Register to Vote: July 10 Deadline for Primary Election
DBEDT: Decline of Nuclear Family Makes Kakaako Development Possible
State Touts First $3M in Sub Prime 'Green' Energy Loans
Small steps to turn government workers into stakeholders
Abercrombie Chief of Staff Coppa Sells 'High End Real Estate'
ILind: Coppa reports earnings in category “E” for real estate sales as an employee of Hawaii 5-0 Properties.
State licensing records confirm Coppa holds a real estate salesperson license valid through the end of this year. He has held the license since 2001.
That “E” represents a sum of at least $50,000 but less than $100,000. That’s an increase from the $25-49,999 that Coppa reported from real estate sales over the past two reporting periods.
Here’s part of the description of Hawaii 5-0 Properties on its website:
We are one of the top buyers’ agents for high-end developments in Honolulu establishing ourselves as one of the top brokers for Trump Waikiki. Our past sales reflect our success so if you are interested in looking at this or any other high-end developments, we are your team.
I have to wonder when Hawaii’s top administrative officer finds the time to not only continue, but apparently expand his personal real estate activities?
And, yes, I do wonder about whether any of the business steered his way creates potential conflicts of interest?
read ... Conflicts can lurk among undisclosed clients
Chilling crimes against activist must be solved
SA: Escalating attacks on environmental activist Carroll Cox should be an affront to anyone who cares about rooting out abuse and corruption in Hawaii. Law-enforcement agencies must make solving two recent crimes a high priority, lest the perpetrators succeed in silencing a dedicated community watchdog — and send a chilling message to others who otherwise may be inclined toward activism.
For his part, Cox vows to continue his work undeterred, committed to shining a spotlight on illegal dumping on Oahu and misuse of government land and other resources. The Mililani man should not have to go it alone — anyone who can help police solve these crimes should call the Honolulu Police Department's Criminal Investigation Division at 768-3609....
Cox suspects the same people are involved in both attacks, and that they are angry with him because violations he has exposed may cost them a substantial amount of money to correct. If Cox is on the mark, these are not simple assault or arson cases, but violent efforts to shut him up — a fundamental violation of his free-speech rights and a lethal warning that serves to keep other people from speaking up, too.
However, witnesses, if there are any, have a civic and moral duty to come forward. And if Honolulu police are unable (unwilling) to make headway in solving these cases, they should seek assistance from federal law-enforcement agencies who may have more severe penalties to unleash. It's important to act before Cox is victimized again.
read ... Chilling crimes against activist must be solved
Lahaina 100-1 Against the Akaka Tribe
SA: All but one of the more than 100 people who spoke before a federal panel Monday night rejected the idea of possible federal recognition of a future Native Hawaiian government, arguing the U.S. has no jurisdiction over Hawaii.
U.S. Department of the Interior officials held the 14th of 15 public meetings statewide at Kamehameha III Elementary on Maui. The group is posing questions about whether the department should initiate a rule-making process that could set the framework for re-establishing a government-to-government relationship with the Native Hawaiian community.
"We recognize that our presence here may be insulting to some of you," said Rhea Suh, interior assistant secretary for policy, management and budget. "We're asking you to consider an option, an option that does not exist for you right now. … It really boils down to that simple question: Do you want that option?"
As at other meetings around the state, West Maui residents overwhelmingly replied, "No."
"Hawaiians are not an Indian tribe," said Dennis O'Shea. "We're a sovereign kingdom."
He called the process just another attempt to get the Akaka Bill passed.
Keeaumoku Kapu added, "When you go home to Washington, you tell those people up there that we want to be left alone to make our own decisions as kanaka. … This is our decision, this is our choice. We don't need people coming over here and trying to tell us this is the road we need to choose."
Many said the federal government should leave the organization of a Native Hawaiian government up to Hawaiians....
The panel will conclude its Hawaii meetings Tuesday at Pomaikai Elementary in Kahului. After a two-week break, the meetings will next move to Indian country on the mainland. Comments also can be submitted online at www.regulations.gov.
read ... Nobody Wants Federal Recognition
Kakaako could generate $5B
SA: The report, "Kakaako, Urban Core Living," projects that the area's population will double within several years. In 2010, Kakaako's population was 10,673, up from 6,239 in 2000 and 2,249 in 1990.
There are four condo towers under construction and seven more residential buildings approved that the report said will create 4,237 new homes at a cost of $2 billion. The report said spending by construction workers and other support industries tied to the projects will translate to $4.1 billion in sales over five years or so.
Another $1.2 billion in household income and $215 million in state tax revenue also would be generated by the 11 projects, the report said.
Other interesting statistics in the report noted that 15 percent of Kakaako residents walk to work compared with 5 percent of Oahu's population, and that 42 percent of Kakaako households are single people living alone compared with 23 percent of Oahu households, based on 2010 Census data.
When it comes to home occupancy, 14 percent of the 6,131 housing units in Kakaako were vacant in 2010, which included units occupied only part of the year and units waiting to be sold or rented. The vacancy rate is about 7 percentage points higher than the rate for Oahu, though the report said it is in line with condos in general.
Of the 5,253 occupied housing units in Kakaako, about 46 percent, or 2,436, were occupied by owners while the remaining 54 percent, representing 2,817 units, were occupied by renters in 2010.
Related: Decline of Nuclear Family Makes Kakaako Development Possible
read ... Kakaako could generate $5B
14 quit in wake of disclosure law
SA: Citing privacy concerns over Senate Bill 2682, which was scheduled to become law Tuesday without Gov. Neil Abercrombie's signature, West Hawaii regent Carl Carlson and Kauai regent Tom Shigemoto resigned last week from the university's 15-member board. Former UH regents John Dean and Saedene Ota both resigned last month because of the new law....
Other resignations have come from individuals serving on the state Land Use Commission, Board of Land and Natural Resources, Agribusiness Development Corp. and Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corp.
CB: Hawaii Board Members Bailing Before Disclosure Law Takes Effect
read ... Do Not Disclose
Hawaii, Liquefied Natural Gas and the Jones Act
IM: Hawaii is looking at the possible importation of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
But there is a confrontation brewing between proposed LNG imports and the ninety-four year old Jones Act....
If either Hawai`i were to be given an exemption from the Jones Act, or Hawai`i were an independent nation, then these foreign boats could bring goods directly into Hawai`i. This would lower the cost of imports.
It is argued that Hawaiian agricultural, commercial and industrial manufacturers and producers could make cheaper products with cheaper imported fertilizer, pesticides and fuels....
In 2003 the late U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye authored part of a bill which allowed a partial exemption from the Jones Act for three large foreign-built U.S.-flag cruise ships.
Resolutions calling for the repeal of the Jones Act were introduced in the 2014 State Legislature.
Senator Slom introduced SCR 153.
Representatives Ward and Souki introduced HCR 153. Representatives Brower, Cachola, Creagan, Evans, Kobayashi signed onto the House Resolution.
The Resolutions were not heard.
The Hawaii Republican Party held their state convention in May 2014. They passed a Resolution that called on Congress to exempt Hawaii from the Jones Act.
The right-wing Grassroot Institute of Hawaii supports free market solutions and a repeal of the Jones Act.
Allowing Energy Independence by importing Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) into Hawai`i have become the latest rallying cry. There are a the lack of Jones Act-compliant LNG tankers.
Panos Prevedouros asserts that “at a minimum, non-contiguous U.S. states and territories, and the LNG trade must be exempted from Jones Act immediately.” ....
read ... Hawai`i, Liquefied Natural Gas and the Jones Act
Hanabusa Stands With Farmers and Scientists Against Schatz, Anti-GMO Protesters
SA: Hanabusa said she does not believe genetically modified foods are unhealthy and said she stands with farmers and scientists on the issue. In a widening policy split, she said Schatz's support for state and county home rule on GMO regulation would not work.
"You cannot have potentially four different sets of legislation or statutes to govern what can be grown by our farmers," she said. "That would, in and of itself, I believe, kill agriculture, because how can they survive if they have one set of rules in one area, and another ...
"And as someone who wants to be the United States senator, or is the United States senator, look at it in terms of the United States Constitution -- supremacy clause and commerce clause."
Hanabusa, however, said the states, and not the federal government, should determine whether marijuana should be legalized.
Schatz said he does not think Hawaii is ready to legalize marijuana, but does believe there needs to be a national conversation on drug laws that are "incarcerating young men and women and ruining their lives."
read ... Schatz Wrong on GMOs
Punchy Hanabusa Slams Schatz on experience, appointment and ability to read bills.
AP: Hanabusa repeatedly confronted Schatz on several issues during a televised debate on Monday night, slamming her rival on his experience, appointment and ability to read bills.
Even a question about what she likes about Schatz turned into a one-minute flurry of backhanded compliments as she called him "a survivor in this political arena."
"I'm just amazed, you know," Hanabusa said before recounting Schatz's political career, from an unsuccessful run for Congress in 2006 to leading the Democratic party in Hawaii and eventually becoming lieutenant governor. "And then he convinced (Gov.) Neil Abercrombie that he should be appointed to the United States Senate.
"That's an amazing feat — one vote created somebody as the United States senator for the state of Hawaii," Hanabusa said. "That's something you've got to admire."...
...Hanabusa responded by saying Schatz was misstating votes and skipping over key details.
"Brian, you have to start to read the bills to really understand what you're talking about," she said.
CB: Rep. Hanabusa Comes Out Swinging at Sen. Schatz in First TV Debate
SA: In a taut and punchy performance, U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa sought on Monday night to depict U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz as unprepared
KITV: The debate got very heated between the two when they started asking each other questions about cutting social security and Medicare.
read ... Schatz Slamming
Republican candidate Marissa Capelouto wants to restore the American dream
HNN: "I was once a minimum wager. I got to own a company in 2006. I bought Oahu express -- it's a 30-year-old company, local, established here in Hawaii and for me, this is an American dream," she said. "I got to come here. I've been here for 27 years of course you know, and to me, I'm here to work."
Capelouto says her experience as a business woman will help her lead in Washington. She says there are many improvements that are needed here on the islands, from education and healthcare reform to following through with benefits to veterans.
"Our cultural values are disappearing in our education. Our kids are being taught with something I have never heard before and to me, somebody needs to fight for those kids -- innocent kids and families and parents -- and this is the time." she said.
Capelouto said that if she is elected, she wants to see vocational programs in all public high schools.
read ... Capelouto
Fishing for Ige Votes, Borreca Slams Abercrombie Support of Geothermal
Borreca: ...Abercrombie has taken his campaign for re-election on the road and spent last week in Hilo and on Maui signing bills passed by the Legislature.
While at the Yacht Club in Hilo, Abercrombie tried to nudge the semi-autonomous Public Utilities Commission, urging the swift approval of geothermal permissions.
"I hope this will act as an incentive and as an urging, to the (Public Utilities Commission) and to public opinion on the opportunity to move forward on the incredible geothermal resources that exist here on the Big Island," Abercrombie said.
The thing about loving geothermal energy is that it is best done from afar....
read ... Praising geothermal power, from a safe distance away
Hawaii County Property tax hike proposed
HTH: ...Hawaii County property owners who want to claim the homeowner’s exemption to reduce their property taxes may soon be required to file a Hawaii state income tax return annually in order to qualify.
That was the consensus Monday of a county panel charged with making recommendations to the County Council on how to make the county tax code more fair and less burdensome. The Real Property Tax Stakeholder’s Task Force will advance the measure to the council, with plans to put it into effect by December 2015.
The county Real Property Tax Division wouldn’t get copies of the tax returns, or information about what is on the forms. Instead, the fact that a form was filed with the state Tax Office would serve as proof that the property owner is indeed a state resident and qualifies for the property tax break.
While Finance Director Nancy Crawford expressed concerns that the proposed policy could place an extra burden on older and low-income homeowners who don’t file tax returns....
In Hawaii County, about 40,000 property owners claim the homeowner’s exemption. To qualify, they must assert the property is their primary residence. The exemption currently automatically renews each year. Currently, individuals younger than 65 don’t have to file state taxes if their taxable gross income is $3,344 or less or $6,688 for a married couple filing jointly. Those 65 and older don’t file if their income is $4,488 or less, or $8,976 for a married couple filing jointly.
The county, under a memorandum of agreement with the state, is currently sending its homeowner list to the state Tax Office, to compare it against those filing state income taxes. The problem is, there isn’t a way to verify that those who don’t file state taxes aren’t indeed residents.
The county about six weeks ago sent letters to 6,700 property owners seeking verification that they qualify for the homeowner’s exemption.
“We got hammered,” Real Property Tax Administrator Stan Sitko said of the response.
read ... Property tax changes coming?
Proof that 'Sustainability' is a Fraud--All Hawaii Politicians Agree on It
CB: The launch follows the unanimous passing of an Aloha+ Challenge resolution by the Hawaii Legislature this year.
“Hawaii exemplifies the urgent need for action on the global challenge to build more sustainable economies, as Hawaii’s people depend on imports for roughly 95 percent of their energy and 85 percent of their food, at an estimated annual cost of more than $8 billion,” the resolution states.
The resolution was inspired by an invitation last year to Hawaii to join the Global Island Partnership, an organization committed to conservation of island biodiversity in partnership with the UN Commission on Sustainable Development. Abercrombie accepted the invite.
More background: Act 181 of 2011 established sustainability as a priority in the Hawaii State Plan and incorporated the definition, goals and principles of sustainability from the Hawaii 2050 Sustainability Plan into state law....
The leaders were all smiles during Monday’s press event at the Capitol Auditorium.
Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said he had never seen such a gathering for one cause before.
Reality: Crichton: Environmentalism is a religion
read ... State and County Leaders Pledge Commitment to Hawaii Sustainability
Hirono Whines That Pro-Hunting/Fishing Bill Isn’t Full Of Gun Control Language
TH: The Senate voted to move forward on Monday with legislation aimed at preserving federal lands for hunting and fishing, despite objections from Democrats (including Hirono) who wanted the measure to include gun control language....
The sportsmen's bill would also reauthorize wetland and fishing conservation programs and would allow online sales of duck stamps. The Senate is expected to continue debating the legislation this week.
Democrats have used similar legislation before to try to help incumbents fighting for reelection.
Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) introduced a similar bill while he was up for reelection in 2012
read ... Hirono vs Hunting
Tons of glass not being recycled, problem could get worse
KHON: A hundred tons a week of glass suddenly can not be recycled and it is heading toward the trash heap instead. It’s a problem “Always Investigating” uncovered.
Recyclers can’t afford the cost of recycling glass without the city and state chipping in to help, and those funds have run just too low.
Those same cost pressures could threaten recycling of other lighter-weight materials too.
The cost of recycling anything is getting tougher to cover because it has to be shipped away.
The costs of shipping rarely to never go down, and the rate of reimbursement for recyclables is set at what many say is too low.
Expansion at an on-island manufacturing plant could help change the dynamic for the better at least in the plastic category.
read ... Tons of glass not being recycled, problem could get worse
Campaign News:
July 10 Important Deadline
27 candidates from 3 races expected at Kauai political forum tomorrow
Candidate Q&A — House District 16: Daynette Morikawa
Candidate Q&A — House District 16: Thomas Kahawai
2014 Waianae Coast Candidate Forum - Tune in!
Anti-GMO Candidates Endorsed by Loons
July 17 Roundtable With Hawaii’s Congressional Candidates
More than 4,000 Asian Americans currently hold public office in 39 states and the federal government
Drive-thru voter registration happening in Hawaii
Do you care about politics? 1 in 10 tune them out
Abercrombie for Sale $500 at Plaza Club
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