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Sunday, January 4, 2015
January 4, 2015 News Read
By Andrew Walden @ 2:10 PM :: 4169 Views

Lottery as the Most Practical Path to Wealth?

Theilen: Hawaii Republican Caucus has grown socially conservative

SA: What does this mean? Most important, compromise is looked at by a few of the minority caucus members as abandoning social conservative principles. One member is still trying to overturn the marriage equality law. Yet it is the very Democrat-Republican cooperation that resulted in the last two years of positive legislative action, earning the Legislature its first "B" grade ever. So much was accomplished by working together. Time and energy was saved from endless politicking and posturing, and most of us became united in doing what we were elected to do -- serve our constituents. 

Working on solutions for our state can't be done in a "my way or nothing" approach. Good governing requires working together to develop good policy. This means that Democrats and Republicans set aside partisan bickering, and this is what most of us did in the last two years, when we had the bipartisan coalition....

Now, with social conservatives in control of the House minority due to former Minority Leader Aaron Johanson becoming a Democrat, our caucus primarily has become one-sided. Yet our broader community is much more diverse and noted for its tolerance. Democrat-Republican cooperation will be abandoned, mirroring the past gridlocked Congress with its ideological battles. 

If the Republican Party ever is to flourish in Hawaii, it must expand by reaching out to moderates, returning to its Eisenhower roots, focusing and growing the economy, embracing Teddy Roosevelt's commitment to environmental protections and promoting good governance.

To the dismay of some -- but I hope the pleasure of many -- I intend to stay a member of the Republican Party. I ask moderates in Hawaii to join me, so we can go back to the Lincoln, T. Roosevelt, Eisenhower, and Goldwater roots of the Grand Old Party. Will you?

Counterpoint: Aiona: Johanson Defection Solidifies Imbalance of State Government

read ... Socially Conservative

Fraud, Extravagant Expenditures: OHA Sued over Makaweli Poi Mill

KGI: The suit, filed by Lihue attorney J. Scott Kessinger on Dec. 31, claims that OHA failed to follow through on a binding agreement to transfer the Makaweli Poi Mill (MPM) to Ka Piko O Waimea, and instead turned it over to Lehua Poi Company that used the facilities for other products and did not purchase taro from Kauai farmers, but from a produce supply company that obtains taro from other islands.

The suit also charges OHA with violating the state constitution for failing in its duty to preserve and enforce traditional rights exercised by descendants of Native Hawaiians for subsistence, cultural and religious purposes during its period of ownership.

The complaint states that the transfer of MPM to Lehua Poi Company in 2013, without first assessing potential damage that could occur, essentially violated state laws regarding OHA’s mission to preserve traditional rights exercised by descendants of Native Hawaiians for subsistence, cultural and religious purposes.

A press release from Ka Piko, a nonprofit listing Bryna Storch as executive director and operations manager, stated that the suit is in the best interests to remedy a major cultural loss to the community and taro farmers of West Kauai. Ka Piko names OHA and CEO Kamanaopono Crabbe, its programs Hiilei Aloha and Hiipoi, and CEO Mona Bernardino as defendants....

Hiipoi received $369,448 in grants and assistance from OHA and Hilllei including no-interest loans for operations that were forgiven.

Despite additional revenue and substantial increases in sales of poi at Makaweli, Hiipoi operated at a loss from 2008 through 2011, with $200,176 worth of discrepancies in reporting expenses.

Funds were used for extravagant expenditures not related to the mission or business plan, according to the complaint. A purchase of a dedicated van and driver for use on Oahu was one example, with excessive outside accounting agreements and travel expenditures. In addition, Hiipoi and Hilllei failed to expend resources to assist West Kauai taro farmers, the complaint said....

The suit is claiming defamation, fraud and tortuous interference with business expectancy and contracts. It claims unfair competition from the misdirection of funds into unrelated projects that were also in competition, including a mobile poi mill on Oahu....

Related:  Lawsuit: OHA Uses Corporations to Sidestep Open Meetings Law, Loot Assets, Line Cronies' Pockets

PDF: Full Text of Lawsuit

read ... Another OHA Debacle

Teachers Speak up for Common Core

CB: Common Core has sparked sharp debate among teachers and parents in the islands, but the standards offer clear learning goals to guide education, teachers and students.

read ... Better Standards Are the First Step Toward Better Schools in Hawaii

Oahu's pedestrian fatality rate climbed last year despite safety efforts

SA: The alarming number of pedestrian accidents has prompted increased efforts to make Oahu's streets safer and shed its reputation as one of the deadliest for pedestrians in the nation — particularly for the elderly. Throughout 2015, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser will track the number of pedestrian deaths, examine issues that may be contributing to the problem, and tell the stories of those who lose their lives.

read ... Pedestrian Deaths

Great minds offer advice to isle leaders for new year

For Gov. David Ige: "A modest man, who has much to be modest about." — Winston Churchill

For U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono: "Hard work never killed anybody, but why take a chance?" — Edgar Bergen

For U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: "It is well to remember that the entire population of the universe, with one trifling exception, is composed of others." — John Andrew Holmes

For U.S. Rep.-elect Mark Takai: "You can lead a man to Congress, but you can't make him think." — Milton Berle

read ... Shapiro

Small business group lost its tax-exemption prior to disbanding

ILind: According to information posted on the Internal Revenue Service website: “The federal (501c3) tax exemption of this organization (Small Business Hawaii Entrepreneurial Education Foundation) was automatically revoked for its failure to file a Form 990-series return or notice for three consecutive years.”

The tax exemption was revoked on May 15, 2014, and the action was publicly posted on the IRS website on August 11, 2014....

Malia Zimmerman, president of Hawaii Reporter, was also a director and officer of Small Business Hawaii, serving as board secretary, according to the group’s tax return.

Best Comment: "There are two separate entities. Smart Business Hawaii, the membership organization that recently closed, was a 501(c)(6) organization."

read ... Small business group lost its tax-exemption prior to disbanding

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