A Conservative Estimate

The GOP Rally For ‘Change’

Rick Hamada — 2009-11-11T10:00:01+00:00

Last week’s gubernatorial victories for the GOP in Virginia and New Jersey may not be an absolute indictment of the Obama administration, but it certainly isn’t good news for the president or for Democrats.

Supporting Restaurant Workers

Rick Hamada — 2009-11-04T10:00:49+00:00

Zagat’s, a well-respected and well-read travel publication, found recently that Hawaii ranks as one of the worst states when it comes to tipping servers in restaurants.

Save It For A Rainy Day, Guv

Rick Hamada — 2009-10-28T10:00:43+00:00

When you mention the state Hurricane Relief Fund, eyes tend to glaze over. It’s not the sexiest thing to bring up in conversation. But with our recent financial travails, the Hurricane Relief Fund has now become the most popular girl at the dance. It seems everybody wants a twirl around the floor.

Teachers Need To Speak Up

Rick Hamada — 2009-10-21T10:00:54+00:00

There is hardly a person who does not agree that teachers are invaluable to our community. As parents, this truism is undeniable.

A ‘Healthy’ Tax On Soft Drinks

Rick Hamada — 2009-10-14T10:00:30+00:00

Soda has been the whipping boy of the nutrition police for years. Coke, Pepsi and their evil brethren have been accused of causing obesity among children, adults, skinny people and lab rats. Soda also is blamed for global warming, bad roads, Sean Penn movies and every shoestring that snaps right before you leave the house (I hate that).

The Brutality Of Sexual Crime

Rick Hamada — 2009-10-07T10:00:06+00:00

Former television star Mackenzie Phillips recently revealed she was a victim of incestuous rape by her father, recording artist John Phillips of the ‘60s band The Mamas and The Papas.

Dems Wrong On Racial Charges

Rick Hamada — 2009-09-23T10:00:45+00:00

Former President Jimmy Carter has embarrassed himself and his party with his recent allegations that the outburst by Rep. Joe Wilson during President Obama’s congressional address was “based in racism.”

The Dissing Of Hawaii’s GOP

Rick Hamada — 2009-09-16T10:00:51+00:00

The recent announcement from Honolulu city prosecutor Peter Carlisle that he would relinquish his Republican Party membership in anticipation of a mayoral candidacy is the least of the worries for the state GOP.

This Legislative Idea Really Stinks

Rick Hamada — 2009-09-09T10:00:54+00:00

For a radio talk show host and newspaper columnist like me, Honolulu City Councilman Rod Tam is the gift that keeps on giving. His latest legislative faux pas, that harebrained idea that we should outlaw smelly people from TheBus and any other public transit systems will provide fodder for conversation and chuckles for ages.

The Little Girl From Wilkes-Barre

Rick Hamada — 2009-09-02T10:00:23+00:00

Wilkes-Barre, Pa., is not the bastion of political power or cultural symbolism in America. You do not see movers and shakers frenetically dodging other well-suited executives while barking into their Bluetooths. If ladies do walk in sneakers around town, they won’t be wearing the requisite Ann Taylor blazers with skirts of appropriate lengths.