Rep Pat Saiki Elected GOP Chair
NPR: Me and Mr. Jones
Reps. Johanson and Fukumoto Mid-Session Report
Hawaii laments defense cuts in Asia-Pacific theater
Feds: 34,000 Hawaii APIs Eligible for Health Care Savings
Grassroot: Minimum Wage Hike Will Not Lift Working Families out of Poverty
Lobbying? Average citizen should not have to consult lawyer to testify before Legislature
Army on budget, on schedule with hypersonic missile program
Abercrombie Administration Appoints Wrong "William Richardson" to HHC
HNN: Earlier this month, 46-year-old William "Billy" Richardson was told that he had been nominated to the board of the Hawaiian Homes Commission. Richardson had told all his friends and even took several days off to prepare for the confirmation process. But the nomination wasn't real.
State officials have admitted to a major error.
"A confirmation email was inadvertently sent to the William K. Richardson who was not selected," said Governor's Office employee Jayson Muraki, the manager of Boards & Commissions, in a statement. "We are currently reviewing our internal notification process to ensure this does not happen again."... (Is this an improvement or an expansion? Abercrombie usually bungles his resignations. Now he is muffing appointments.)
The "right" William Richardson heads a venture capital firm (Tax Credits) and is the son of Broken Trust co-conspirator former Hawaii Supreme Court Justice William S. Richardson....
The nomination now goes to the Senate for approval. According to the "other" William Richardson, the state wants to make amends by appointing him to another state board.... (Yeah. Can't wait to see what they appoint him to!)
read ... Consolation Appointment
State investigates: 1000 Homeowners Victimized by Solar Fraudsters Turn on illegal photovoltaic systems
KITV: The state’s Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs is investigating illegal PV systems, because they have already caused damage in some homes.
“Your electronic equipment in your household can be burnt out and we’re seeing some of that already on Molokai,” said Jeffrey Ono, executive director of the Consumer Advocacy Branch of the DCCA.
When asked what can be done, Ono said, “because it’s a potential safety issue, (Hawaiian Electric) could cut off power to that individual’s home.”
The Hawaii Solar Energy Association estimates there are more than a thousand of what they call “rogue solar systems.” It says in addition to being dangerous, the procedure is also unfair to the companies and customers who do the right thing and wait for approval.
“They’re waiting and someone is connected, like your neighbor, and you see your neighbor and you wonder, ‘How did you get online and I’m waiting in line?’ It’s just not fair,” said Leslie Cole-Brooks, HSEA executive director.
Their Plan: On-site solar power could hasten US utility ‘death spiral’, report finds
read ... State investigates illegal photovoltaic systems
Hawaii's moral challenges prompt Baptist Ministry
BP: The legalization of gay marriage and a sex education curriculum that normalizes sexual activity for children under 14 are among the latest developments that have prompted Hawaii Baptists to engage their culture with renewed commitment.
Andrew Large, pastor of Waikiki Baptist Church, told Baptist Press he’s not willing to watch “society go downhill because [he’s] being silent and staying passive." The Great Commission demands that believers "be engaged in the civil issues and [let] our community know exactly what Christianity is all about, what the Bible has to say," he said.
read ... Hawaii's moral challenges prompt ministry
Mortgage Scammers Team up to Push Hawaiian Roll
LN: Join Na Kupuna O Maui on Friday, March 21, at 5 p.m. at Na Aikane O Maui at 562 Front St. across from the Shigesh Wakida Tennis Courts for an open discussion on this very important issue in Hawaii today. Guest speakers will include (pardoned convicted felon) Dennis "Bumpy" Kanahele.
On Prince Kuhio Day, March 26, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Banyan Tree Park, the public can learn more about the campaign and sign the Kana'iolowalu petition.
For more information, call (mortgage scammer) Aunty Patty Nishiyama at (808) 281-5470 and visit www.kanaiolowalu.com.
Bumpy Kanahele and Aunty Patty both show up in this article: Sovereignty Mortgage Scammer Keanu Sai at it again with help from Legislators, Maui Council, University
read ... Mortgage Scammers
Hanabusa campaign goes ballistic about progressive group’s endorsement
ILind: A campaign email from Hanabusa campaign rep Peter Boylan blasted “Mainland special interests trying to appoint our leaders and change our Hawaii.”
It then highlighted this ominous warning: “Now they are preparing to send their operatives into our communities to push their message and shape Hawaii’s future.”
read ... Hanabusa campaign goes ballistic about progressive group’s endorsement
Gabbard among Elle's D.C. 10 most powerful women
P: The “power list” includes Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker, Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii), Hillary Clinton adviser Cheryl Mills, D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier, former U.S. chief of protocol Capricia Marshall, Center for American Progress President Neera Tanden, NARAL President Ilyse Hogue, CNN Chief Congressional Correspondent Dana Bash and POLITICO COO Kim Kingsley.
Just Ignore This: Tulsi Gabbard Office Manager tied to Chris Butler Cult
read ... Sprinkle on More Stardust
HPD Joins SHOPO in Opposing Public Records of Police Discipline
CB: While SHOPO has been the only opponent of HB 1812 and its companion legislation — Senate Bill 2591) — HPD recently joined the union’s opposition to the measure during Espero’s Public Safety Committee hearing Wednesday. The bill passed over police objections.
HPD Maj. Clyde Ho of the department’s Professional Standards Office submitted written testimony that defended the practice of keeping secret the names of suspended officers. It was the first time HPD testified on the measure, which passed the House earlier this month.
“We strongly feel that the release of the officers’ names deters from the disciplinary intention, which is to correct the behavior of the employee and not proliferate a more severe penalty through ridicule in a public forum,” Ho said. “Having such a requirement would adversely affect the recruiting efforts of the HPD and may be considered in the grievance and arbitrations as a part of the imposed penalty by the agency.”
Ho added that HPD has already begun to comply with other proposals outlined in the bill, such as providing more information in the report summaries and extending its record retention policy to make sure disciplinary files are maintained for six months after being published in a the legislative reports.
HPD’s latest report to the Legislature, filed in December, did not include any additional information than had been released in prior years. And the department had already destroyed the records of one officer who had been fired for falsifying records and lying to investigators about transporting a female runaway.
HPD’s testimony follows similar arguments by SHOPO President Tenari Ma’afala, who has been the sole opponent to HB 1812 as well as a companion measure that passed through the Senate.
read ... HPD Testifies
Public schools challenged to build on success
SA: After a rocky start that saw its grant status threatened, Hawaii is now lauded as a national model. Among Hawaii's highlights, according to the U.S. Department of Education's third-year progress report:
» Higher student scores on standardized tests and broader access to rigorous courses, such as Advanced Placement classes. Fourth- and eighth-graders improved in math and reading on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, known as the Nation's Report Card; fourth-graders surpassed the national average in math for the first time. Reading scores remained below average.
» Major progress toward performance-based teacher evaluations, which will be broadly implemented this fall; personnel decisions including pay raises, tenure and termination will be tied to the evaluations.
» A transition to the Common Core curriculum, with its national academic standards. The DOE has approved a Common Core-aligned curriculum for language arts, but has yet to achieve this goal for math.
» A major focus on turning around low-achieving schools, especially in poor, rural areas, with financial and other support from corporations, nonprofits, private educational institutions and other community partners.
The inspiration for much of this progress predates the Race to the Top, and the hard work that remains must be accomplished largely without federal funding; Hawaii has spent about $57 million of its grant.
Still, there's no doubt that Race to the Top was the catalyst Hawaii's public schools needed. It is encouraging to see the DOE fulfill its promises, and, in doing so, more fully live up to its mission.
read ... Star-Adv Editorial
DoE Upgrades Food Service in Response to Audit
Question:Whatever happened to the matter of handling food purchases, revenue and inventory at cafeterias in Hawaii's public schools following an internal Department of Education audit last year that rated its food services program as "unacceptable"in the areas of oversight, monitoring and accountability?
Answer: After the Department of Education slammed the School Foods Services Branch for having unacceptable and outdated methods, improvements are in place and training ongoing, said Alex Da Silva, DOE communications specialist.
According to the audit, the DOE directed the food services operations to more precisely delineate who is accountable for the oversight of policies and procedures; require training for school food workers handling purchases; improve money collection procedures; update purchasing polices and procedures; and conduct more spot checks of food inventories.
Glenna Owens, director of School Foods Services, said the branch is now in compliance with all of the directives.
read ... Food Services
Is Hanauma Bay Preserve Undermined by Disrepair and an Opaque Budget?
CB: The nature preserve and snorkeling haven has fallen into a state of disrepair because the city has not used hundreds of thousands of dollars that have been sitting in a special fund for the beach park’s upkeep for years, according to Friends of Hanauma Bay President Richard Baker.
In testimony recently submitted to the Honolulu City Council’s Budget Committee, Baker painted a picture of crumbling roofs, corroded hand railings and broken parking lot lights.
The park has also been shut down twice in recent weeks, once for an hour and a half and once for a full day, because of water and sewage pipe problems.
“Our basic issue is that there are substantial amounts of unmet maintenance, repair, upkeep and modernization needs at the bay that have piled up over the years,” Baker told Civil Beat. “And with the surplus that is in the fund, they could meet all of the estimated amount of needs and still have plenty left over.”
read ... Undermined?
Maui Police OT a record after first lady’s visit
MN: Police reported paying a record $484,000 in overtime in February, with Police Chief Gary Yabuta saying significant spending was incurred during the visit to Maui of first lady Michelle Obama.
During a Maui Police Commission meeting Wednesday at Hale Maka'i police headquarters in Wailuku, police business administrator Greg Takahashi said the overtime spending last month was the "most ever."
read ... Overtime
Obama Library Proposal Includes Possible Hawaii Carve Out
CT: That language in the document--"multi-unit facility" --signals that Obama and first lady Michelle--who make the final decision--are looking for more than one physical building to be their legacy institution. That creates all kinds of possibilities and seems to be a carve-out especially valuable for Hawaii, which would be a long-shot, bidding on its own.
read ... Carve Out
Ernie Martin Bill would ease path to approval to build shoreline retaining walls
SA: A bill aimed at making it easier for shoreline property owners to put up retaining walls may set a dangerous precedent and cause harm to Oahu's beaches and other coastal areas, city planning officials and environmentalists say.
Bill 17, which will be heard by the City Council Zoning Committee at 9 a.m. Thursday, would allow a shoreline property owner to seek a minor shoreline structure permit in some circumstances from the city Department of Planning and Permitting instead of going through the more expensive and timely process of obtaining a shoreline setback variance that DPP officials now require.
But Robert Harris, Sierra Club Hawaii executive director, said the bill could drastically alter how the city decides what structures are allowed on Oahu's shorelines.
"To do a variance, you have to meet the criteria and the city actually has to consider it and make a determination that a variance is permissible," Harris said. "What this bill is proposing to do is to say people are entitled to build these things unless the city comes along and says otherwise."
Council Chairman Ernie Martin said he introduced the bill to make it easier for property owners trying to control runoff and erosion.
read ... Shoreline
Hilo woman in coma following wisdom teeth extraction
HNN: For the second time in three months there has been a dental tragedy in Hawaii. This time it's a young mother of two from Hilo on life-support. She'd gone to a dentist to get her wisdom teeth pulled and never woke up.
Kristen Tavares' boyfriend dropped her off at the dentist Monday morning thinking it was a routine procedure, but what happened next was anything but routine.
Tavares, the 23 year old mother of two, went in to have all four wisdom teeth pulled at a dentist's office in Hilo, but something went wrong.
"She went into cardiac arrest and they had to use a defibrillator and shocked her, stunned her heart," said Chauncey Prudencio, Tavares' boyfriend.
She was eventually flown to Maui Medical Center where family says she's unresponsive and her heart is too weak to do medical procedures....
The family says Dr. John Stover performed the procedure. He has offices in Hilo, Kona and Waimea and also does cosmetic surgery. His website says he is triple board certified and has training, license and experience in various types of anesthesia.
Court documents show he has been sued for medical malpractice in the past, but it was dismissed.
It's unknown what caused the emergency in this case. Dr. Stover did not return our calls or email.
The Hawaii County Police Department is not investigating at this point.
Three year old Finley Boyle died in January a month after falling into a coma during a dental procedure on Oahu.
Background: Flashback: Schatz, Baker Pushed to Loosen Requirements for Dentists
read ... Coma
Newcomers With no Sense of History Protest Kauai Dairy Farm
KE: ...it rankles when I hear people bitch about the dairy for its possible impacts on tourism, as we see in a letter to the editortoday from BJ Thomas of Koloa, who wrote:
We should say dairy farm versus tourism. The South Side depends on tourism, not milk. The impact will not be right away, but once the world hears about the smell and everything that comes with a diary farm, the beauty will be lost.
It rankles because many of us have resisted the explosion of tourism precisely because of our concerns that the rural character of the island, the tight-knit community, the laid back lifestyle, the beauty, the agricultural foundation, would be lost.
Which is exactly what is now happening as more land is developed and additional newcomers with no sense of history, no respect for Hawaii's deep agricultural roots, stream in — to the point where tourism is being held up as the god, while ag is denigrated as the despoiler.
Speaking of despoiling, I saw an article about how toxoplasmosis, a dangerous parasite spread by cats, is now being found in beluga whales in the Arctic, prompting a public health warning to the Inuit who eat whales. As The Guardian reported:
The most likely cause of the outbreak was infected cat feces washing into waterways and on to the sea, where fish and other marine organisms became contaminated and ultimately eaten by the whales.
And I thought, so what about all the gazillion feral cats here and elsewhere in the Hawaiian Islands? We know that toxoplasmosis has killed monk seals. How might it be affecting turtles, dolphins, humpbacks, the fish and lobsters consumed locally? Could it be making people sick?
Has any widespread testing has been done? I doubt it....
read ... Kauai Eclectic
Tough on Crime Bills Move In Legislature
CB: House Bill 2205 would remove the probation option for sentencing people convicted of habitual property crimes. Under the latest draft of the bill, the penalty could be five years in prison.
House Bill 2034 would eliminate the statute of limitations on first- and second-degree sexual assault of a minor under the age of 14. The statute of limitations would also be lifted for civil actions against perpetrators of these types of sexual assault.
read ... On the Move
Trannies in the Ladies Room? No Problem Says Hawaii 'Civil Rights' Commission
MMA: The HCRC is not aware of any incidents of sexual assault or rape causally related or attributed to the prohibition against discrimination on the basis of gender identity or expression. (In contrast to anecdotal reports of transgender students being harassed and bullied in school restrooms when forced to use an assigned restroom inconsistent with their gender identity.)
Gay Activists pretending to be neutral experts. Who could be stupid enough to be fooled by this?
read ... Gay Activists pretending to be neutral experts.
Anti-Marijuana Message from Puna
HR: If you smoke marijuana you are not going to like what I am about to say. That's because pot smokers are extremely defensive about their drug, with religious like zeal. They believe it is the best thing that ever happened to them, and wish the entire world smoked weed to end wars, disease, and oppression. When they are not stoned they wish they were, and when they are stoned they worry about their supply. And like religious proselytes, they spread the word of weeds magical powers to get more smokers joining the mellow revolution. Now joining in their spread of the holy herb are agribusiness and the government, each wanting a piece of the pot.
I am sorry that those who use this powerful herbal substance will not hear this message, since they are the ones who most need it. Like the zombie-like people in the movie, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, these people have been taken over by a plant, their minds altered so their reality is no longer the same as unstoned peoples'. That's because the chemicals in marijuana alter the way the brain regulates itself.
read ... The Real Dope on Marijuana
United Considers 100s of Sister-Island Layoffs
KITV: A United spokesperson says the airline is looking at competitive market rates to determine if it will continue providing "above-the-wing and below-the-wing" work within the company at Kona, Kahului and Lihue airports. Currently, 223 employees perform that type of service at the three airports.
United says it has begun negotiations with the union that represents the workers, and the future of their jobs in Hawaii depends on those talks.
read ... United Hawaii Layoffs
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