Year of the Horse, Of Course | Takai: $10 Million Man | HAL Sets Record | HPU Acquires Oceanic

BY SAM SLOM – Year of the Horse, Of Course. How do you like 2014 so far, the Year of the Horse? Those born in the Year of the Horse are supposed to be energetic, bright, warm-hearted, intelligent and able. SBH was formed in 1976, not in the Year of the Horse, but we pledge to continue to advocate for a better Hawaii business climate and more economic opportunities for Hawaii residents during this year.

Council of Revenues Predictions. The State Council of Revenues met yesterday and reduced its estimated growth projection for 2014 from 4.1% to 3.3%. Other previous estimates for 2015 remain.

Legislature Opens Wednesday.  Without fanfare and entertainment,  the 28th State Legislature opens at 10 am next Wednesday, January 15. Hold onto your wallet or purse with both hands until May 1. Food will still be available in individual lawmakers’ offices. Come visit my Senate office, room 214, at noon for some free eats.

Takai: $10 Million Man. State Rep. and Democrat candidate for Congress, K. Mark Takai, has proposed giving the UH Athletics Department a one-time matching gift of $10 million (taxpayer money). The athletics program, notably football, has been in a deficit position for years. Throwing good money after bad? UH already erased a $13 million deficit. Let’s prioritize UH and give money for academics instead.

Be Inspired. Best-selling author and motivational business success speaker, Patrick Snow, will be the SBH’s Keynote Luncheon Speaker, Wednesday, February 19, 2014, 8 am – 2 pm, for the 38th Annual SBH Business & Investment Conference at the Ala Moana Hotel. A great line up of exciting and informative speakers and issue topics, networking, business exhibits and more. Sponsorship and booth exhibit opportunities still available. Contact Malia (306-3161) or Susan (396-1724) for details.

HMAA Celebrates 25 Years. The Hawaii Medical Assurance Association’s Executive Chairman and Chief Executive OfficerJohn Henry Felix announced the election of Gail Mukaihata Hannemann, William McCorriston, Warren Price and himself to three-year terms. Hannemann also was elected the board’s Vice Chair. HMAA, celebrating 25 years, was founded by health care visionary Arnold Baptiste Sr. in 1989 and continues to provide superior health benefits to Hawaii businesses.

HAL Sets Record. Hawaiian Airlines set a new record in its 84-year history with 9,935,743 passengers transported in 2013, 4.8 percent higher than the previous year.

JS Services Sold. After 32 years in business, Jack Schneider sold his JS Services to HiHR and Matt Delaney. Schneider, an SBH Director, pioneered the Employee Leasing business in Hawaii. He will stay on as President of JS Services.

HPU Acquires Oceanic. Leaders of Hawaii Pacific University and Oceanic Institute announced their long-awaited merger, making the acclaimed 53-year-old research center a formal part of the state’s largest private university. The HPU Oceanic Institute has a growing reputation internationally for its work in aquaculture, especially shrimp husbandry and fin fish breeding.

Health Connector Appeals to GOP. The Hawaii Health Care Connector, Obama exchange, sent an appeal to the Hawaii Republican Party for its support in promoting the government program. GOP Executive Director Kayla Berube wisely declined the offer to further destroy private healthcare in Hawaii and America. Hawaii’s connector, like others in many states, is way behind in its efforts to cajole people into joining the exchange. See the full story in HawaiiReporter.com.

Fishing License On Line. The Department of Land and Natural Resources launched a newly recast and mobile-friendly freshwater fishing license website where fishermen can purchase a license required to fish in the state’s freshwater streams and waters. Click here to visit the site. 

Media Refuses to Report Global Warming Scam. Almost all of the news coverage of the now freed “researchers” on the Russian vessel in Antarctica studying how global warming had destroyed the ice, and wound up stuck in the 15-foot thick ice, refused to see the irony.  52 activists for government intervention in global warming were on board. A Chinese rescue ship got stuck, and then yet another ship got stuck. A Chinese helicopter finally rescued the radicals shown by the media singing, dancing, tapping down a helipad landing site (what about green gasses from the ‘copter?). Usual, biased, pro warming propaganda.

Chaminade Business Competition. Chaminade University’s Hogan Entrepreneurial Program and the American Savings Bank are conducting a Business Plan Competition for the nonprofit sector.
Please click here  for an entry packet or email Ann Lujan Kishi at alujan@chaminade.edu for a hard copy. The Statement of Intent Form is due by January 27.

Flores Scholarship. Students enrolled in the criminal justice or nursing program at Chaminade University may apply for the “Eddie and Elaine Flores Scholarship.” The scholarship was established in 2012 by Eddie Flores, Jr. of L&L Hawaiian Barbecue/L&L Drive-Inn.

January 30 SUNRISE Features Medved. SBH SUNRISE returns Thursday, January 30, 2014 in the Ala Moana Macy’s Pineapple Room with national Salem radio talk show host and author, Michael Medved. Guarantee a place now by reserving your seat with Susan at 396-1724.

Lunch for You -January 14! SBH member Talent HR Solutions is inviting you to lunch at Dave & Busters, Tuesday, January 14, at 11:30 am. Talent HR Solutions will give a presentation on advantages a Human Resource Administration firm and have their health care specialist give a short presentation on the Affordable Care Act and how it impacts your business. Call 489-0036 or log ontotalenthrsolutions.com 

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!

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).

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.