Suzanne Gelb Image ‘Addictions – Can They be Resolved?’ Dear Dr. Gelb: My older brother has a drinking problem, and my best friend has what I think they call an eating disorder. I have watched them both battle these habits, and sometimes it seems like they are in control of the addiction and things are going to be fine, but it never seems to last, and sooner or later they are back doing the same unhealthy behavior again. I really love my brother, and my best friend is neat, but the drinking and the bingeing and purging has really taken its toll on our relating. Is recovery from the clutches of these habits really possible? Caring Sister and Friend A: Dr. Gelb says . . . Dear Caring: I appreciate the frustration that can occur when trying to relate with someone who is battling an addiction. Often the habit is so strong that it dominates that person’s relating — whether that person feels good or bad, sociable or not, energetic or not, for example, is largely determined by how heavy the addiction is at a given moment. But yes, I do believe that resolution is possible and I am constantly arguing with the all too typical attitude that once addicted always addicted. I kicked an addictive habit myself, and I truly believe that others can do it also. Addictions are typically habitual processes that people have taught themselves to depend upon, both physically and emotionally, in many instances. Fortunately habits and learned behaviors can be unlearned and we can teach ourselves to let go of destructive choices. My book, “Welcome Home. A Book About Overcoming Addictions,” addresses this topic. If you would care to read just the Introduction alone, it could offer you additional insight into your question. For more information on my book, you might want to log onto my Web site at https://www.DrGelbSays.com ‘Perfectionists – Why Are Some People Like That?’ Dear Dr. Gelb: I have a friend who whenever she comes to visit she is always straightening my pictures, uncurling the corners of my throw rugs and if the frayed edges are not exactly combed she will take her fingers and comb around the whole rug. We have very little time to visit because she is so busy straightening my house out. It is not that she is impolite, but she just seems to have a need to do this. Why? Obsessive’s Friend A: Dr. Gelb says . . . Dear Friend: Many mental health professionals have identified the behavior you describe as obsessive-compulsive. Unfortunately, this behavior can become so severe that it causes some people to have trouble leaving their home because, for example, they feel that they have to go back and check if they forgot to comb out the carpet frays, or they may have been reading a book and forgot to put it back; or they forgot to turn up one corner of the toilet paper roll. Then they remember that they left the glass that they drank out of sitting on the sink, and after that they recall that they were in the bedroom and they sat down on the bed and when they got up they forgot to brush out the imprint; and as they take care of that they notice that one part of the curtain in the bedroom was a little crooked and they have to straighten that out. Then they realize that although they thought that they dusted the rail on the bed, they notice that they forgot and they have to run their finger on it just to make sure there was no dust on it. Just as they are leaving the bedroom, they recall making the bed and that they forgot to put a clean pillowcase for one of the pillows. “Before I can go out, I got to change that and put a clean one on,” the thinking goes. And now they are on their way to the door, hopefully to leave. But, there is a scarf on the coat wrack. “I just have to straighten that up before. Oh my God, I walked across that rug. I’ve got to get my broom and sweep out those footprints. I didn’t clean my nails this morning, I can’t go out. I mustn’t go out with that hangnail.” These compulsive habits usually originate in early childhood when a child’s behavior, or looks, or choices are met with constant disapproval, and they are made to do certain tasks over and over again, with the threat of severe punishment or at least severe consequences if they do not do it correctly. They also fear that they will be laughed at, ridiculed or made fun of. Children who are raised in this type of environment are often made to feel doubtful and shameful about themselves. Many people who have identified themselves as fitting into a mild or severe category of this type of behavior, have found that some sessions with a competent psychotherapist were invaluable. My book, “Welcome Home. A Book About Overcoming Addictions,” addresses this topic of perfectionism on pages 2 – 4. For more information on my book, you might want to log onto my Web site at https://www.DrGelbSays.com ”Suzanne J. Gelb, Ph.D., J.D. authors this daily column, Dr. Gelb Says, which answers questions about daily living and behavior issues. Dr. Gelb is a licensed psychologist in private practice in Honolulu. She holds a Ph.D. in Psychology and a Ph.D. in Human Services. Dr. Gelb is also a published author of a book on Overcoming Addictions and a book on Relationships.” ”This column is intended for entertainment use only and is not intended for the purpose of psychological diagnosis, treatment or personalized advice. For more about the column’s purpose, see” “An Online Intro to Dr. Gelb Says” ”Email your questions to mailto:DrGelbSays@hawaiireporter.com More information on Dr. Gelb’s services and related resources available at” https://www.DrGelbSays.com
Legislative Hearing Notices – Jan. 27, 2003
The following hearing notices, which are subject to change, were sorted and taken from the Hawaii State Capitol Web site. Please check that site for updates and/or changes to the schedule at https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/site1/docs/hearing/hearing2.asp?press1=docs&button1=current Go there and click on the Hearing Date to view the Hearing Notice. Hearings notices for both House and Senate measures in all committees: Hearing ‘Date Time Bill Number Measure Title Committee’ 1/27/03 8:30 AM HB76 RELATING TO THE HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION OF HAWAII. HSH 1/27/03 8:30 AM HB77 RELATING TO THE HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION OF HAWAII. HSH 1/27/03 8:30 AM HB122 RELATING TO PRESUMPTIVE MEDICAID ELIGIBILITY FOR PREGNANT WOMEN. HSH/HLT 1/27/03 8:30 AM HB232 RELATING TO GOOD BEGINNINGS ALLIANCE. HSH/HLT 1/27/03 8:30 AM HB233 AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS AND MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE CHILDREN’S JUSTICE CENTER. HSH/HLT 1/27/03 8:30 AM HB243 RELATING TO TORT LIABILITY. HSH/HLT 1/27/03 8:30 AM None Informational Briefing Summary WAM 1/27/03 8:30 AM None Informational Briefing WAM/EDU 1/27/03 9:00 AM None Informational Briefing CPH 1/27/03 9:00 AM None Informational Briefing TRN 1/27/03 9:00 AM HB81 RELATING TO THE PRIMARY AND GENERAL ELECTIONS OF THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS. WLH 1/27/03 9:00 AM HB82 RELATING TO THE HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS COMMISSION ACT. WLH 1/27/03 9:00 AM HB83 RELATING TO A LAND EXCHANGE BETWEEN THE STATE OF HAWAII AND THE ALOHA COUNCIL BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA. WLH 1/27/03 9:00 AM HB84 RELATING TO ACCRETED LANDS. WLH 1/27/03 9:00 AM HB104 RELATING TO FOREST RESERVES. WLH 1/27/03 9:00 AM HB156 RELATING TO THE HAWAII FORESTRY AND COMMUNITY INITIATIVE. WLH 1/27/03 9:00 AM HB158 RELATING TO THE CONTROL OF AXIS DEER IN MAUI COUNTY. WLH 1/27/03 9:00 AM HB160 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE’S FORESTRY PROGRAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT HILO. WLH 1/27/03 9:00 AM HB161 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE EAST KAUAI IRRIGATION SYSTEM. WLH 1/27/03 9:00 AM HB192 RELATING TO ACCRETED LANDS. WLH 1/27/03 9:00 AM HB194 RELATING TO WATERSHEDS. WLH 1/27/03 9:00 AM HB208 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR COMPLETING FENCE ENCLOSURES AROUND LANA`I’S WATERSHED. WLH 1/27/03 9:00 AM HB85 RELATING TO ACCRETED LANDS. WLH/EEP 1/27/03 9:00 AM HB193 RELATING TO LANDOWNERS’ LIABILITY. WLH/EEP 1/27/03 9:30 AM HB47 RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLES. TRN 1/27/03 9:30 AM HB48 RELATING TO THE LEASING OF SUBMERGED LANDS. TRN 1/27/03 9:30 AM HB49 RELATING TO TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS. TRN 1/27/03 9:30 AM HB52 RELATING TO CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY. TRN 1/27/03 9:30 AM HB53 RELATING TO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION’S MARITIME RELATED USES. TRN 1/27/03 9:30 AM HB58 RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLES. TRN 1/27/03 9:30 AM HB60 RELATING TO IMPACT FEES. TRN 1/27/03 9:30 AM HB252 RELATING TO DRIVER EDUCATION. TRN 1/27/03 10:00 AM HB129 RELATING TO BRIDGE TO HOPE. HSH/LAB 1/27/03 1:00 PM None Informational Briefing FIN 1/27/03 1:00 PM None Informational Briefing Summary FIN 1/27/03 2:00 PM HB373 RELATING TO POLITICAL SPEECH. CPC 1/27/03 2:00 PM HB415 RELATING TO PAWNBROKERS AND SECONDHAND DEALERS. CPC 1/27/03 2:00 PM HB430 RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE. CPC 1/27/03 2:00 PM HB444 RELATING TO CONDOMINIUMS. CPC 1/27/03 2:00 PM HB447 RELATING TO CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR INSURANCE LICENSEES. CPC 1/27/03 2:00 PM HB504 RELATING TO FORCE-PLACED INSURANCE. CPC 1/27/03 2:00 PM HB527 RELATING TO ATTACHMENT AND EXECUTION. CPC 1/27/03 2:00 PM HB276 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT. EDN 1/27/03 2:00 PM HB277 RELATING TO EDUCATION. EDN 1/27/03 2:00 PM HB281 RELATING TO STATE EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE. EDN 1/27/03 2:00 PM HB289 RELATING TO EDUCATION. EDN 1/27/03 2:00 PM HB292 RELATING TO THE SCHOOL PRIORITY FUND. EDN 1/27/03 2:00 PM HB312 RELATING TO INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS. EDN 1/27/03 2:00 PM HB334 RELATING TO PRINCIPALS AND VICE-PRINCIPALS. EDN 1/27/03 2:00 PM HB335 RELATING TO EDUCATION. EDN 1/27/03 2:00 PM HB336 RELATING TO EDUCATION. EDN 1/27/03 2:00 PM HB338 RELATING TO EDUCATION. EDN 1/27/03 2:45 PM SB78 RELATING TO ELDER ABUSE. HMS 1/27/03 2:45 PM SB78 RELATING TO ELDER ABUSE. HMS 1/27/03 2:45 PM SB79 RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES. HMS 1/27/03 2:45 PM SB79 RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES. HMS 1/27/03 2:45 PM SB637 RELATING TO MISSING CHILDREN. HMS 1/27/03 2:45 PM SB637 RELATING TO MISSING CHILDREN. HMS 1/27/03 2:45 PM SB743 RELATING TO FAMILY CAREGIVERS. HMS 1/27/03 2:45 PM SB743 RELATING TO FAMILY CAREGIVERS. HMS 1/27/03 2:45 PM SB746 RELATING TO CANCER. HMS 1/27/03 2:45 PM SB746 RELATING TO CANCER. HMS 1/27/03 2:45 PM SB851 AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS AND MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE KULAMALU LONG-TERM CARE FACILITY IN KULA, MAUI. HMS 1/27/03 2:45 PM SB851 AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS AND MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE KULAMALU LONG-TERM CARE FACILITY IN KULA, MAUI. HMS 1/27/03 2:45 PM SB859 RELATING TO BRIDGE TO HOPE. HMS 1/27/03 2:45 PM SB859 RELATING TO BRIDGE TO HOPE. HMS 1/27/03 2:45 PM SB26 RELATING TO THE LEGISLATIVE JOURNALS. TMG 1/27/03 2:45 PM SB308 RELATING TO THE SALE OF INTOXICATING LIQUOR. TMG 1/27/03 2:45 PM SB386 RELATING TO UTILIZATION OF FEDERAL FUNDS. TMG 1/27/03 2:45 PM SB531 RELATING TO COUNTY LIABILITY. TMG 1/27/03 2:45 PM SB532 RELATING TO COUNTY LIABILITY. TMG 1/27/03 2:45 PM SB592 RELATING TO THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION. TMG 1/27/03 2:45 PM SB735 RELATING TO ADMINISTRATIVE RULES. TMG 1/27/03 2:45 PM SB737 RELATING TO ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE. TMG 1/27/03 2:45 PM SB862 RELATING TO PROHIBITION OF DISCRIMINATION BY PUBLIC ENTITIES AGAINST INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES. TMG 1/28/03 8:30 AM None Informational Briefing HLT 1/28/03 8:30 AM HB25 RELATING TO FAMILY LEAVE BENEFITS INSURANCE. LAB 1/28/03 8:30 AM HB26 RELATING TO SICK LEAVE. LAB 1/28/03 8:30 AM HB29 RELATING TO MEAL BREAKS. LAB 1/28/03 8:30 AM HB30 RELATING TO TEMPORARY DISABILITY INSURANCE. LAB 1/28/03 8:30 AM HB124 RELATING TO SICK LEAVE FOR PUBLIC EMPLOYEES. LAB 1/28/03 8:30 AM HB125 RELATING TO SICK LEAVE FOR EMPLOYEES IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR. LAB 1/28/03 8:30 AM HB128 RELATING TO TEMPORARY DISABILITY BENEFITS TO CARE FOR FAMILY MEMBERS WITH A SERIOUS HEALTH CONDITION. LAB 1/28/03 8:30 AM HB389 RELATING TO FAMILY LEAVE. LAB 1/28/03 8:30 AM HB390 RELATING TO LABOR. LAB 1/28/03 8:30 AM None Informational Briefing WAM 1/28/03 8:30 AM None Informational Briefing Summary WAM 1/28/03 9:00 AM None Informational Briefing EEP/ENE 1/28/03 9:00 AM HB13 RELATING TO PRESCRIPTION DRUG COST CONTROL. HLT 1/28/03 9:00 AM HB18 RELATING TO PHARMACEUTICAL BENEFIT MANAGEMENT COMPANIES. HLT 1/28/03 9:00 AM HB19 RELATING TO PRESCRIPTION DRUG COST CONTAINMENT AND AFFORDABLE ACCESS. HLT 1/28/03 9:00 AM HB120 RELATING TO MANDATORY HEALTH COVERAGE FOR EXAMINATION FOR SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES. HLT 1/28/03 9:00 AM HB189 RELATING TO EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVES FOR SEX ASSAULT SURVIVORS IN EMERGENCY ROOMS. HLT 1/28/03 9:00 AM HB259 RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH AND ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE TREATMENT INSURANCE BENEFITS. HLT 1/28/03 9:00 AM HB296 RELATING TO THE HAWAII HEALTH ALLIANCE. HLT 1/28/03 9:00 AM HB392 RELATING TO MANDATORY OVERTIME FOR NURSES. HLT 1/28/03 9:00 AM HB411 RELATING TO THE PROHIBITION OF DISCRIMINATION BY PUBLIC ENTITIES AGAINST INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES. HLT 1/28/03 9:00 AM HB507 RELATING TO EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIANS. HLT 1/28/03 9:00 AM HB548 RELATING TO ANATOMICAL GIFTS. HLT 1/28/03 9:00 AM None Informational Briefing TAC 1/28/03 12:45 PM HB1 MAKING APPROPRIATIONS TO PROVIDE FOR THE EXPENSES OF THE LEGISLATURE, THE LEGISLATIVE AUDITOR, THE LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE BUREAU, AND THE OMBUDSMAN. FIN 1/28/03 1:00 PM None Informational Briefing FIN 1/28/03 1:00 PM None Informational Briefing Summary FIN 1/28/03 1:15 PM None Informational Briefing ECD 1/28/03 1:15 PM None Informational Briefing ECD 1/28/03 1:15 PM None Informational Briefing TSM 1/28/03 1:30 PM None Informational Briefing EEP/ENE/CPC/CPH/TRN/TMG 1/28/03 2:45 PM None Informational Briefing SAT 1/29/03 8:30 AM HB155 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR PINEAPPLE RESEARCH. AGR 1/29/03 8:30 AM HB159 RELATING TO AGRICULTURE. AGR 1/29/03 8:30 AM HB283 RELATING TO AGRICULTURE. AGR 1/29/03 8:30 AM HB293 RELATING TO THE FARMERS’ MARKET. AGR 1/29/03 8:30 AM HB315 RELATING TO AGRIBUSINESS INCUBATORS. AGR 1/29/03 8:30 AM HB453 RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL LAND PRESERVATION. AGR 1/29/03 8:30 AM HB480 RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL PARKS. AGR 1/29/03 8:30 AM HB522 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO ENHANCE AGRICULTURAL TOURISM VENUES. AGR 1/29/03 8:30 AM HB523 RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL TOURISM. AGR 1/29/03 8:30 AM HB542 RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES. AGR 1/29/03 8:30 AM HB543 RELATING TO THE AGRIBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION. AGR 1/29/03 8:30 AM HB546 RELATING TO THE STATE WATER CODE. AGR 1/29/03 8:30 AM None Informational Briefing WAM 1/29/03 8:30 AM None Informational Briefing Summary WAM 1/29/03 8:30 AM HB178 RELATING TO LAND USE. WLH 1/29/03 8:30 AM HB179 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE PURCHASE OF LAND IN NORTH KONA. WLH 1/29/03 8:30 AM HB295 RELATING TO THE PUBLIC LAND TRUST. WLH 1/29/03 8:30 AM HB426 RELATING TO PUBLIC LANDS. WLH 1/29/03 8:30 AM HB427 RELATING TO HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS. WLH 1/29/03 8:30 AM HB428 RELATING TO PUBLIC LAND LEASES. WLH 1/29/03 8:30 AM HB524 RELATING TO LANDOWNERS’ LIABILITY. WLH 1/29/03 8:30 AM HB526 RELATING TO HOME OCCUPATIONS WITHIN AGRICULTURAL DISTRICTS. WLH 1/29/03 8:30 AM HCR10 REQUESTING THAT THE PRESIDENT AND CONGRESS RECOGNIZE AN OFFICIAL POLITICAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND THE HAWAIIAN PEOPLE. WLH 1/29/03 8:30 AM HR10 REQUESTING THAT THE PRESIDENT AND CONGRESS RECOGNIZE AN OFFICIAL POLITICAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND THE HAWAIIAN PEOPLE. WLH 1/29/03 9:00 AM SB442 RELATING TO THE RIGHTS OF VICTIMS. JHW 1/29/03 9:00 AM SB932 RELATING TO ABUSE OF FAMILY OR HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS. JHW 1/29/03 9:00 AM SB933 RELATING TO STALKING. JHW 1/29/03 9:00 AM SB934 RELATING TO TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP OF FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION. JHW 1/29/03 9:00 AM SB935 RELATING TO ORDERS FOR PROTECTION. JHW 1/29/03 9:00 AM SB937 RELATING TO ABUSE OF FAMILY AND HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS. JHW 1/29/03 9:00 AM SB962 AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS AND MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE CHILDREN’S JUSTICE CENTER. JHW 1/29/03 9:00 AM SB972 RELATING TO TORT LIABILITY. JHW 1/29/03 9:00 AM SB996 RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY. JHW 1/29/03 9:00 AM HB55 RELATING TO THE IN-BOND CONCESSION AT STATE AIRPORTS. TRN 1/29/03 9:00 AM HB137 RELATING TO HIGHWAY SAFETY. TRN 1/29/03 9:00 AM HB145 RELATING TO HIGHWAYS. TRN 1/29/03 9:00 AM HB149 RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION. TRN 1/29/03 9:00 AM HB203 RELATING TO THE TRANSFER OF JURISDICTION OVER HIGHWAYS TO THE COUNTIES. TRN 1/29/03 9:00 AM HB218 RELATING TO TERMINABLE RENTAL ADJUSTMENT CLAUSE VEHICLE LEASES. TRN 1/29/03 9:00 AM HB440 RELATING TO FEASIBILITY OF CONSTRUCTING AN EXERCISE PATH ALONG THE WAIANAE COAST. TRN 1/29/03 9:00 AM HB456 RELATING TO TOWING. TRN 1/29/03 9:00 AM HB457 RELATING TO TOWING. TRN 1/29/03 9:00 AM HB459 RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE. TRN 1/29/03 1:00 PM SB10 RELATING TO COUNSELING. EDU 1/29/03 1:00 PM SB13 RELATING TO EDUCATION. EDU 1/29/03 1:00 PM SB16 RELATING TO EDUCATION. EDU 1/29/03 1:00 PM SB17 RELATING TO EDUCATION. EDU 1/29/03 1:00 PM SB18 RELATING TO EDUCATION. EDU 1/29/03 1:00 PM SB60 RELATING TO SCHOOL ASSESSMENT LIAISONS. EDU 1/29/03 1:00 PM SB80 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR SCHOOL SAFETY RESOURCE OFFICERS. EDU 1/29/03 1:00 PM SB350 RELATING TO EDUCATION. EDU 1/29/03 1:00 PM SB701 RELATING TO EDUCATION. EDU 1/29/03 1:00 PM SB816 RELATING TO SAFETY RESOURCE OFFICER PROGRAM. EDU 1/29/03 1:30 PM None Informational Briefing WLA 1/29/03 2:45 PM SB96 RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES. HMS 1/29/03 2:45 PM SB401 RELATING TO EARLY CHILDHOOD. HMS 1/29/03 2:45 PM SB486 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE HANA YOUTH CENTER. HMS 1/29/03 2:45 PM SB494 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE MAUI ADULT DAY CARE CENTER. HMS 1/29/03 2:45 PM SB504 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE MAUI FOOD BANK. HMS 1/29/03 2:45 PM SB514 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR QUEST ORTHODONTIC SERVICES. HMS 1/29/03 2:45 PM SB697 RELATING TO CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES. HMS 1/29/03 2:45 PM SB786 RELATING TO ADOPTION. HMS 1/29/03 2:45 PM SB865 RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A STATE FOOD SECURITY COUNCIL. HMS 1/29/03 2:45 PM SB867 RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES. HMS 1/29/03 2:45 PM SB44 RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION. TMG 1/29/03 2:45 PM SB45 RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION. TMG 1/29/03 2:45 PM SB47 RELATING TO WHARFAGE FEES. TMG 1/29/03 2:45 PM SB91 RELATING TO HIGHWAYS. TMG 1/29/03 2:45 PM SB578 RELATING TO HIGHWAY SAFETY. TMG 1/29/03 2:45 PM SB671 RELATING TO SCHOOL ZONES. TMG 1/29/03 2:45 PM SB723 RELATING TO HIGHWAYS. TMG 1/29/03 2:45 PM SB732 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENTS. TMG 1/30/03 8:30 AM None Informational Briefing WAM 1/30/03 8:30 AM None Informational Briefing WAM 1/30/03 8:30 AM None Informational Briefing Summary WAM 1/30/03 9:00 AM SB98 RELATING TO NATIVE HAWAIIAN HEALTH. JHW 1/30/03 9:00 AM SB381 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE PAYMENT OF DAMAGES FOR HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS TRUST INDIVIDUAL CLAIMS. JHW 1/30/03 9:00 AM SB381 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE PAYMENT OF DAMAGES FOR HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS TRUST INDIVIDUAL CLAIMS. JHW 1/30/03 9:00 AM SB382 RELATING TO HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS. JHW 1/30/03 9:00 AM SB383 RELATING TO HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS TRUST INDIVIDUAL CLAIMS. JHW 1/30/03 9:00 AM SB383 RELATING TO HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS TRUST INDIVIDUAL CLAIMS. JHW 1/30/03 9:00 AM SB476 RELATING TO CEDED LAND REVENUES. JHW 1/30/03 9:00 AM SB477 RELATING TO THE HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS COMMISSION ACT. JHW 1/30/03 9:00 AM SB478 RELATING TO THE PRIMARY AND GENERAL ELECTIONS OF THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS. JHW 1/30/03 9:00 AM SB610 RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL CLAIMS RESOLUTION UNDER THE HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS TRUST. JHW 1/30/03 9:00 AM SB610 RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL CLAIMS RESOLUTION UNDER THE HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS TRUST. JHW 1/30/03 9:00 AM SB615 RELATING TO SPECIAL ATTORNEYS GENERAL. JHW 1/30/03 9:00 AM SB638 RELATING TO HAWAIIAN HOMES COMMISSION. JHW 1/31/03 9:00 AM SB392 RELATING TO MANDATORY DRUG TREATMENT COURT QUARTERLY REPORTING. JHW 1/31/03 9:00 AM SB632 RELATING TO TAXATION APPEALS. JHW 1/31/03 9:00 AM SB635 RELATING TO TRAFFIC FINES. JHW 1/31/03 9:00 AM SB729 RELATING TO THE DRUG COURT PROGRAM. JHW 1/31/03 9:00 AM SB801 RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF INFORMATION PRACTICES. JHW 1/31/03 9:00 AM SB802 RELATING TO GOVERNMENT RECORDS. JHW 1/31/03 1:00 PM None Informational Briefing TMG 1/31/03 1:15 PM SB58 RELATING TO SCHOOL REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE. EDU 1/31/03 1:15 PM SB75 RELATING TO EDUCATION. EDU 1/31/03 1:15 PM SB338 RELATING TO EDUCATION. EDU 1/31/03 1:15 PM SB339 RELATING TO EDUCATION. EDU 1/31/03 1:15 PM SB365 AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS AND MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE OF STATE EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES. EDU 1/31/03 1:15 PM SB631 RELATING TO EDUCATION. EDU 1/31/03 1:15 PM SB631 RELATING TO EDUCATION. EDU 1/31/03 1:15 PM SB752 RELATING TO TORTS. EDU 1/31/03 1:15 PM SB832 RELATING TO THE HAWAII STATE PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM. EDU 1/31/03 1:30 PM None Informational Briefing WLA 2/3/03 9:00 AM SB361 RELATING TO THE WEED AND SEED PROGRAM. JHW 2/3/03 9:00 AM SB611 RELATING TO COURT APPOINTED COUNSEL. JHW 2/3/03 9:00 AM SB618 RELATING TO CRIME VICTIM COMPENSATION. JHW 2/3/03 9:00 AM SB634 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR TWO COUNSELORS TO TREAT WOMEN INCARCERATED FOR DRUG-RELATED OFFENSES ON MAUI. JHW 2/3/03 9:00 AM SB782 RELATING TO CORRECTIONS. JHW 2/4/03 1:15 PM None Informational Briefing SAT/ECD 2/21/03 1:00 PM None Informational Briefing TMG
Let Parents Decide on Education
Most of our “lawgivers” are focused totally on telling everyone but themselves how to behave.
They demand, by law, that our children be confined to school at certain times each day to get “educated.”
When it turns out that they cannot be accountable for good education, safety or keeping harmful drugs out of the facilities the children are compelled by them to attend, they want to require tests for illicit substances.
Here’s a question for them: Why not let parents freely decide the where, when, how, why, how much of schooling for their kids? Then if there is a “drug use problem” at least we know where to point for genuine accountability.
It’s for darn sure those legislators will never be held accountable for the messes they made and will continue to make unless some radical change is made to their rewards and punishments.
”’Richard O. Rowland is president of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii. He can be reached via email at mailto:grassroot@hawaii.rr.com or by phone at (808) 487-4959. More information about the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii can be found at its Web site at”’ https://www.grassrootinstitute.org
Let Parents Decide on Education
Most of our “lawgivers” are focused totally on telling everyone but themselves how to behave. They demand, by law, that our children be confined to school at certain times each day to get “educated.” When it turns out that they cannot be accountable for good education, safety or keeping harmful drugs out of the facilities the children are compelled by them to attend, they want to require tests for illicit substances. Here’s a question for them: Why not let parents freely decide the where, when, how, why, how much of schooling for their kids? Then if there is a “drug use problem” at least we know where to point for genuine accountability. It’s for darn sure those legislators will never be held accountable for the messes they made and will continue to make unless some radical change is made to their rewards and punishments. ”Richard O. Rowland is president of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii. He can be reached via email at mailto:grassroot@hawaii.rr.com or by phone at (808) 487-4959. More information about the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii can be found at its Web site at” https://www.grassrootinstitute.org
Political Tittle-tattle: News and Entertainment from Hawaii's Political Arena – Jan. 24, 2003-Mayor on Primetime – Is He Sustainable?; Bottle Bill May Be Capped; Governor Goes Wild On Bills, Business Reforms; Republicans Say Democrats in the House Vote Against Open Government; Taxpayer Protection Caucus Forms to Encourage No New Taxes; New Hero or Scoundrel Voting Feature a Hit; NFIB Members Voice Top Concerns in Business Poll
“Malia headshot Image”
”Mayor On Primetime”
Honolulu Mayor Jeremy Harris presented his State of the City address on prime time television last night, using the words “sustainable” or “sustainability” at least 14 times [not that there is anything wrong with that, but what does that word mean?].
He also shared his “vision” for Oahu, which came down to ramming his $1 billion Bus Rapid Transit System down the taxpayers’ throats and then finishing the expensive screw job with a tax increase to pay for the bus and the parties he is planning on the beach in Waikiki. He deemed the BRT “HART” probably to rhyme with “BART” like the San Francisco rapid transit. But think about it — what else rhymes with HART? The graffiti already is on the bathroom wall.
He also cited as “on the way” other “high-tech improvements” to TheBus, including a smart card that for “greater efficiency and customer convenience” will be used as a debit card for bus riders. What is so smart about it? Apparently the makers of the system and the mayor think the card is smart because users don’t even have to take the card out of their wallet to have it read. Here is the direct quote from the mayor: “And you won’t even have to take the card out of your purse or wallet when you step aboard. The bus will automatically and electronically debit your card — or read your pass.” This is a disincentive to most people with any common sense. After all, if the card is so smart, it might decide to read off a few credit card numbers, driver’s license numbers and eye retina prints while debiting TheBus card.
The reaction from the Honolulu City Council members to the Mayor’s speech? City Councilwoman Ann Kobayashi says she was not really surprised by anything in the mayor’s speech, except his proposal for a tax increase and his plan to cut $100 million in CIP funds.
City Council Zoning Chair Charles Djou also was surprised and dismayed by the tax increase proposal. Both he and Kobayashi said they don’t plan to raise taxes or support the mayor’s proposed $1 billion BRT system. Djou is staunchly against any tax increase, saying it is unfortunate that while state and federal governments are looking for ways to lower taxes and give money back to the nation’s families, the city is planning to take that very same money from the people of Honolulu.
One Hawaii Reporter reader wrote in to say he was “incredulous” at the Mayor’s “evangelical” speech, which he says came across as “cheerleading, with a continued infatuation with grandiose ideas and projects and an “if we build it they will come” attitude.
The reader pointed out the mayor talked about the “finite natural resources” Hawaii has, but didn’t seem to think there are “finite financial resources.”
He says all citizens of Hawaii should ask their lawmakers who propose tax and fee increases: “What specific suggestions do you have to the families of Hawaii that will help them pay for your proposed tax increases and fee hikes? Should he have three jobs instead of two? What food should we do without? What should we sacrifice?” He adds, “Would our legislators consider a pay cut to themselves?”
”Bottle Bill May be Capped”
One of the worst bills passed in the 2002 Legislative session was HB 1256, the bottle bill, which imposed a tax on the sale of beverage containers and put the burden on grocery stores to create and staff mini recycling centers on their property with no government assistance.
Gov. Linda Lingle apparently agrees the bill was a bad bill. She will seek to repeal the bill, offering other ways to take care of Hawaii’s litter and lack of landfill space without taxing people in the state further, including allocating $300,000 to non-profits that organize community cleanup days and $2 million to counties for proper garbage disposal.
While environmentalists and bureaucrats do not agree with Lingle, the business community is relieved. Several of Hawaii’s business leaders called HB 1256 “expensive and punitive to Hawaii businesses,” “untested” and a “financial experiment.”
In a letter to then Gov. Benjamin Cayetano, business leaders pleaded with him to veto the bottle bill, saying it would have a small impact on waste and litter, but put an extra burden on business, mainly food stores, general retailers, hotels, bars and restaurants. That is because businesses are expected to provided the labor, space and equipment for the beverage containers to be returned for refund and for finding someone to collect empty containers and recycle them, regardless of the costs.
The letter was signed by small and large business owners and operators including:
*Paul Kosasa, President, ABC Stores
*Dane Starling, Vice President, Anheuser-Busch, Sales of Hawaii, Inc.
*Charles K. Kawakami, President, Big Save, Inc.
*Dan Whitford, Area Manager, Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Hawaii
*Jenai S. Wall, Chairman, Foodland Super Market
*Ed Thompson, Executive Director, Hawaii Food Industry Association
*Burt Okura, President, Hawaiian Sun Products
*Ken Niimura, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Itoen
*Barry Taniguchi, President, KTA Super Stores
*Jane E. Sinnott, Director of Government Affairs, Macy’s
*Ken Simon, President, Menehune Water, Inc.
*Paul E. Smith, President, Pacific Allied Products, Ltd.
*Michael Shibuya, President, Paradise Beverages
*Carol Pregill, Executive Director, Retail Merchants of Hawaii
*Glen Tamura, President, Tamura’s Wahiawa
*Gary Yoshioka, General Manager, The Pepsi Bottling Group – Hawaii
*Roger Godfrey, President, Times Supermarket
*Bob Adams, Vice President, Wal-Mart
”Governor Goes Wild on Bills, Business Reforms”
Gov. Linda Lingle yesterday sent down 168 bills to the state Legislature, a considerable number of which are doing damage control for atrocities done to the business community and those who believe in the free market, competition, less government intervention and all of the amendments in the U.S. Constitution over the last 40 years.
The public can obtain the full text of each bill online at the Hawaii State Legislature’s Web site (https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/) or copies can be requested in person at the Senate/House Print Shop in the basement of the State Capitol.
More on her bills and proposals in the Monday edition of HawaiiReporter.com.
”Republicans Say Democrats in the House Vote Against Open Government”
Republicans say “bipartisanship” failed its first test on the House Floor, Wednesday, as Democrats voted unanimously to prohibit Republican members from serving on a key House committee.
House Rules prohibit Republican membership on the House Review Panel, which has the power to review bill committee referrals. In the past, Democrat leaders have referred Republican bills to multiple committees, a practice that stalled bills from moving forward in the legislative process and often killed the bills.
Republicans say they moved to open the panel to both the Minority as well as Majority members, however, Democrats voted unanimously against the measure, barring Republican members from the committee.
After only a few minutes of debate, House Speaker Calvin Say refused to hear any further comment and called for the vote.
Representative Lynn Finnegan, R-Moanalua, says “
Political Tittle-tattle: News and Entertainment from Hawaii’s Political Arena – Jan. 24, 2003-Mayor on Primetime – Is He Sustainable?; Bottle Bill May Be Capped; Governor Goes Wild On Bills, Business Reforms; Republicans Say Democrats in the House Vote Against Open Government; Taxpayer Protection Caucus Forms to Encourage No New Taxes; New Hero or Scoundrel Voting Feature a Hit; NFIB Members Voice Top Concerns in Business Poll
“Malia headshot Image”
”Mayor On Primetime”
Honolulu Mayor Jeremy Harris presented his State of the City address on prime time television last night, using the words “sustainable” or “sustainability” at least 14 times [not that there is anything wrong with that, but what does that word mean?].
He also shared his “vision” for Oahu, which came down to ramming his $1 billion Bus Rapid Transit System down the taxpayers’ throats and then finishing the expensive screw job with a tax increase to pay for the bus and the parties he is planning on the beach in Waikiki. He deemed the BRT “HART” probably to rhyme with “BART” like the San Francisco rapid transit. But think about it — what else rhymes with HART? The graffiti already is on the bathroom wall.
He also cited as “on the way” other “high-tech improvements” to TheBus, including a smart card that for “greater efficiency and customer convenience” will be used as a debit card for bus riders. What is so smart about it? Apparently the makers of the system and the mayor think the card is smart because users don’t even have to take the card out of their wallet to have it read. Here is the direct quote from the mayor: “And you won’t even have to take the card out of your purse or wallet when you step aboard. The bus will automatically and electronically debit your card — or read your pass.” This is a disincentive to most people with any common sense. After all, if the card is so smart, it might decide to read off a few credit card numbers, driver’s license numbers and eye retina prints while debiting TheBus card.
The reaction from the Honolulu City Council members to the Mayor’s speech? City Councilwoman Ann Kobayashi says she was not really surprised by anything in the mayor’s speech, except his proposal for a tax increase and his plan to cut $100 million in CIP funds.
City Council Zoning Chair Charles Djou also was surprised and dismayed by the tax increase proposal. Both he and Kobayashi said they don’t plan to raise taxes or support the mayor’s proposed $1 billion BRT system. Djou is staunchly against any tax increase, saying it is unfortunate that while state and federal governments are looking for ways to lower taxes and give money back to the nation’s families, the city is planning to take that very same money from the people of Honolulu.
One Hawaii Reporter reader wrote in to say he was “incredulous” at the Mayor’s “evangelical” speech, which he says came across as “cheerleading, with a continued infatuation with grandiose ideas and projects and an “if we build it they will come” attitude.
The reader pointed out the mayor talked about the “finite natural resources” Hawaii has, but didn’t seem to think there are “finite financial resources.”
He says all citizens of Hawaii should ask their lawmakers who propose tax and fee increases: “What specific suggestions do you have to the families of Hawaii that will help them pay for your proposed tax increases and fee hikes? Should he have three jobs instead of two? What food should we do without? What should we sacrifice?” He adds, “Would our legislators consider a pay cut to themselves?”
”Bottle Bill May be Capped”
One of the worst bills passed in the 2002 Legislative session was HB 1256, the bottle bill, which imposed a tax on the sale of beverage containers and put the burden on grocery stores to create and staff mini recycling centers on their property with no government assistance.
Gov. Linda Lingle apparently agrees the bill was a bad bill. She will seek to repeal the bill, offering other ways to take care of Hawaii’s litter and lack of landfill space without taxing people in the state further, including allocating $300,000 to non-profits that organize community cleanup days and $2 million to counties for proper garbage disposal.
While environmentalists and bureaucrats do not agree with Lingle, the business community is relieved. Several of Hawaii’s business leaders called HB 1256 “expensive and punitive to Hawaii businesses,” “untested” and a “financial experiment.”
In a letter to then Gov. Benjamin Cayetano, business leaders pleaded with him to veto the bottle bill, saying it would have a small impact on waste and litter, but put an extra burden on business, mainly food stores, general retailers, hotels, bars and restaurants. That is because businesses are expected to provided the labor, space and equipment for the beverage containers to be returned for refund and for finding someone to collect empty containers and recycle them, regardless of the costs.
The letter was signed by small and large business owners and operators including:
*Paul Kosasa, President, ABC Stores
*Dane Starling, Vice President, Anheuser-Busch, Sales of Hawaii, Inc.
*Charles K. Kawakami, President, Big Save, Inc.
*Dan Whitford, Area Manager, Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Hawaii
*Jenai S. Wall, Chairman, Foodland Super Market
*Ed Thompson, Executive Director, Hawaii Food Industry Association
*Burt Okura, President, Hawaiian Sun Products
*Ken Niimura, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Itoen
*Barry Taniguchi, President, KTA Super Stores
*Jane E. Sinnott, Director of Government Affairs, Macy’s
*Ken Simon, President, Menehune Water, Inc.
*Paul E. Smith, President, Pacific Allied Products, Ltd.
*Michael Shibuya, President, Paradise Beverages
*Carol Pregill, Executive Director, Retail Merchants of Hawaii
*Glen Tamura, President, Tamura’s Wahiawa
*Gary Yoshioka, General Manager, The Pepsi Bottling Group – Hawaii
*Roger Godfrey, President, Times Supermarket
*Bob Adams, Vice President, Wal-Mart
”Governor Goes Wild on Bills, Business Reforms”
Gov. Linda Lingle yesterday sent down 168 bills to the state Legislature, a considerable number of which are doing damage control for atrocities done to the business community and those who believe in the free market, competition, less government intervention and all of the amendments in the U.S. Constitution over the last 40 years.
The public can obtain the full text of each bill online at the Hawaii State Legislature’s Web site (https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/) or copies can be requested in person at the Senate/House Print Shop in the basement of the State Capitol.
More on her bills and proposals in the Monday edition of HawaiiReporter.com.
”Republicans Say Democrats in the House Vote Against Open Government”
Republicans say “bipartisanship” failed its first test on the House Floor, Wednesday, as Democrats voted unanimously to prohibit Republican members from serving on a key House committee.
House Rules prohibit Republican membership on the House Review Panel, which has the power to review bill committee referrals. In the past, Democrat leaders have referred Republican bills to multiple committees, a practice that stalled bills from moving forward in the legislative process and often killed the bills.
Republicans say they moved to open the panel to both the Minority as well as Majority members, however, Democrats voted unanimously against the measure, barring Republican members from the committee.
After only a few minutes of debate, House Speaker Calvin Say refused to hear any further comment and called for the vote.
Representative Lynn Finnegan, R-Moanalua, says “
Mayor On Primetime
Honolulu Mayor Jeremy Harris presented his State of the City address on prime time television last night, using the words “sustainable” or “sustainability” at least 14 times [not that there is anything wrong with that, but what does that word mean?]. He also shared his “vision” for Oahu, which came down to ramming his $1 billion Bus Rapid Transit System down the taxpayers’ throats and then finishing the expensive screw job with a tax increase to pay for the bus and the parties he is planning on the beach in Waikiki. He deemed the BRT “HART” probably to rhyme with “BART” like the San Francisco rapid transit. But think about it — what else rhymes with HART? The graffiti already is on the bathroom wall. He also cited as “on the way” other “high-tech improvements” to TheBus, including a smart card that for “greater efficiency and customer convenience” will be used as a debit card for bus riders. What is so smart about it? Apparently the makers of the system and the mayor think the card is smart because users don’t even have to take the card out of their wallet to have it read. Here is the direct quote from the mayor: “And you won’t even have to take the card out of your purse or wallet when you step aboard. The bus will automatically and electronically debit your card — or read your pass.” This is a disincentive to most people with any common sense. After all, if the card is so smart, it might decide to read off a few credit card numbers, driver’s license numbers and eye retina prints while debiting TheBus card. The reaction from the Honolulu City Council members to the Mayor’s speech? City Councilwoman Ann Kobayashi says she was not really surprised by anything in the mayor’s speech, except his proposal for a tax increase and his plan to cut $100 million in CIP funds. City Council Zoning Chair Charles Djou also was surprised and dismayed by the tax increase proposal. Both he and Kobayashi said they don’t plan to raise taxes or support the mayor’s proposed $1 billion BRT system. Djou is staunchly against any tax increase, saying it is unfortunate that while state and federal governments are looking for ways to lower taxes and give money back to the nation’s families, the city is planning to take that very same money from the people of Honolulu. One Hawaii Reporter reader wrote in to say he was “incredulous” at the Mayor’s “evangelical” speech, which he says came across as “cheerleading, with a continued infatuation with grandiose ideas and projects and an “if we build it they will come” attitude. The reader pointed out the mayor talked about the “finite natural resources” Hawaii has, but didn’t seem to think there are “finite financial resources.” He says all citizens of Hawaii should ask their lawmakers who propose tax and fee increases: “What specific suggestions do you have to the families of Hawaii that will help them pay for your proposed tax increases and fee hikes? Should he have three jobs instead of two? What food should we do without? What should we sacrifice?” He adds, “Would our legislators consider a pay cut to themselves?” ‘Bottle Bill May be Capped’ One of the worst bills passed in the 2002 Legislative session was HB 1256, the bottle bill, which imposed a tax on the sale of beverage containers and put the burden on grocery stores to create and staff mini recycling centers on their property with no government assistance. Gov. Linda Lingle apparently agrees the bill was a bad bill. She will seek to repeal the bill, offering other ways to take care of Hawaii’s litter and lack of landfill space without taxing people in the state further, including allocating $300,000 to non-profits that organize community cleanup days and $2 million to counties for proper garbage disposal. While environmentalists and bureaucrats do not agree with Lingle, the business community is relieved. Several of Hawaii’s business leaders called HB 1256 “expensive and punitive to Hawaii businesses,” “untested” and a “financial experiment.” In a letter to then Gov. Benjamin Cayetano, business leaders pleaded with him to veto the bottle bill, saying it would have a small impact on waste and litter, but put an extra burden on business, mainly food stores, general retailers, hotels, bars and restaurants. That is because businesses are expected to provided the labor, space and equipment for the beverage containers to be returned for refund and for finding someone to collect empty containers and recycle them, regardless of the costs. The letter was signed by small and large business owners and operators including: *Paul Kosasa, President, ABC Stores *Dane Starling, Vice President, Anheuser-Busch, Sales of Hawaii, Inc. *Charles K. Kawakami, President, Big Save, Inc. *Dan Whitford, Area Manager, Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Hawaii *Jenai S. Wall, Chairman, Foodland Super Market *Ed Thompson, Executive Director, Hawaii Food Industry Association *Burt Okura, President, Hawaiian Sun Products *Ken Niimura, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Itoen *Barry Taniguchi, President, KTA Super Stores *Jane E. Sinnott, Director of Government Affairs, Macy’s *Ken Simon, President, Menehune Water, Inc. *Paul E. Smith, President, Pacific Allied Products, Ltd. *Michael Shibuya, President, Paradise Beverages *Carol Pregill, Executive Director, Retail Merchants of Hawaii *Glen Tamura, President, Tamura’s Wahiawa *Gary Yoshioka, General Manager, The Pepsi Bottling Group – Hawaii *Roger Godfrey, President, Times Supermarket *Bob Adams, Vice President, Wal-Mart ‘Governor Goes Wild on Bills, Business Reforms’ Gov. Linda Lingle yesterday sent down 168 bills to the state Legislature, a considerable number of which are doing damage control for atrocities done to the business community and those who believe in the free market, competition, less government intervention and all of the amendments in the U.S. Constitution over the last 40 years. The public can obtain the full text of each bill online at the Hawaii State Legislature’s Web site (https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/) or copies can be requested in person at the Senate/House Print Shop in the basement of the State Capitol. More on her bills and proposals in the Monday edition of HawaiiReporter.com. ‘Republicans Say Democrats in the House Vote Against Open Government’ Republicans say “bipartisanship” failed its first test on the House Floor, Wednesday, as Democrats voted unanimously to prohibit Republican members from serving on a key House committee. House Rules prohibit Republican membership on the House Review Panel, which has the power to review bill committee referrals. In the past, Democrat leaders have referred Republican bills to multiple committees, a practice that stalled bills from moving forward in the legislative process and often killed the bills. Republicans say they moved to open the panel to both the Minority as well as Majority members, however, Democrats voted unanimously against the measure, barring Republican members from the committee. After only a few minutes of debate, House Speaker Calvin Say refused to hear any further comment and called for the vote. Representative Lynn Finnegan, R-Moanalua, says “? democracy took a slap in the face.” While Rep. Mark Moses, R-Kapolei, turned the tables on the Democrats saying “just two days after celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.’s march toward freedom for oppressed minorities, we once again find the Majority party in the house discriminating against the elected Minority.” Rep. Bud Stonebraker, R-Hawaii Kai, called the exclusion a move to “bound and gag” nearly a third of Hawaii. The Republicans in the House point out the move by Democrats comes just a day after Gov. Lingle’s call for partnership for honest government and a week after Speaker Say’s Opening Day remarks, which emphasized a need to work together. ‘Taxpayer Protection Caucus Forms to Encourage No New Taxes’ Grover Norquist, president of the Americans for Tax Reform based in Washington D.C., contacted Sen. Sam Slom, R-Hawaii Kai, to form a Taxpayer Protection Caucus in the state Legislature. The caucus welcomes any lawmaker who signed the Americans for Tax Reform Pledge, which says the person who signed it will not raise taxes or propose, introduce or support legislation that raises taxes. Slom signed it as did his co-chair in the House of Representatives Lynn Finnegan, R-Aiea. They are recruiting into the caucus those Hawaii lawmakers who signed the no tax pledge sent out by ATR and distributed by Dick Rowland of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii. Gov. Linda Lingle, who met with Norquist while he was in Hawaii just prior to her election, signed the pledge, as did around 20 percent of the state Legislature currently in office. See https://www.atr.org for more information. Hawaii is the first state to create such a caucus. Slom says those legislators who break the pledge will be no longer allowed in the caucus and the caucus will publicize the lawmaker’s violation. ‘New Hero or Scoundrel Voting Feature a Hit’ Sen. Cal Kawamoto, D-Waipahu, was the first legislator to be put on an unofficial trial as a hero or scoundrel for his proposals to raise Hawaii’s gasoline taxes by 2 cents to fund a rapid transit or light rail system. Hawaii’s gasoline taxes already are the highest in the nation. Ironically, Kawamoto signed a pledge with the Americans for Tax Reform that says he will not introduce, support or vote for a tax increase. Breaking his pledge did not sit too well with HawaiiReporter.com readers. The results ?- 155 people voted Kawamoto a scoundrel, while 11 people voted him as a hero. Then Gov. Linda Lingle was put on trial for her controversial education reform proposals offered in her state of the state address. Gov. Linda Lingle wants to give parents of children in public schools more choice in education, saying the current system is not working. She wants charter schools to receive funding equal to that of their sister public schools (now the funding is around half and principals don’t know their budget until after the school year is over, making it nearly impossible to budget properly. The governor also wants to break up Hawaii’s centralized school system (Hawaii is the only state with a single statewide centralized system) into multiple districts, so control of the schools can go back to the communities they are based in rather than remain with the state. She is asking the proposal be put on the general election ballots of the 2004 election so the people can decide. Finally, Lingle wants to free public school principals from any ties to the public teachers’ union, saying they need to be independent to accomplish their job. Out of 117 people who voted yesterday, 106 say Lingle is a hero for her reform proposals while 11 people voted her a scoundrel. Whether those 11 voters who voted Lingle a scoundrel are the same who voted Kawamoto a hero is a mystery that will never likely be solved. If you have a hero or scoundrel in mind, send your nomination to tips@HawaiiReporter.com ‘NFIB Members Voice Top Concerns in Business Poll’ Bette Tatum, president of the National Federation of Independent Business in Hawaii, says her 5,500 members in Hawaii believe the increasing cost of healthcare, taxes and workers’ comp are the top three most important issues as business owners and operators. Tatum says while her members are still concerned about Hawaii’s business climate, 70 percent already report they believe the business climate is getting better in Hawaii and none of them used the word “hostile” to describe the state government as they did in the past. “There is a whole new attitude in the business community,” Tatum says.
House Democrats Show Their True Colors
“David A. Pendleton Image”
Last week House Democrats in their speeches and in media reports spoke of change, openness and collaboration. We now know these were only words. In today’s session, the House Democrats, including their freshmen who campaigned on change and openness, had before them their very first opportunity to vote for real change. Instead of embracing it, they reverted to their old ways and demonstrated that their campaign themes were just that: campaign themes, not genuine commitments.
House Republicans moved to amend the House Rules to allow the Minority to select their Minority representatives on House Conference Committees.
Presently the Speaker, who is a member of the Majority, selects the Minority members after “consulting” the Minority but can by the rules disregard Minority wishes.
House Republicans also sought to make the same change to the Interim Committees.
Perhaps most significant was the House Republican attempt to make more fair the bill referral process in the House. Presently the chair of a standing committee, who is always a member of the Majority, “may appeal the referral to the Speaker. …” This appeal then goes to a Review Panel comprised exclusively of Majority party leadership.
House Republicans sought to enable both the Majority and the Minority Leaders to appeal the bill referral to a bi-partisan panel, which would still be controlled by the Majority but would benefit from having Minority members.
The current process, which the Democrat Majority favors, doesn’t pass the “Tutu Test.”
If I told my grandmother that an appeal could only be brought by one party and that the review panel hearing the appeal was comprised solely of members of that one party, she would wonder how we could ever think that was fair. But that’s what we have and that’s why on behalf of the people of Hawaii we tried to change it.
These changes are not radical or outlandish. They are reasonable, fair, and equitable changes to the House Rules which are in keeping with our Opening Day tone of openness, fairness and collaboration. Here, in this party line vote we are being sent a signal by the Majority Democrats contrary to openness. Are Democrats now showing their true colors?
”’Representative David A. Pendleton (R- Kailua/Kaneohe) was first elected in 1996, is an attorney, serves on the House Judiciary Committee and is the Assistant Minority Leader for the Hawaii House of Representatives.”’
The Mayor Delivers His State of Confusion-At His State of the City Address, He Garbled Liberal Speak, Hemmed, Hawed, Said Screw You Taxpayers and Let's All Be Sustainable
Mayor Jeremy Harris’ State of the City speech started out like a scene in the motion picture StarTrek. The only thing missing was the dramatic music:
“Eight years ago, I pledged to undertake a crusade. A crusade to establish Honolulu as the most livable City in the world [what does he mean by that anyway?]. Our first goal was to enhance the quality of life on Oahu. Through the hard work of thousands of community leaders and our city team — we’ve done just that.”
[Dadaaaa.]
“We have built new police and fire stations, [even though the police station in Hawaii Kai just got canned after years of planning] expanded our police force [even though they are leaving in droves to North America where they are paid better], and increased the number of firefighters. And we are now the safest City of its size in the U.S. with the lowest rate of violent crime [but the thieves will take everything you own without a second thought, which is why we have the highest property crime in the nation. How safe is that?]. Our fire department is one of only a few in the nation to receive national accreditation. Our bus system has been rated the best in North America [Rah rah –
The Mayor Delivers His State of Confusion-At His State of the City Address, He Garbled Liberal Speak, Hemmed, Hawed, Said Screw You Taxpayers and Let’s All Be Sustainable
Mayor Jeremy Harris’ State of the City speech started out like a scene in the motion picture StarTrek. The only thing missing was the dramatic music:
“Eight years ago, I pledged to undertake a crusade. A crusade to establish Honolulu as the most livable City in the world [what does he mean by that anyway?]. Our first goal was to enhance the quality of life on Oahu. Through the hard work of thousands of community leaders and our city team — we’ve done just that.”
[Dadaaaa.]
“We have built new police and fire stations, [even though the police station in Hawaii Kai just got canned after years of planning] expanded our police force [even though they are leaving in droves to North America where they are paid better], and increased the number of firefighters. And we are now the safest City of its size in the U.S. with the lowest rate of violent crime [but the thieves will take everything you own without a second thought, which is why we have the highest property crime in the nation. How safe is that?]. Our fire department is one of only a few in the nation to receive national accreditation. Our bus system has been rated the best in North America [Rah rah –