $330,000 a year, or roughly $5 per customer.
Djou Speaking. Former Congressman Charles Djou, challenging Colleen Hanabusa this year for the 1st Congressional seat, speaks to the Oahu League of Republican Women, next Thursday, May 3.
World Surfing Reserve. Former State Senator and World Surfing Champion, Fred Hemmings, whose last bill introduction in 2010 was creating a World Surfing Reserve in Hawaii to honor the sport, saw the legislation quashed.. At the last minute of the 2010 Session, some House Democrats scuttled the legislation. Governor Linda Lingle then issued an executive order creating the reserve. This weekend, California celebrates another state World Surfing Reserve in Santa Cruz. Hemming’s comment? “Where are Reps. Berg, Horita, Say and rubber stamp Democrats to put a stop to this…….They did such a good job of turning Hawaii’s surfing reserves legislation into a very negative episode. Fortunately governor Lingle saved the concept, unfortunately Hawaii already had a black eye.”
Boxing Champ Now Commisioner. Former Junior Lightweight Champion of the World, Ben Villaflor, was appointed to the Boxing Commission.
As a newly confirmed member of the Hawaii State Boxing Commission, Villaflor said his vision for the future of boxing in Hawaii entails bringing the excitement and public awareness to the sport. “Teaching young people, the future generation of Hawaii, the importance of physical fitness, proper nutrition, and good sportsmanship in boxing can be perpetuated in our schools. I feel that I can be a positive mentor for our youngsters of Hawaii,” said Villaflor.
The Hawaii State Senate confirmed Villaflor to the State Boxing Commission of Hawaii on Wednesday, April 18. He was among four nominees confirmed to the commission. They were nominated by Governor Abercrombie and were subject to Senate confirmation.
Villaflor currently serves as the Hawaii State Senate Sergeant at Arms. His career with the Senate has spanned through six Senate Presidents.
Justice or Deep Pockets? The state has been ordered to pay nearly $3.3 million for a fatal Maui accident after a car plunged from a scenic lookout, even though the driver had been drinking (three times over the legal limit) and was using marijuana.
Hawaii Green Schools. U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan was joined by White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Nancy Sutley and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jacksonto announce the first-ever U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools, a list including 78 schools, two of which are located in Hawaii. The announcement was made during a visit to Stoddert Elementary School in Washington, D.C.
The Ewa Makai Middle School in Ewa Beach is a new school built to LEED Gold standards making it Hawaii’s first public school “green” campus. In addition, EWA Makai Middle school does not use pesticides on campus. The Hawaii Preparatory Academy in Kamuela, has built a first of its kind energy lab that received LEED platinum rating and net-zero energy via solar panels.
“Science, environmental and outdoor education play a central role in providing children with a well-rounded education, helping prepare them for the jobs of the future,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.“U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools demonstrate compelling examples of the ways schools can help children build real-world skillsets, cut school costs, and provide healthy learning environments.”
Death & Taxes. Another 50-state ranking has rated Hawaii among the worst in the nation for its hostile business and tax climate. The Small Business & Entrepreneurship, in its report, Council Business Tax Index 2012:
Best to Worst State Tax Systems for Entrepreneurship and Small Business, ranked Hawaii as 43rd best of 50 states and the District of Columbia. Some 18 categories of tax measures were included.
Hawaii was included in the bottom 15 states, which are listed as 37) Nebraska, 38) North Carolina, 39) Illinois, 40) Oregon, 41) Rhode Island, 42) Connecticut, 43) Hawaii, 44) Vermont, 45) California, 46) Maine, 47) Iowa, 48) New York, 49) New Jersey, 50) Minnesota, and 51) District of Columbia.
The 15 Best State Tax Systems are: 1) South Dakota, 2) Texas, 3) Nevada, 4) Wyoming, 5) Washington, 6) Florida, 7) Alaska, 8)Alabama, 9) Ohio, 10) Colorado, 11) Mississippi, 12) Michigan, 13) South Carolina, 14) Tennessee, and 15) Missouri.
The nation’s economy “has been grossly under-performing”, the report said, in part because of “very real threats” to businesses being debated in the public arena that impact risk taking, economic growth and job creation.
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Point-Counterpoint on KHVH. Tune in Tuesdays 7-8 am to the Rick Hamada show on KHVH radio (830 am) to hear Senate Democrat Majority Leader Brickwood Galuteria and me tackle the legislative issues at the State Capitol. Call in at 521-8383.
Real News. Go to www.HawaiiReporter.com, for the real news. HR, founded by Malia Zimmerman, 10 years ago continues to break major investigative stories. Tune in to KHVH every week day at 7:05 am to hear Malia’s report.
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