Hawaii Memorial Day Ceremonies
Serving Those Who Served
A New Moral Treatment: Humane institutionalization can help the mentally ill and protect society
So you don’t think Stop Rail Appeal has a Chance?
Star-Adv Celebrates Memorial Day By Crying About Dead Terrorist
SA Memorial Day Editorial: Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of the Obama presidency has been its secrecy, especially surrounding the use of unmanned drones to target and kill enemies hidden in more remote spots on the planet. Many people pointed to the assassination (killing in combat) of an American citizen, (terrorist, and traitor) Anwar al-Awlaki....
Obama never came clean on al-Awlaki before, nor on the fact that three other Americans (also terrorists) had been killed, albeit unintentionally. Now he's talking, underlining that he briefed Congress on every case of drone attacks.
Dead Terrorists: Anwar al-Awlaki's Nazi Roots
Similar to this editorial: 'Islam' Defaces British War Memorials
ILind: Celebrates Surrender Monkeys
Also Related: Schatz should oppose including Israel in visa-waiver program
read ... Tears for Al-Qaeda
Honoring Memorial Day
Bills would force $500M/year Tax Hike or Spending Cut
SA: No longer content to hide from the obligation, the state Legislature passed a bill early this month that would for the first time commit the state and counties to a payment schedule to address the $16 billion unfunded liability in the Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund.
The bill would require increasingly larger annual contributions over five years until the state and counties reach the targets financial experts believe are necessary. Starting in fiscal year 2018, the state budget director would be empowered to divert general excise tax money and hotel room tax revenue if the state and counties fail to make adequate annual contributions.
The state alone would eventually have to pay more than $500 million a year to fulfill an obligation that has so far been neglected.
While policy analysts agree that the state must cope with the unfunded liability, the counties and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii have cautioned that the bill could intensify pressure to raise taxes or cut programs to satisfy the mandate, elevating health care benefits for about 64,800 state and county employees and 41,750 retirees over other public needs.
As Explained: Creative Insolvency: EUTF to Enter ‘Shadow Insurance Industry’?
read ... Bill would mandate payments by state and counties
John Carroll Appeals Jones Act Suit Dismissal
WD: Carroll’s lawsuit was dismissed on standing, but in a sign of growing anti-Jones Act enthusiasm, he filed an appeal Thursday, May 23.
RTV: Dismissed With Prejudice May 9
GC: U.S. Court Dismisses Hawaii Jones Act Claims
read ... Appeal
Senator Hee given Lava Tube Award for death of Shield Law
BIVN: The dubious honor – awarded annually by the Big Island Press Club to individuals or organizations that have obscured the public’s right to access information – was the predictable result of the State Senator’s effort to alter the Hawaii Shield Law. The law was regarded as one of the best in the nation for journalists. Hee’s role led to its demise.
read ... Lava Tube
Teachers sought for leadership program
SA: Up to 35 teachers in public schools in Hawaii will be selected for the pilot, which begins at the start of the school year. The program is also sponsored by the state Department of Education and the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation.
It was developed by the national nonprofit, New Leaders, based in New York City, and operates in several cities.
Applications and more information are available at www.newleaders.org or via email to emergingleaders@newleaders.org. Online information sessions are being offered weekly, with registration through the website. The application deadline is June 20.
read ... Leadership
Sex Offender Released from Prison, Allegedly Kills Neighbor
BIC: The suspect is Balinbalin’s shooting is Seon Aki, who is being held in the Hilo cellblock while police investigate the case. Sources say Aki was a neighbor of Balinbalin’s, and recently was released from prison.
Aki is a sex offender registered with the State of Hawaii. State records posted on the state’s sex offender registry website indicate Aki was convicted of third-degree sexual assault in 2003, after first being charged with first-degree sexual assault. His conviction was 10 years of probation, according to the posted documents.
read ... Soft on Crime
Elderts Has Record of Fighting With Police
SA: The man fatally shot by a federal agent in Waikiki just before the 2011 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference had been involved in a disorderly conduct case 21⁄2 years earlier when he had to be subdued by officers outside a Kailua bar.
Kollin Elderts, 23, was drunk in 2008 when he resisted arrest and swore at police before being subdued, according to court documents recently filed on behalf of the federal agent charged with murder in the Waikiki shooting.
read ... Soft on Crime
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