SB27 SB31: Short Form Bills on Transparency -- OHA's Trojan Horse?
Full Text: UH Cancer Center Report
Hunting-Related Bills Begin to Move in Legislature
Hawaii Congressional Delegation How They Voted February 2, 2015
NCAA Violations: Arnold Scored $200K Payout Thanks to Bley-Vroman
SA: Even with the release of the NCAA's notice of allegations that repeatedly cite former basketball coach Gib Arnold, the University of Hawaii is declining to elaborate on why it chose to dismiss him on a more costly "without cause" basis.
UH announced Arnold's termination Oct. 28, approximately 11 days after it was said the NCAA had substantially completed its eight-month investigation of the program....
According to terms of Arnold's contract in force at the time, he could have been terminated "with cause" for several reasons, including:
» "A deliberate or major violation as defined by the current NCAA bylaws and legislation by coach or a failure to report such violation."
» "Violation of NCAA legislation relating to the sports program by an assistant coach, coordinator or sports program student-athlete and either the violation occurs or continues to occur after the coach knew or should have known that it was about to occur or was occurring ..."
» "Violation of NCAA legislation by any coach or student-athlete under the coach's direct supervision that, upon determination of the athletic director, reflects adversely upon the university ..."
By invoking the "with cause" provision, the contract said, "coach's salary and any benefits, as set forth, shall terminate as of the date the agreement is terminated by the university and the university shall not thereafter be liable to coach for any damages, legal or otherwise."
But when UH announced Arnold's dismissal in October, the school said, "Arnold will be employed through Jan. 26, 2015, and will be paid a lump sum payment for the remainder of his contract term, set to expire June 30, 2015."
Based on Arnold's $344,000 salary for 2014-15, the difference between a "for cause" and "without cause" termination amounts to more than $200,000. (UH Athletics sure do like wasting money $200K at a time. Did they mail Arnold's check to a trailer park in Florida?)
Manoa Chancellor Robert Bley-Vroman, who announced Arnold's termination in October, said (insert excuses here....)
Ferd's Words: Sports focus OK, just make it pay
read ... Another Athletic Dep't $200,000 Giveaway
Some UH Profs Challenge 'Gender Equity Specialist'
SA: It's been nine months since the University of Hawaii-Manoa was named as one of 55 schools under federal review for its handling of sexual harassment and sexual violence, raising flags about the severity of these problems on campus. And though UH-Manoa is now touting increased training on campus, such efforts appear spotty to nonexistent — a serious disconnect that must be quickly fixed.
While those closest to the efforts — such as UH-Manoa's gender equity specialist Jennifer Rose — maintain that there is more awareness due to increased training for faculty and students, other key faculty leaders say that's just not happening.
"I haven't seen any evidence at all that there's been any real change in attitudes toward campus sexual assault or sexual harassment on the campus," said Meda Chesney-Lind, chairwoman of UH's women's studies department. "Of all of the departments, you would have thought we would have heard something. But there's been no change — certainly no extraordinary uptick in information about campus sex assault."
That sentiment was echoed by Faculty Senate Chairman Ron Bontekoe, who has not been apprised of any training being offered. Further, the Philosophy Department chairman told Star-Advertiser reporter Dan Nakaso, he's not been asked to provide any instructions to his faculty to be alert to potential sex harassment in their classes since the federal investigation began....
On the UH-Manoa campus, there exists a steady number of reports involving forcible sex offenses. In 2012, the most recent year data was available, nine of the 11 forcible sex offenses reported occurred in dorms or other residences. In 2010 and again in 2011, a dozen forcible sex offenses were reported.
Background: Rape Hype: California-based Shake Down Operation Targets UH-Manoa Admissions
read ... More UH Incompetence
Rail Deficit/Tax Hike Hype: Now $2 Billion?
HNN: Paying for the most expensive construction project in the state's history isn't easy. Honolulu's $5.2 billion rail system now faces a budget shortfall of up to $900 million. (Just last week it was $500M.)
"We said from the beginning that there would be at least a $2 billion cost overrun. (Wow. That's 4x in a week.) We said that from before they even started and I think we've understated it," said rail opponent Cliff Slater.
(Note how anti-rail arguments become fodder for the GE tax hike?)
read ... The bigger the deficit, the greater the pressure for a tax hike
Large Rail Contractors Dump $1.3 Million into Local Campaign Coffers
CB: Companies making at least $1 million on the Honolulu rail project are donating heavily to local politicians. Some of the biggest beneficiaries include Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell, Hawaii Gov. David Ige and their predecessors.
read ... Bought n Paid For
HB623/SB715: Bills Ban Diesel Electricity, Attack LNG
IM: Tomorrow the House Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection (EEP) will hear HB 623. The Senate Committee on Energy and Environment (ENE) will hear SB 715.
The two companion bills deal with Renewable Standards. They extend the Renewable Portfolio Standard into the future. Hawaii must get 70 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2035 and 100 percent by 2040.
One purpose of HB 623 and SB 715 is to make sure that Liquefied Natural Gas serves as only a transitional bridge to a renewable future and not a permanent new imported fossil fuel alternative.
read ... Ending the use of imported fossil fuel in Hawai`i
Poll 43% sat 'No' to NextEra
HNN: The pending sale of Hawaiian Electric to a Florida-based company is sparking debate. Hawaiian Electric and NextEra Energy announced the $4.3 billion deal in December. The latest Hawaii Poll reveals serious concerns among customers.
When asked if the acquisition would be good for Hawaii, 34% of those polled said "yes" while 43% said "no." 23% didn't know or refused to answer.
Ward Research conducted the Hawaii News Now/Honolulu Star Advertiser poll of 403 residents between January 13 and 23.
SA: Hawaii island group explores alternative for electrical utility
read ... 34% say Yes
Ige’s Appointments Tend to Come Late on Fridays
CB: Hawaii governor's office says it's just coincidence that most of his Cabinet choices were announced when fewer people were paying attention to the news.
read ... Buried Stories
Micronesians being switched from Medicaid to Obamacare
SA: About 7,500 Micronesians and other Pacific islanders will lose their Medicaid health coverage on Feb. 28, but they will automatically be enrolled in an Obamacare replacement plan March 1, health officials said.
"Our goal was that nobody who needed medical coverage would even have a one-day gap in their coverage," said Jeff Kissel, executive director of the Hawaii Health Connector, which serves as the state's official marketplace for insurance mandated by the Affordable Care Act.
The 7,500 migrants are the more able-bodied of some 13,700 citizens of Palau, the Marshall Islands and Federated States of Micronesia residing in Hawaii. Only people who are 65 and older, blind, disabled or pregnant can still be covered by Medicaid or Medicare as of March 1, Kissel said.
The others will automatically be switched over to Obamacare's "Silver Plan," which provides coverage similar to Medicaid but requires a co-payment. In Hawaii, Kaiser Permanente and Hawaii Medical Service Association are the only two providers under the Health Connector.
read ... Health Connector Pads Rolls
Housing First Building Opens Today
SA: ...Starting Monday, former low-income housing facility Pauahi Hale will operate as a service hub for Oahu's homeless population, as provided by a new five-year contract between the city and social service organization Mental Health Kokua.
The repurposing of the facility is expected to be announced at the site Monday by Mayor Kirk Caldwell.
Initial services will include public showers, restrooms and hygiene facilities, which will be open every day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Over the next year, the facility will also introduce residential services for 42 tenants; a relocated Safe Haven program that will include a facility for 25 existing adult clients, on-site chemical dependency treatment and outreach services; and additional support in partnership with the Institute for Human Services.
Mental Health Kokua, the state's oldest private, nonprofit mental health services organization, will operate and manage the North Pauahi Street facility. The Safe Haven program, also managed by Mental Health Kokua, is relocating to the facility from its former space on South Beretania Street.
Former city Community Services Director Pam Witty-Oakland indicated that existing Pauahi Hale tenants would not be displaced by the new arrangements. However, individuals who meet the standards of chronic homelessness under the city's Housing First program will be allowed to move in as current tenants move on to other accommodations....
read ... Housing First
Bills cover electronic smoking bans (and Betel Nuts too)
SA: More than a dozen bills seeking to regulate electronic smoking in some way have been introduced at the state Legislature, and proponents of the product appear ready to fight each of them every step of the way.
Four of the proposals were heard by the House Health Committee on Friday. Decision-making is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday.
The measure with the broadest ban, House Bill 585, calls for prohibiting the use of electronic smoking devices anywhere tobacco smoking is already banned under state law. That would include state- or county-owned facilities, enclosed or partially enclosed places open to the public or places of employment, and sports arenas or outdoor arenas....
The committee also heard testimony on Bill 586, banning tobacco products and e-cigarettes at state hospital grounds; House Bill 525, prohibiting smoking and the use of tobacco, electronic smoking devices and betel nuts in all state parks; and House Bill 34, making it easier for condominium associations and cooperative housing corporations to ban the smoking of tobacco products and the use of electronic smoking devices in both dwelling units and common areas.
read ... E-Cigs
HMC, Straub, NHNC Top Safety Ratings for Hawaii Hospitals
HTH: Hilo Medical Center was named the third safest hospital in the state and took first place in one key quality-of-care measure in a recent Consumer Reports comparison.
The public “safety net” hospital, so-called because it is the only option for many people in East Hawaii, has long wrestled with public perception over its quality of care. In the last five years or so, administrators have addressed that perception by tracking performance and working to boost quality, which in turn boosts the public’s confidence, according to HMC Interim CEO Dan Brinkman.
“This is a course we’ve been on for many years now,” he said. “… It’s about doing the right thing for our patients … but we also benefit from doing the right thing.”
Brinkman explained that requirements of the Affordable Care Act, also known as ObamaCare, base Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements on patient outcomes and other quality-of-care measures. By improving its performance, the hospital expands its bottom line, in addition to helping the people it serves live healthier lives.
Meanwhile, as the hospital’s reputation increases, it is hoped more people will choose to stay on island for care, thereby boosting revenues, which can then be put back into improving patient care, he said.
The Consumer Reports comparison shows that Hilo Medical Center, which is one of 17 hospitals in the state, is making strong progress toward its goal of improving the outcomes at the facility, said Dr. Ted Peskin, HMC’s chief medical officer.
“I would say that we are extremely happy at our improvements, and our ability to take care of the people of East Hawaii,” he said. “But, we still have a lot more work to do, and we will do it.”
According to Consumer Reports, Hilo Medical Center earned an overall safety rating of 60 out of a total 100 possible points, putting it behind Honolulu’s Straub Clinic &Hospital with 64, and Waimea’s North Hawaii Community Hospital, with 62.
While a 60 percent might earn you an “F” in high school, it’s important to note that, according to the Consumer Reports review, the highest safety rating in the country was earned by Miles Memorial Hospital (now Lincoln Health) in Damariscotta, Maine, with 78 out of 100.
read ... Hospital makes the grade
Kaiser Permanente union workers begin 6-day strike
KHON: Kaiser Permanente Local 5 union workers in Hawaii are now on strike.
Licensed practical nurses, medical assistants and housekeepers hit the picket line in a contract dispute. The strike will last through Saturday.
Unite Here Local 5 objects to what it calls a low proposed wage increase and a proposal to eliminate guaranteed pensions for new employees.
Local 5 represents 1,900 workers at Kaiser in Hawaii. They have been without a contract for two years.
Eighty-eight percent of members who cast ballots in a recent vote favored striking.
read ... Strike
Unable to Defeat Longliners, Eco-Hypesters Gin Up Phony Mercury Numbers to Scare Consumers
PO: For decades, scientists have expected to see mercury levels in open-ocean fish increase in response to rising atmospheric concentrations, but evidence for that hypothesis has been hard to find. In fact, some studies have suggested that there has been no change in mercury concentration in ocean fish.
By compiling and re-analyzing three previously published reports on yellowfin tuna caught near Hawaii, U-M's Paul Drevnick and two colleagues found that the concentration of mercury in that species increased at least 3.8 percent per year from 1998 to 2008. (Translation: If the facts don't fit your hypothesis, change the facts.)
read ... Mercury levels rising in Pacific yellowfin tuna, study claims
Johanson Makes More Excuses for Party Switch
KL: With a desire to more consistently align himself with a party that represents his political and philosophical beliefs, Rep. Aaron Ling Johanson switched from the Republican to the Democratic Party in December.
“As a college student at Yale, I wanted to be different, and when I started my career here in Hawai‘i, I intended to take a that alternate path, go against the political grain and run as a Republican,” Johanson said. “I figured it would give me maximum independence, but in the longer moments that come along, one has to ask themselves if any organization they belong to accurately reflects their beliefs.” ...
“I spent quite a bit explaining why not taking a statesmanlike approach was the best, most constructive way to engage government, and there were others who wanted a much more combative, oppositional tone because they felt that it was more appropriate to play the role of the loyal opposition,” Johanson said.
Johanson believes the state of Hawai‘i’s political and cultural diversity and local customs dictate that aiming for common ground is better-received than relentlessly pursuing one’s own policy ideas....
Johanson is co-sponsoring (the HSTA's pet) House Bill (HB) 780, a bill that would require at least one board member to have taught over five years of K-12 education prior to election and appointment to the Hawai‘i school board.
read ... Excuses
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