The Hawaiian Opinion

HSTA Sees Reason

noreply@blogger.com (Hawaiian Opinion Administrator) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 02:00:00 +0000

In the first breakthrough of a labor stalemate, the Lingle administration and the Hawai'i State Teachers Association announced a tentative agreement yesterday on a two-year contract that includes furloughs to help close the state's budget deficit.

Finally! Some reason... it seems quite apparent to me that Lingle is only trying to help by inducing furloughs rather than having to have layoffs. Aparently Wil Okabe also sees this. Furloughs are better than layoffs. If only HGEA could understand this, there might not be such as clash between the Union and the Governor. If only schools could be open on those Fridays, families also wouldn't be impacted, but everyone has to do their share.

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Health Insurance in Hawaii Too Costly

noreply@blogger.com (Hawaiian Opinion Administrator) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:53:00 +0000

Hawai'i's health insurance premiums grew an estimated 3.7 times faster than worker earnings during the past decade...the study by Families USA said family health care premiums jumped 94.2 percent during the period, while median earnings grew at a slower 25.7 percent pace.

--Honolulu Advertiser

Health care in Hawaii has never been one of the cheapest things in the world... but the government should try to make it one. The health of its citizens should be a moderate priority for government. We need to not only attract doctors to the islands but ensure that they will remain here.

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Waikiki Beach Restoration

noreply@blogger.com (Hawaiian Opinion Administrator) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 01:12:00 +0000

The state has kicked off the environmental review process for a project to restore heavily eroded portions of Waikiki Beach, but work to bring in sand to widen the state's most famous coastline likely won't start until 2011. The project...is planned as the first modern erosion abatement project in Waikiki that the state will undertake with funding help from hotels.

--Honolulu Advertiser

Waikiki Beach, as the advertiser said, is completely man-made and should be man-maintained. It is therefore the responsibility of the citizens of Honolulu and the users of the beach to ensure it does. The problem is when it goes left unattended that serious problems develop which will have to be fixed by some serious dollars.

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Museums Reduce Budget, Can't Find Funds

noreply@blogger.com (Hawaiian Opinion Administrator) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 23:01:00 +0000

As the economy limps along, Hawai'i's museums are finding it tougher to meet their financial needs. They've slashed budgets by cutting hours, closing collections and laying off staff. They've slashed budgets by cutting hours, closing collections and laying off staff.

--Honolulu Advertiser

Well, everyone is affected by the slowing economy somehow and I guess it was a matter of time until it reached museums and other institutions. It's kind of disappointing that museums have to cut hours, employees , and collections. Hopefully, the museums will survive through these economic tribulations and re-expand their budget.

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$1000 Reward for Waiawa Arson Info

noreply@blogger.com (Hawaiian Opinion Administrator) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 03:49:00 +0000

As yet another brush fire burned in Waiawa yesterday, Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann joined police and fire officials in announcing a $1,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of the person or persons believed responsible for a string of recent fires.

--Honolulu Advertiser

This continues yesterday's episode of the sight of two men seen fleeing from one of the recent Waiawa brush fires. It's unacceptable to have this type of crime go lightly punished as this string of fires has cost the state thousands of dollars and impacted motorists on the H-2. Hopefully, the arsonists will be caught and be punished the maximum 10 years in jail. The public needs to make a point that this type of behavior will not be tolerated.

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Suspected Arsonists, 11 Wild Fires

noreply@blogger.com (Hawaiian Opinion Administrator) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 23:14:00 +0000

As police and fire officials announced yesterday that a rash of brushfires in the Waiawa Ridge area may have been intentionally set...that would make 11 such fires since early August in the area, which is in the vicinity of H-2 Freeway at Ka Uka Boulevard in Waipi'o.

--Honolulu Advertiser

This is terrible. Just like the firemen, I can't see a reason, a motive, to do something like this. We all work hard to preserve our natural resources, living in one of the most isolated places on the planet, and then something like this comes up and ruins all our hard work and tips the scale. We need to be intolerant of this type of crime, especially because we live in Hawaii.

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Hawaiian Airlines Vote for Strike

noreply@blogger.com (Hawaiian Opinion Administrator) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 06:37:00 +0000

Hawaiian Airlines pilots have voted to authorize a strike, but a walkout is not imminent. The Hawaiian Airlines branch of the Air Line Pilots Association said today that 98 percent of those pilots who cast ballots authorized the union leadership to call a strike.

--Honolulu Advertiser

This is quite interesting. They say that there has never been a strike in the history of the Airlines, but the pilots have shown that they could end all that. Because it was just a vote, this will not affect the airlines operations unless the pilots "deem it necessary". I see most of these pilots as respectable men and women, and I say we should submit to their demands only to a certain point.

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The Next Honolulu Mayor

noreply@blogger.com (Hawaiian Opinion Administrator) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 04:39:00 +0000

City Managing Director Kirk Caldwell yesterday said he will run for mayor when Mayor Mufi Hannemann leaves office, be it 2010 or 2012. Hannemann has set up an exploratory gubernatorial committee, however, and many suspect he will resign as mayor next summer to run for governor. Caldwell said if that happens, he will throw his hat in the ring for mayor then.

--Honolulu Advertiser

As I review yesterday, Hannemann will probably give up his position as Honolulu Mayor in 2010 to run for the coveted Governor's office. As a result, Kirk Caldwell could possibly run for Honolulu Mayor. The other possible candidates (Coucil Chair Todd Apo and UH Professor Panos Prevedorous) are still considering their options. All in all, I can't wait for the upcoming elections.

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The Next Governor

noreply@blogger.com (Hawaiian Opinion Administrator) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 22:17:00 +0000

While things have been quiet recently in the cornerstone political fight of 2010 — the race for governor — don't expect that to last too long. The stakes are simply too high. The Hawai'i governorship is a political plum unlike any elsewhere in the country. Our highly centralized bureaucracy (what other governor has final say over schools, hospitals, welfare, virtually all taxes and more?), makes the governor's office a particular prize.

--Honolulu Advertiser

Hawaii governorship is truly a remarkable position. Because of the power of this position, the citizens of Hawaii must elect a new governor in 2010 wisely. I can see the competition coming down to two main players: current vice-governor Duke Aiona of the Republican party and Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann.

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Obama Addresses Students of America

noreply@blogger.com (Hawaiian Opinion Administrator) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 01:25:00 +0000

President Barack Obama, the controversy of his address to U.S. school children ebbing, told a class at a Virginia high school today that parents and teachers can't force them to learn."If you are hungry for learning, you will find teachers who want to help you," Obama told 9th graders at Wakefield High School in Arlington, a suburb of Washington, before giving a separate address that was available to schools nationwide.

--Honolulu Advertiser

This is exactly true. Students must have the desire to learn. Teachers can support them; parents can support them; but students themselves must crave knowledge. Success will only come after hard work, never before. Students must put their best efforts into their work, for it is then that their parents and teachers can fully support them. Education will not only play a key part in the future of the United States but also its ability to solve problems and move forward.

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Swine Flu Takes First Child in Hawaii

noreply@blogger.com (Hawaiian Opinion Administrator) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 01:40:00 +0000

Four more people have died from swine flu, bringing the total such deaths in Hawaii to 10, the state Department of Health said today. One of the deaths is a 5-year-old — the first death of a child here, said Janice Okubo, DOH spokeswoman. The others who died were described as two adults with underlying health issues and one adult with no health issues. Okubo said state epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park confirmed the deaths, which occurred between June and August.

--Honolulu Advertiser

I never did get the big hype over the swine flu. The normal flu, influenza, contributes to millions of deaths world wide. Sure the swine flu virus could mutate, but can't influenza do the same. Still, the swine flu does kill people and the development of the antiviral vaccine specific to the virus should be a higher priority. The swine flu typically targets middle-aged adults, with less deaths reported for children and senior citizens.

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Kamehameha Build Community in Kaka'ako

noreply@blogger.com (Hawaiian Opinion Administrator) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 21:54:00 +0000

A master plan by Kamehameha Schools to remake 29 acres of its land in Kaka'ako into a largely high-rise residential community was approved yesterday by the state agency that oversees the area. The approval will allow Hawai'i's largest private landowner to break ground as early as next year....the buildout of the nine blocks between Restaurant Row and Ward Centers mauka of Ala Moana is anticipated to take 15 years and produce up to 2,750 homes with seven towers as well as low-rise buildings, some retail and park space.

--Honolulu Advertiser

This development will hopefully come as a relief for those searching for affordable housing. 55 homes will be "affordable" for those earning the median income while 395 homes will be available for those earning 140% of the median income. It will create thousands of full-time jobs and nearly ten thousand temporary jobs, as well as being home to a few local businesses.

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Libraries Need Donations to Prevent Closures

noreply@blogger.com (Hawaiian Opinion Administrator) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:08:00 +0000

Faced with a $6 million budget cut, the state public library system will be asking library users, corporations and foundations to donate whatever they can to prevent major cutbacks at the state's 51 libraries. The fundraising effort, "Keep Your Library Open!," is set to be announced this morning by the Hawaii State Public Library System and the Friends of the Library of Hawai'i. Each entity will conduct its own fundraising drive, and the combined effort is intended to ensure that no library will be closed permanently because of projected budget shortfalls.

--Honolulu Advertiser

Finally, some intelligent ideas... If Hawaii's citizens truly want the libraries to stay open, they will donate in some form or another. Libraries are like the polish to a good education; it really allows students to shine. The plan is to raise $3 million by getting 1 million library users to donate $3 dollars each. $3 per person is a reasonable amount, and I have faith in the people of hawaii that they will get this done.

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DHS Sued by Foster Kids, Abusers

noreply@blogger.com (Hawaiian Opinion Administrator) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 17:29:00 +0000

Children who were abused by state-approved caregivers in a Wai'anae "House of Torture" have sued the state Department of Human Services and their victimizers. The Circuit Court lawsuit was filed on behalf of three minor children who were repeatedly assaulted when in the care of Rita Makekau and Gabriel and Barbara Kalama. The lawsuit alleges the state "acted negligently" when it approved the Kalamas as legal guardians.

The most disturbing part about this whole affair is that the Department of Human Services (DHS) fully knew that the Makekaus and Kalamas were part of the same nuclear family, hence the children would also be cared for by the Makekaus. If this is true is a whole different matter. But since we assume this is true, then the DHS is clearly at fault.

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DOE Seeks New Level of Authority

noreply@blogger.com (Hawaiian Opinion Administrator) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 01:18:00 +0000

Superintendent Patricia Hamamoto says she intends to again seek the authority to replace the principals, most teachers and other staffers at public schools that have consistently failed to meet federal No Child Left Behind requirements in light of a push by President Obama's administration for school districts to turn around the lowest-achieving public schools.

--Honolulu Advertiser

I firmly believe that this is not the solution. Teacher's cannot control their students. They may be able to encourage and support their students, but cannot control them. Students decide that on their own. Teacher's and principals should not be liable for the students' level of commitment. They should do all that they can, but should that fail, they should not be at fault. But if the teachers simply do not try hard enough, then Hamamoto should be given the authority to replace teachers. If, and only if.

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$1 Billion Assets on "Hold"

noreply@blogger.com (Hawaiian Opinion Administrator) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:35:00 +0000

For the past 18 months the state has been unable to use $1 billion it sank into supposedly highly liquid, short-term investments because of a collapse in trading of the securities. No one knows for certain when the state will get its money out of so-called auction-rate securities, and an auditor recently required the state to revalue its holdings at $114 million less than what it paid for the investments.

--Honolulu Advertiser

The administrator of the Financial Services Division, Scott Kami, says there is still more than enough money for projects and the state's bills. It's very disturbing that the state invested a total of $4.5 billion, $1.1 of which was invested in these "auction-rate" securities. That's nearly one-fourth of all investments.

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Governor Returns to Cuts, Layoffs

noreply@blogger.com (Hawaiian Opinion Administrator) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 15:51:00 +0000

The state had made an offer to the Hawai'i Government Employees Association [HGEA] that involved 24 furlough days this fiscal year, starting in October, and 24 days in the next fiscal year. The state also agreed to stop most of the 1,100 layoffs the governor has set to start in September. The governor said a similar offer was made to the United Public Workers but that the union did not respond.

--Honolulu Advertiser

HGEA countered the state's plan with 18 furlough days this fiscal year and 12 the next. The union also demands that the state cover 60% of health care premiums, even as costs continue to rise. Lingle describes it as "completely unacceptable" and has returned to cuts and layoffs. It seems to me like a simple choice: Either have a job, get at least some income, and have full benefits, or don't have a job at all. Unions, pick wisely, or hundreds of workers could be laid off.

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HGEA Negotiates Over Furloughs

noreply@blogger.com (Hawaiian Opinion Administrator) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 22:25:00 +0000

Over the past several days, the Lingle Administration has been working with the Hawaii Government Employees Association (HGEA) to develop a plan to furlough state workers and stop the over 1,000 layoffs Lingle had threatened:

The Lingle administration has offered the union 24 furlough days this fiscal year starting in October and 24 days next fiscal year, along with a halt to layoffs except for staff at Kulani Correctional Facility on the Big Island, which is being closed.

--Honolulu Advertiser

Once the next fiscal year starts, workers will furlough two days per month, down from the three originally proposed. However, the deal includes that HGEA drop its legal charges against furloughs and complaint against the layoff plan. The state will even consider reducing furlough days and increasing health care premiums next March, but I doubt that will happen.

Looks to me like a win-win situation, so I say the unions should go for it!

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HPD Chief, Farewell

noreply@blogger.com (Hawaiian Opinion Administrator) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 04:36:00 +0000

Boisse Correa concluded five years as Honolulu's police chief and 39 years on the force yesterday, saying he may reappear on the public scene as a politician or in some other government role. In a tearful farewell ceremony, the 64-year-old Correa drove away from police headquarters satisfied that he was leaving "the finest police department in the nation.

--Honolulu Advertiser

Boisse Correa ended his career with the force yesterday, bidding a sad farewell to his fellow friends colleagues. Continuity and change are part of life, and Correa felt that he had done what he could and it was time for change. The 64-year-old former HPD chief left the police compound yesterday while a five-member panel will make the decision of his replacement in October. Correa has served the city well.

+50% Highschool Grads, College

noreply@blogger.com (Hawaiian Opinion Administrator) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 01:55:00 +0000

A recent study by the P-20 Initiative College observes that over half (51%) of high school grads in Hawaii will attend colleges with about a third going out for 4-year degrees. The study comes as a real wake-up call for most:

For decades, the state had been unable to accurately track the number of public school graduates who entered a university or college. The Hawai'i P-20 Initiative's College and Career Indicators Report, released this week, is the first report of its kind to take nationwide college enrollment data, along with several other college readiness statistics, and break it down school-by-school.

--Honolulu Advertiser

Eventually, I hope that college-level prerequisite and introductory material will be taught in high schools to better prepare their students in anticipation for college. But for now, it is the duty of the teachers and parents to make college an expectation from a young age.

The three things I consider to be the most important for the future of Hawaii are a) education, b) economy, and c) sustainability and the advancement of green technology. Education is at the top of my list. 51% is unacceptable.

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Economic Situation, Not As Bad?

noreply@blogger.com (Hawaiian Opinion Administrator) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 23:28:00 +0000

The improved outlook is due to inflation being more subdued than state economists had anticipated, while Hawai'i's biggest economic engine — tourism — is expected to be worse than before and result in increased job losses.

As shown in the forecast above, inflation is quite low, but that's countered by a 6% drop in visitor arrivals. The economy is still in recession, but the recession is not as severe as it was this time last year. As the state's chief economist of the Department of Business puts it, the economy is a "mixed picture". Big hits are expected to employment rates as well as visitor spending and the tourism industry, a major part of Hawaii's economy. Hawaii is still better off than most states however.

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Rising Enrollment, Less Availability

noreply@blogger.com (Hawaiian Opinion Administrator) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 19:35:00 +0000

As the last group of UH-Manoa students — mostly incoming freshmen — began registering last week, college deans and department chairs were forced to increase class sizes and find instructors to teach additional class sections to prevent students from being shut out of high-demand prerequisite courses.

--Honolulu Advertiser

With enrollment for the University of Hawaii on the rise, many classes are forced to take in more students as the UH searches for more teachers to instruct the additional classes needed. The state cut $76 million from the school's budget for this year despite enrollment up 10%. Community colleges faced an even great 15% rise in enrollment. Education is the path to success and the state is denying students the possibility, the right, to it.

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Hawaii Commemorates 50th Anniversary

noreply@blogger.com (Hawaiian Opinion Administrator) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 01:44:00 +0000

Today, the fiftieth state commemorates its fiftieth anniversary. However, the occasion is one of less looking back to the past than looking to the next fifty years. The day also comes as a busy day for Hawaiian activists who planned to march from Ala Moana Beach Park to the Convention Center. The rally was organized by the Hawaiian Independence Action Alliance and the Institute for the Advancement of Hawaiian Affairs. The "action" included burning the fiftieth star in protest. Despite the rallies, the day came to a close with a few words from the governor and a spectacular fireworks display.

May we prosper for the next 50 years!

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Freeway Jimmy Sentenced

noreply@blogger.com (Hawaiian Opinion Administrator) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:11:00 +0000

Earlier today, James "Freeway Jimmy" Taylor pleaded guilty to three charges of stripping copper from freeway lighting systems. His wife, Regina Foster, who managed finances of the gang, received the same sentence:

Taylor earlier pleaded guilty to three of four charges brought against him last
year. Ahn sentenced him today to serve concurrent 10-year prison terms for
criminal conspiracy, racketeering and money laundering.

--Honolulu Advertiser

The money made from the stolen copper wires was used to finance methamphetamine. The state needs to crack down harder on these types of criminals. It should make Taylor and his gang pay for the copper stolen (which amounted to over $500,000) and make an example of him to all future copper theifs. Someone needs to make a stand against crime.

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Hawaii "Better Off" Than Most States

noreply@blogger.com (Hawaiian Opinion Administrator) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 21:38:00 +0000

Nationwide, stung by the drop in revenue collections because of the recession, states had to close a $142.6 billion shortfall in budgets for fiscal year 2010, according to a new report by the National Conference of State Legislatures. Eight states missed budget deadlines on July 1 and scrambled to pay state workers and bills while rushing to patch holes that may grow larger if the economy does not improve.

--Honolulu Advertiser

Governor Linda Lingle suggested that other states' economic situation may be far worse than Hawaii's. For example, in California, state workers are furloughing two days per month and Gov. Schwarzenegger is asking for a third furlough day. We should just be happy and remember all that we have is a blessing.

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