October 2, 2010 News Read > Hawaii Free Press

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Saturday, October 2, 2010

October 2, 2010 News Read
By Andrew Walden @ 2:34 PM :: 8724 Views

AFL-CIO’s false attack takes aim at Djou’s ethnicity

Djou: New Fiscal Year, Same Fiscal Irresponsibility (IBD editorial)

Health Insurance? No need: Abercrombie promises to dump Prepaid Health Care Act

Inouye says Abercrombie proposal would "shut local businesses" out of work

Hawaii Taxpayers On the Hook for $9 Billion--and Not for Rail

OHA driving Hawaiians out of Hawaii

AP: Aiona commercial played backwards says “I am the walrus.”

(Play the Aiona commercial backwards. It clearly says “Paul is dead” or “I am the walrus” or something. Come to think about it, Abercrombie kind of looks like a walrus, so maybe it IS a subliminal message….)

… the motto "rise and shine," a variant of which appears in biblical verse (not really), may be having a more persuasive effect in Hawaii this election season at a time when some religious leaders are urging support for candidates with conservative social positions.

"The advertisements seem to be signaling Duke Aiona's religious conservatism without having to actually discuss his religious conservatism," said Michael Wagner, a political scientist at the University of Nebraska.

(Apparently none of the local pundits were stupid enough to make themselves part of this so they had to go all the way to Nebraska. Talk about “reaching”. But this crap ended up in the SA and HTH as Democrat media robots become increasingly frantic as they attempt to rouse their base from its Obama-induced torpor.)

BTW: Here is a reference to religion AP might want to investigate someday: Kelly Hu says, "Listening to Neil speak is like going to church." I’m sure the media will jump all over that any day now.

GOP Govs Run Negative TV Ad Against Abercrombie: Analysts Call Ad Subtle, Soft, Cute

"Abercrombie voted for higher taxes on Hawaii families, the bailout, failed stimulus bonuses for Wall Street executives. In this economy, Mr Abercrombie! Fortunately, Hawaii has a choice we can afford. Duke Aiona will oppose taxes and create jobs. A smart, independent leader. Duke Aiona for governor," said the TV ad.

After Mufi Hannemann's failed negative attack with his "compare and decide brochure," Republican strategists are more cautious.

Gov. candidates to discuss children's issues

Democrat Neil Abercrombie, Republican James "Duke" Aiona and independent Thomas Pollard will meet at a forum on Sunday sponsored by the Good Beginnings Alliance. It will begin at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the state Capitol.

2012: Lingle Eyes U.S. Sen. Akaka's Seat

"I will likely take a look at the 2012 senate race here in Hawaii. You know that is when the seat comes up. Sen. Daniel Akaka (D) would have to run again in 2012. So I will take a serious look at that office at that time, and depending on where the public is at the time. It is something that would interest me," said Lingle.

"I will likely be involved with Republican politics on a national level in the presidential race in 2012 making sure we elect a leader for America who will try to get the economy back on track in a way I believe encourages the business," said Lingle.

Moon’s furlough ruling delays Carlisle's swearing in

"It has just come to our attention that a Supreme Court order issued by former Chief Justice (Ronald) Moon has resulted in a change to the 20-day challenge period after the election for the newly elected mayor and prosecutor," City Clerk Bernice Mau wrote in an e-mail to City Council members.

Moon's order, dated Oct. 23, 2009, indicates that court furlough days be treated as a weekend day.

Because the court would be on furlough Friday, the last day for any potential challenge to be filed, Oct. 11 now becomes the last day for any such challenge.

SA vs OHA: Economics at root of 'bias'

The report attempts to put too much blame on institutional racism, which is overly simplistic. Indeed, socio-economic factors strongly come to bear in who commits crimes, why crimes are perpetuated and in treatment through the court system. But rather than a singular focus on problems within the penal system for native Hawaiians, OHA and others should be looking just as avidly at the roots of the problem: how to improve socio-economic conditions of susceptible families and youth to avoid prison.

CB: Akaka Bill Pau Already?

The U.S. Congress went home to campaign for re-election, leaving a slew of unfinished business until after the Nov. 2 election at the earliest.

In addition to legislation on energy, immigration, gays in the military and extending the Bush tax cuts, no action was taken on the Akaka bill despite the desire of Hawaii's congressional delegation.

With the House expected to fall to Republicans and the Senate's Democratic majority likely to shrink, the last, best chance for (the Akaka Tribe to steal away with) federal recognition of Native Hawaiians may lie in a lame-duck session before the 112th Congress is sworn in come January.

Political Radar: Lame ducked

SA: Lawyers' group supports Akaka Bill in letter to senators

Appointed Board of Ed? HSTA to Teachers: "NO"

It's official: The Hawaii State Teachers Association has taken its stance on the ballot initiative for an appointed board of education. And it has told its 13,000 members to "Vote NO on Ballot Question."

This wouldn't surprise Gov. Linda Lingle, who said as much at a Smart Business Hawaii meeting Thursday morning. The reason the union loves an elected board, she said, is because it can control elected board members.

Lingle credits private sector for isles' economic rebound: The governor also cites her administration's success in keeping spending under budget

Gov. Linda Lingle said she will leave office this December with a Hawaii that is on the path to recovery and a stronger future.

Lingle, who gave the keynote address yesterday at the Hawaii Economic Association's annual conference, said prudent fiscal management, the creativity of the private sector, the success of the Hawaii Tourism Authority and the use of targeted federal funds to expand energy got the state through economic woes.

SA: Turning the corner

Maui: Arakawa, Tavares spar over sour economy

Arakawa, who Tavares narrowly defeated to become mayor in 2006, said he has yet to see a firm business plan for what Tavares intends to do to get Maui County out of its current economic downturn and allow residents to keep their homes and jobs.

He said he is going to make sure that "everybody has a say in what we intend to do for the future."

Arakawa later said the county needs to do more to assist nonprofit groups to repair and renovate foreclosed homes and get people into them. Construction of developments has also slowed to nearly a standstill since he was in office, a fact he'd change, he said, without much elaboration.

Arakawa also said the county needs to help the business community by investing in or getting back events, such as Halloween in Lahaina.

Kauai: Public invited to forum for County Council candidates

LIHU‘E — A forum for Kaua‘i County Council candidates will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Prince Golf Course Clubhouse in Princeville, a news release states.

The forum is being sponsored by the North Shore Council, a group composed of community association leaders from Kilauea to Ha‘ena.

The 14 candidates for the County Council who emerged from the primary election have been invited to participate in the forum. On Nov. 2, seven of these candidates will be elected to serve on the County Council for the next two years.

Health workers suing the state

Now the trio is suing health director Chiyome Fukino.

The civil lawsuit alleges they were let go for speaking out against cuts to Hawaii's mental health services.

"The harm they have done by terminating people in critical positions and cutbacks that they have directed is simply incalculable," attorney Eric Seitz said.

(Typical HGEA political ploy.)

HR: Business and Health Insurance Costs to Remain High Under Hawaii’s Exemption to National Healthcare Law

Under the new federal healthcare law, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, now being implemented, Hawaii’s businesses will continue to shoulder 98.5 percent of the costs of health insurance premiums – higher than any state in the nation.

SA: Local-hire law needs clarification

In vetoing the bill, Gov. Linda Lingle rightly expressed concern about "an ill-defined, ambiguous and complex compliance structure for contractors and state and county agencies." She envisioned a contractor being puzzled about whether the quota of resident workers be applied every day, every month over the project's duration.

In her veto message, Lingle also asserted that "the courts are divided" about the validity of states requiring the hire of residents in public works projects.

Legislators, who overrode Lingle's veto, now should determine before convening in January how to bring the law into compliance with federal rules, if possible.

ANOTHER American Samoa lawmaker charged with embezzlement, corruption

The charges against Rep. Faafetai Iaulualo stem from 2008, the last of four years he was director of the U.S. territory's Department of Human and Social Services.

Iaulualo approved three paychecks for a department employee, co-defendant Aualuma Pese, who wasn't entitled to the money, prosecutors said. Pese was charged with receiving stolen property.

Pese, the wife of Lefiti Pese, director of the territory's Department of Agriculture, was accused of getting $7,651 without working or having adequate leave.

In exchange for approving illegal payroll forms, Iaulualo received assistance in his 2008 election campaign, according to court documents. He is running for re-election in November.

Pearl Harbor and Hickam merge

Naval Base Pearl Harbor and Hickam Air Force Base became one installation today.

They're among 26 installations across the country that are combining to become 12 joint bases as the military strives to become more efficient.

Call for nominations put out for University of Hawaii Board of Regents

There will be vacancies in the following seats on the Board of Regents for terms beginning July 1, 2011:

Two (2) City and County of Honolulu
One (1) County of Hawaiʻi (West Hawai‘i)

Additionally, the RCAC will also accept applications for a Maui County seat, currently occupied by Regent James Haynes, whose term ended on June 30, 2010. The names of the finalists for this seat were presented to Governor Lingle during the previous recruitment period. However, Governor Lingle’s nominee for this seat was denied consent by the Hawai‘i State Senate and, as of this date, has not been filled.

Judge to allow disclosure of pharmaceutical settlement amounts

But it likely won’t be until next week that Circuit Judge Gary Chang’s formal written decision will be filed to clear the way for the disclosure of the total amount, which is believed to be in the tens of millions of dollars.

Veteran politico and developer sets his sights on historic Haleiwa

Anderson, at 80, is dealing with some ill will from the North Shore community over the proposal to build a replica of the 1899 Haleiwa Hotel on the Jameson's by the Sea restaurant property he owns along with adjacent city parcels he wants to acquire….

He's rarely steered clear of contentious battles in a lifetime of legislating, running for governor and partnering with the late Frank Fasi as the city's managing director.

Now, he said, his interest lies in improving Haleiwa. He's part of a committee with a plan to bury area utility lines, widen sidewalks and make things generally less traffic-choked and more inviting.

The "boutique" hotel he wants to build would fit in well with a spruced-up town, he said; without improvements, Haleiwa can't live up to its billing as a historic attraction.

"It's a mess," Anderson said. "But it's a good mess."

Obama's new chief gathers isle kudos

"I join Asian Americans across the country in celebrating his selection, which reflects President Obama's appreciation of our nation's diversity," said Democratic U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono. "Mr. Rouse brings a unique background to this critical position, and I'm confident he will do a great job as chief of staff."

U.S. Rep. Charles Djou, a Republican, said yesterday he welcomes and commends Rouse's selection.

"It is my hope that Mr. Rouse will work in a more bipartisan fashion than his predecessor," said Djou, referring to Rahm Emanuel, who resigned to run for Chicago mayor. "I look forward to meeting Mr. Rouse to change the current policies in Washington and turn around our economy."

(Best part of this news: Rouse used to work for loser Tom Daschle—so that is the experience he brings to Obama.)

WaTimes: Holder is AWOL on military voting

Justice recently forced Hawaii, which originally was not compliant, to produce an acceptable way to accommodate its military voters. That's the sort of diligence Mr. Holder's department should demonstrate more often. So far, the Obama administration's efforts on behalf of our men and women in uniform have been sorely lacking.