Anti-Rail Lawsuit Fails. On Tuesday, the Ninth Circuit Court ruled on the August 15, 2013 anti-rail appeal, dismissing the lawsuit against the City brought by Honolulu Traffic.com and 7 other plaintiffs including the SBH Foundation.
According to the ruling: “The panel affirmed the district court’s dismissal of plaintiffs’ claims under the National Environmental Policy Act and Section 4 (f) of the Department of Transportation Act arising from litigation challenging the construction of a high – speed rail project in Honolulu, Hawaii. The panel held that it had appellate jurisdiction under either 2 8 U.S.C. § 1292(a)(1), as an appeal from the g rant or refusal of injunctive relief, or 28 U.S.C. § 1291, as an appeal of a final judgment. The panel also held that the Environmental Impact Statement’s identification of the project objectives, and analysis of alternatives, satisfied the National Environmental Policy Act’s requirements.
“The panel further held the defendants did not violate Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act where the defendants did not adopt a Managed Lanes Alternative or bus rapid transit alternative, and where defendants made a good faith and reasonable effort to identify known archeological sites along the proposed project route and developed an appropriate plan for dealing with such sites that may be discovered during construction.”
The rail is expected to cost more than $5.2 billion, block water front views, impact historic properties, cause unprecedented land condemnation, take billions of dollars out of community, and in the end, not reduce traffic congestion. It’s a sad day for Honolulu residents and taxpayers.
Irma on Board. Irma Baptiste has joined Smart Business Hawaii as a membership sales associate. Baptiste, mother of our 12-year-old 2013 Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Skylar Soares, is active in many community and business organizations. She and Skylar also own and operate HI Sky, a hat retail business. If you are not already an SBH member, please welcome the dynamic Irma and join SBH.
38th SBH Business Conference now set for May 13. The SBH 38th Annual Business Conference, originally set for today, has been re-scheduled to Tuesday, May 13 at the Ala Moana Hotel, Hibiscus Ballroom.
Best-selling author and motivational business success speaker, Patrick Snow, will be the SBH’s Keynote Luncheon Speaker. Current issue topics, networking, business exhibits and more will be included. Make reservations now by calling SBH at 808-396-1724.
HAL On Time. Hawaiian Airlines continued its on-time performance streak in 2013, leading all U.S. carriers in punctuality for the 10th consecutive year, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
HR at 12. Hawaii Reporter, Hawaii’s first daily electronic newspaper, celebrated its 12th anniversary last week, led by co-founder, Malia Zimmerman.
Malia Zimmerman, Irma Baptiste and Shaunna Touchi formed a new company last week, Luminescent Productions, which will produce a new inspirational television series.
Kahuku Wind Power Returns. First Wind, an independent U.S.-based renewable energy company with wind projects in Hawaii, announced that the Kahuku Wind project on the North Shore of O’ahu is back online at full capacity. Following a battery facility fire that suspended operations in August of 2012, First Wind worked with Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) and other experts to bring the Kahuku project back to its full capacity of 30 megawatts (MW). At full capacity, the wind project produces enough power for up to 7,700 homes on O’ahu.
Rosen Named. Gov. Neil Abercrombie has named Department of Health executive Linda Rosen as the new Director of Heath, succeeding Loretta Fuddy who died after the plane she was on crashed last year.
Wilson Court Nominee. Circuit Court Judge Michael D. Wilson yesterday was named by Gov. Abercrombie as his choice for the Associate Justice seat on the Hawaii State Supreme Court. He would replace Judge Simeon Acoba Jr. who retires at age 70 in March. The State Senate must advise and consent to the nomination.
McSally Speaks to GOP. Martha McSally will be the keynote speaker at tomorrow’s GOP Lincoln Day dinner in the Ko’olau Ballrooms. McSally, America’s first female fighter pilot, is a Congressional candidate in Arizona.
Legislative Recess. The Hawaii State Legislature begins a mandatory 5-day recess starting tomorrow. There will still be hearings and briefings, just no floor sessions until next Thursday. The first crossover of 2014 bills still alive will take place March 4.
O’Reilly Coming to Hawaii. Yes, its true, Fox cable super star, Bill O’Reilly and political comedian Dennis Miller will be in Honolulu at the Blaisdell for a performance in early May. Tickets are pricey: $130.
Piano Exam Candidates Sought. SBH member WINNIE CHAN, www.abrsm.org is recruiting exam candidates for the 2 exams below to be held in Honolulu and possibly on the Neighbor Islands.
Written Music Theory exams for all ABRSM graded levels 1-8 to be held on Sat June 7, 2014 and Practical Performance Exams for over 35 different musical instruments, including singing and choirs to be held during Sat July 26 through Fri Aug 15, 2014. The entry deadline for both exams is Tuesday, April 15, 2014
New Facebook Link. The Hawaii Senate Minority has a new Facebook and a new look. Check it out here>
Please like us and invite your friends to like the group as well. If not, you are still able to view the page without creating an account.
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 smartbusinesshawaii.com.
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 free. 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 will share the news behind the news.
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 (November) 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).
Advertise Here. Some readers have inquired about placing an ad on the right margin of these weekly blasts, which reach more than 15,000 people. Interested? If you want your business ad posted, the cost is $50 for one placement or $150 per month (4-5 placements). Contact 396-1724.
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.
What? Not receiving your copy? Send PR, additional requests and email address to SBH@lava.net or call 396-1724.
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.