November 24, 2009 News Read > Hawaii Free Press

Hawaii Daily News Read

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

November 24, 2009 News Read
By Andrew Walden @ 12:41 PM :: 10735 Views

LINK>>>Lingle defends Chinese trade initiatives against criticism

Mufi demands rail go the way of the Superferry

Gov. Linda Lingle said yesterday that she would not "rubber stamp" the final environmental impact statement on Honolulu's $5.5 billion rail project, promising a thorough review of whether the city adequately explored alternatives and whether the financial plan remains sound given the recession....

Hannemann, a Democrat, said he hoped the Republican governor's comments reflect "her ignorance of the EIS process and not an indication of how she intends to politicize the process." (Why would this be political, Mufi? You aren't planning to use rail as a platform to seek the Governor's seat are you?)

A lengthy review by Lingle of the final environmental impact statement could delay Hannemann's ambitious construction schedule.

Hannemann said it is ironic Lingle would aggressively scrutinize the environmental report on rail after exempting Hawai'i Superferry from environmental review, a decision that ultimately led to the project's collapse.

"I find it very ironic that, with Superferry, she ran roughshod over that, didn't think there was a need to do that, and then now with rail, she's going to hold our feet to the fire and ask questions that really speak to her ignorance of the EIS process," the mayor said.

(So Mufi is demanding that Rail go exactly the way of the Superferry? Wow.)

Good News: A small elite no longer runs Hawaii -- Bad News: Mufi thinks he can change that

Last-minute donation: Rail contractor gave to Hannemann Campaign

Updated list of Honolulu rail contractors released

Hawaii Corrections Officers File Complaint Against United Public Workers Union

HILO, HAWAII - Six Hawaii Adult Corrections Officers employed at the Hawaii Community Correctional Center (HCCC) in Hilo, filed a complaint against their union, the United Public Workers (UPW) and their employer, State of Hawaii with the Hawaii Labor Relations Board, their attorney Ted Hong announced today.

WHT: Correctional center employees file complaint against state

Keep lid on crime, fears

To hear former police chief Boisse Correa and Honolulu Prosecutor Peter Carlisle tell it, cooperation among law-and-order agencies has played a pivotal role. These include initiatives such as Operation Pitstop, which targets stolen vehicles, and the Property Crime Task Force, which "targets individuals who are known to be thieves," Carlisle said.

Shut down the thieves — the repeat criminals — and reduce crime at the root. Keep it going.

(Is it possible? Did the SB get something right?)

Parents against cut in child-care funds

State human services spokeswoman Toni Schwartz said no deadline has been set for implementing the cuts, and the department will be reviewing the comments.

"This isn't anything that will go through right away," Schwartz said.

Public workers now have until Dec. 7 to select medical insurance plan

The process also has resulted in a rift between the EUTF trustees and the Hawaii Medical Service Association, the state's largest insurer.

The benefits trust fund has accused HMSA of making misleading statements to retain business, while the insurer has alleged the EUTF bungled decisions on a new health plan being offered and didn't communicate clearly to members about the open enrollment period.

The confusion has spawned thousands of calls to the EUTF, which said yesterday it may be guilty of distributing open enrollment materials late, but disputed criticism that it hadn't clearly communicated about plan choices and administrators.

Moreover, it said HMSA had not abided by rules to clear advertising with it and had not taken strong enough corrective action on an inaccurate e-mail sent by an HMSA executive to state employees.

EUTF administrator Jim Williams said his office was discussing possible corrective measures it will take on its own.

SB: Insurance deadlines extended

Mayor seeks fine for bulky trash left out early

Property owners will be fined $500 a day for bulky trash left in front of their homes ahead of the scheduled pickup day, under a bill introduced by Mayor Mufi Hannemann.

Mayor bucks OHA recommendation

LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. on Monday announced his recommendation that Phase III of the multi-use coastal path along the island’s Eastside continue on Wailua Beach as previously planned rather than be diverted to a mauka route to assuage cultural concerns.

(Another mayor throwing down the gauntlet to OHA...hmmmmm)

Obamacare Advertiser: Doctors still hold reins in women's health

The ~~scientists~~ (bureaucrats) evaluating the risks and benefits (costs to the government) of mammography in saving women's lives offered a revised recommendation on the procedure. (Ten years later for regular mammograms) Women, justifiably, are still reeling. (because they know this is money-driven government interference in health decisions)

They fear the worst: the reduction or loss of an essential medical service, cemented in public health policy and insurance coverage, as a way to save money. (Give Obama time, we'll get there)

It's time for everyone — from patients to insurance claims adjusters — to take a deep breath. (If you are against Obama you must be crazy and unhinged)

The new advice from the federal advisory panel, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, ought to be taken as just that: their best advice, based on careful study of mammography practice and outcomes. (And you must accept their authority. They're from the government and they're here to help.)

REALITY: The Obamacare Rationing Threat To Your Mammograms

Alleged scientist spy fit to stand trial

A Maui man accused of selling military secrets to China has been found competent to stand trial.

The worst-case curve (CO2 increases while Earth cools!)

Carbon dioxide concentrations this fall are hovering at around 385 parts per million, on their way to a near-certain record high above 390 in the first half of next year, at the annual peak.

"For the past million years we've never seen 390," said physicist John Barnes, the observatory director. "You have to wonder what that's going to do."

Global Temperature and Atmospheric CO2 over Geologic Time

REALITY: http://www.geocraft.com/WVFossils/Carboniferous_climate.html Late Carboniferous to Early Permian time (315 mya -- 270 mya) is the only time period in the last 600 million years when both atmospheric CO2 and temperatures were as low as they are today (Quaternary Period ).

MORE REALITY: Climategate: the final nail in the coffin of 'Anthropogenic Global Warming'? , "95% water vapour" Global warming debunked