Entries for May 2010

It is in our hands to make certain their sacrifice was not in vain, and to honor their service by ensuring their memory lives on.

Today, we thank all of our service members and their families, and for the many families and friends whose loved ones did not return, it is with a heavy heart that we pay tribute to them now.

May we be so fortunate that the next generation lives with the purpose and conviction of our fallen heroes.

Just as in the 2006 Senate Primary race, Ed Case has once again been forced to abandon any hope of achieving change within the Hawaii Democratic Party.

HONOLULU—Today the Democratic Party of Hawai’i held its State Convention and clearly displayed that they are out of touch with the people of Hawai’i.  Instead of addressing issues of importance to the people of Hawai’i, they focused on passing resolutions supporting physician assisted suicide, gay civil unions and increasing taxes on people who grow the economy and create jobs. 

All of us in Hawai‘i have been deeply impacted by the global recession. We’ve had to make tough decisions and sacrifices– in government, in business and in our households – to deal with the impacts that began hitting our economy in mid-2008.

In true Hawai‘i fashion, our state pulled together to tackle these difficult issues.  It has not been an easy task, and there have been disagreements, even heated debate, along the way.  But for the most part, we have remained focused on being fiscally responsible, turning our economy around, getting our residents back to work, and setting the foundation for a stronger future.

Over the past few weeks, we have been seeing the positive results of this collaboration and sacrifice. ...

“Hannemann has had months to formulate an opinion on one of the state’s most pressing issues.  In the past Hannemann dodged taking a stand on HB 444 because he wasn’t an official candidate.  Now that he’s announced and all the fan fare is over, he continues to skirt the issue.  It is clear Mufi lacks the courage and backbone to speak to his values."

“With O‘ahu residents being the greatest beneficiaries of the Superferry, it is curious that Mayor Hannemann was noticeably absent from the discussion at the time.  Yet now, as is his nature, he wants to blame others. 

“The fact is that the decision to stop the Superferry was the result of a Supreme Court ruling which was a far-reaching interpretation that heretofore had never been applied to any new maritime operation in the state.”

HONOLULU 5-27-10 – Governor Linda Lingle today announced that the State has advanced more than $1.8 billion in capital improvement projects (CIP) statewide, exceeding the original goal of the Lingle-Aiona Administration’s plan launched in December 2008 to accelerate public infrastructure construction as part of a comprehensive effort to stimulate the economy and create jobs.  Over the past 17 months, the State has successfully opened bids for, awarded contracts for or started construction on 827 capital improvement projects totaling $1,851,513,340.

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii - U.S. Army Garrison, Hawaii (USAG-HI) will hold a Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony at 9 a.m., May 31, at the Schofield Barracks Post Cemetery. The public is invited to join the garrison as it honors Soldiers who gave their lives in service of our country.

Non-profits interested in participating in the program and receiving free help for their organization can attend an informational briefing at the Hawai‘i State Capitol Auditorium on Tuesday, June 1 from 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Lt. Governor Aiona, DLIR Director Darwin Ching and DHS Director Lillian Koller will provide information on the program, answer questions and assistance with filling out worksite applications.

Young people, ages 14 through 23, who are interested in the program should apply as soon as possible at their nearest DLIR Workforce Development Division Office. 

The Commission’s decision also strongly emphasized responsible management of public trust resources.  The Commission ordered Maui County to begin construction within three years to fix the extremely leaky Waikamoi Flume to eliminate waste and provide a more reliable water source for Upcountry domestic and agricultural uses.  Commissioners stated that Maui County needs to develop alternative water sources, conservation and reclamation for water supplies.  Maui County relies upon stream water for approximately 85 percent of its water needs for the Upcountry system.  Due to long-term drought, this is a precarious position for the people of Maui and the County needs to shift the balance of water supply to more reliable sources that do not come at the expense of Hawaii's resources and downstream users of these same waters.

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Charles Djou (HI-01) received two key committee assignments today on the important House Budget and Armed Services Committees as he begins serving Hawaii's First Congressional District. Congressman Djou issued the following statements . . . .

“We are pleased that the Council on Revenues is now forecasting improved revenue collections. The latest projection reflects an improving economy and is an encouraging sign that Hawai‘i is headed in the right direction. 

“While the upward adjustment is positive, we need to remain focused on creating jobs, stimulating our economy and monitoring the state’s cash flow.”

"In the same move of removing restraint on one end of the charter school pipeline, this legislation effectively places a new constraint on the other end, which ultimately lessens the funding available for charters.  Especially as the number of charters continues to grow, charter schools will unfortunately see fewer and fewer dollars available."

Some in the UH Hilo community are shocked and surprised by UH Board of Regents' unanimous May 20 decision selecting Donald O Straney, Dean of Biological Sciences at Cal Poly Pomona, to take the place of UH Hilo's retiring Chancellor Rose Tseng. Others, such as UHPA President AJ Musto, are surprised by the transfer of Rockne Freitas to head up UH's legislative lobbying as UH Vice President of student affairs and university and community relations.

They shouldn't be....

A fudgelike goo coating Louisiana's marshes. A thick oil slick stretching across the Gulf of Mexico. A plume of oil miles below the ocean surface. A tragic loss of life. Reverberating economic consequences. Throw in a poll that shows that 53 percent of Americans rate President Barack Obama "poor" or "very poor" in his handling of the Gulf oil spill, and it's no wonder the President yesterday broke his 308-day self-imposed press conference moratorium in hopes of conveying some semblance of leadership amid an environmental, economic and human catastrophe that has spiraled out of his control.

(Vacancy is to be) (f)illed by a special election to be called by the Council within 10 days and to be held within 60 days after occurrence of the vacancy. If any special or general election is to be held in the City after 30 days and within 180 days after the occurrence of the vacancy, the election shall be held in conjunction with such other election.

“Hannemann has raised property taxes, sewer fees, admission fees, motor vehicle fees, parking meter rates and pushed for the general excise tax increase. Under his watch, Honolulu was named the 2nd most expensive city to do business in.  He is leaving office early to campaign for Governor, and he's given no guarantee that he will not jump ship again to run for U.S. Senate in 2012.

“Hawai’i can expect the same reckless leadership, strong-arming from the old guard Democrat network and closed-door bargaining with public labor union bosses at the state level with Hannemann as Hawai’i’s governor.

“This November, Republican candidates will be the voices of bold leadership and change Hawai’i needs.  We are confident in the leadership of Lt. Governor Duke Aiona and know Hawai’i voters recognize his commitment to enhancing Hawai’i’s economy through responsible government spending and investment in the private sector.”

An article in the October, 2009 edition of Hawaii Business--“Good News: A Small Elite No Longer Runs Hawaii—Bad News Nobody Does” --takes on the lack of leadership in Hawaii. Pointing to the failure of the Superferry and other recent projects, former Theo Davies CEO David Heenan says “people are somewhat burned out by all this consensus seeking. It ends up being just meeting after meeting, and all of a sudden, the window of opportunity closes.” His views are front and center in an article which could have been titled: “The case for Mufi Hannemann’s candidacy.”

For several months now he has been campaigning for Governor and collecting hundreds of thousands of dollars for his run for Governor while at the same time receiving full salary from Honolulu taxpayers.  This is clearly not in the best interest of Oahu.

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle today announced that Darwin Ching has resigned as director of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR).  Ching, who has served as director since August 2007, resigned his position in preparation for his campaign to run for Honolulu City Prosecutor. His last day as director will be June 15. 

“I appreciate Darwin’s leadership as labor director,” said Governor Lingle.  “During his tenure, Darwin was instrumental in assisting thousands of Hawai‘i’s workers who lost their jobs as the global recession impacted our state.  Throughout this challenging economic period, Darwin and his team remained focused on ensuring the well-being of Hawai‘i’s workers while helping to create new jobs for our residents.  I wish him well in his future pursuits.”

The Hawaii Legislature is disenfranchising thousands of Hawaii’s voters who have consistently lobbied the Legislature in large numbers against HB444 for the past 2 years.

"I look forward to putting my support for Hawai`i's working families and small businesses against (Hannemann's) record of raising taxes and increasing the cost of living for our residents on O`ahu.

"Hawai`i can't afford him."

“As the country faces a looming fiscal crisis, it’s time to finally do something about Washington’s out-of-control spending.  A balanced budget amendment will force Congress to take a serious look at its priorities and find a solution rather than handing the problem to future generations."

“We are pleased that we are able to get refunds out to tax filers,” said Governor Lingle.  “We are able to issue the refunds at this time because of higher than expected tax collections, which is an encouraging sign that our economy is beginning to recover.  I want to again thank Hawai‘i taxpayers for their patience and understanding as we continue to work to address our budget shortfall, while setting the foundation for a stronger economic future.”

Governor Lingle announced on Monday, May 17 that the State would immediately begin issuing state income tax refunds that were processed during the months of January and February.  She made the decision after tax revenue collections for the first 10 months of the current fiscal year came in higher expected. 

Hawaii will hold the latest primary in the nation on September 18th. And just because only one Democrat will emerge to face Djou on that date doesn’t mean Hawaii Democrats’ civil war will end. In fact, the finger-pointing taking place in local Democratic circles could produce an even larger, more fractured field of candidates in the primary, leaving Democrats with little time to repair bruised egos and allowing Djou to stay far above the fray as the fall campaign season begins. Only one Republican holds a more Democratic seat than Djou, and Djou will be a top target, but Democrats have their work cut out for them. President Bush’s 47 percent share here in 2004 and GOP Gov. Linda Lingle’s big majorities in 2002 and 2006 show that HI-01 is open to voting for the right kind of Republican, especially when Democrats are a mess.

"We achieved a comprehensive solution because everyone brought something to the table and cooler heads prevailed for the sake of our children."

The agreement was made possible due to a unique three-way public-private partnership between the State, teachers and the major banks in Hawai‘i.   The plan calls for use of $57.2 million from the Hurricane Relief Fund, $2.2 million in federal funds, and six planning days the teachers have agreed to give back to the state. A $10 million line of credit from local banks is also available if needed.

“I am happy to announce that furloughs are over and children will be able to return to the classroom for the entire upcoming school year.  We have been able to do this without laying off teachers, increasing the size of classes, raising taxes, or adversely impacting the State budget,” Governor Lingle said.  “I am particularly proud that the major banks in our state stepped up and offered a line of credit that will give the Department of Education access to additional funds, if needed, to help end the furloughs.”

Colleen's goal, as confirmed election night by her campaign manager, was not to beat Charles but to finish second.

Mapping out their plan of attack in nightly Hawaii-focused 7:00 pm meetings, top NRCC brass sought ways to exploit the hard feelings that still remained from Case’s 2006 primary challenge to Democratic Sen. Daniel Akaka—a move that rankles many Hawaii Democrats to this day.

(So it is the Republicans who got Inouye and Akaka all riled up over this.  Perhaps the DCCC agrees with Ed Case's assessment of the Senators' mental faculties?)

In one instance Djou media advisor Ben Burger worked with NRCC officials to craft a 30-second TV ad that asserted Case missed many votes “while campaigning against Senator Akaka.”

(Is that all it took?)

IWV determined to engage with an Electioneering Communication designed to inform voters of three key data points:

• First, that Case had voted 72 times for higher taxes IWV Report on Hawaii 1 Special Election GEB International Inc. during his four-year tenure representing Hawaii’s Second Congressional District;
• second, that Case had received three “F” ratings from the nonpartisan National Taxpayers Union; and,
• third, that Case had recently hired indicted former Illinois Governor Rod Blagjojevich’s political consultant, better known to the FBI as “Advisor B” on their surveillance tapes of Blagojevich — and that this advisor had counseled the disgraced former governor to try to swap Barack Obama’s Senate seat.

The closest precedent to the situation in Hawaii 1 today was the 1986 race for the same seat, which featured both a special election and a divisive Democratic primary and resulted in a Republican victory in November. That divisiveness presumably contributed to the poor showing of Democratic nominee Mufi Hannemann in November. That looks like a good omen for Charles Djou.

Dems are beginning to consider the need for some kind of compromise candidate. Hanabusa is still unlikely to win a general election, they believe, and Case will have trouble winning a primary. Though official behind-the-scenes talks have yet to begin, they are likely to start in earnest in the future.

Consider the possibility that Hanabusa supporters—especially union members--are people who see themselves trapped in a web of retaliation.  Pollster ccAdvertising’s extreme undercount of Hanabusa votes indicates that up to 40% of Hanabusa voters clammed up.  The CivilBeat poll showed only 17% of Hanabusa voters feared to speak up.

Today, the people of Hawaii have sent a message to our Congress that we will not sit idly by and watch our great Nation stripped of its best by burdensome debt and wasteful government spending.  We sent a message that we need our government to focus on creating jobs and making life better for all of us.

Hawaii stood up to the old boy network tonight and elected a Member of Congress that will be accountable to the people and will put Hawaii’s interests first. I am eager to start working with the people of Hawaii to restore confidence in our nation and our government.”

Hanabusa apparently believes she owns 60% of the voters:  "Let's not forget, 60 percent of the vote is still Democrat and it's going to be a Democrat facing off against a Republican in November."

Djou responded to this kind of reasoning in a May 17 statement:  “Contrary to the opinion of the old guard, this congressional seat is not owned by the Democrat Party. It isn't owned by any union or special interest group. This seat is owned by the people. At its core, this belief separates me from my opponents.”

RESULTS (second read): 

HONOLULU, May 18, 2010 – Christopher J. Wong, small business owner and non-profit advocate announced his candidacy for the City Council tonight at the Mandalay Restaurant in downtown Honolulu. In attendance to this intimate event were Chris Wong Campaign Committee Honorary Chair, Oswald K. Stender; publisher of Hawai‘i’s Most Wanted magazine and Committee Chair Mary Jean Castillo-Barkley; business leaders and elected officials in support of his candidacy.

PA‘IA, MAUI – The State Commission on Water Resource Management will hold a meeting on Tuesday, May 25, in Pa‘ia, Maui, to hear public testimony and decide on a petition to amend the interim instream flow standards for 19 east Maui streams: Waikamoi, Alo, Wahinepe‘e, Puohokamoa, Haipua‘ena, Punalau, Honomanu, Nua‘ailua, ‘Ohi‘a, West Wailuaiki, East Wailuaiki, Kopili‘ula, Puaka‘a, Waiohue, Pa‘akea, Wai‘a‘aka, Kapa‘ula, Hanawi, and Makapipi.

Charles Djou Election Night Party

When:  Saturday, May 22, 2010, 4:30pm-7:30pm

Where: Hawai'i Republican Party Headquarters

Voters in the Hawaii first Congressional District Special election may drop off their mail-in ballots at the Office of Elections, located at 802 Lehua Ave. in Pearl City.  The deadline to return ballots is 6pm today. 

Pearl City Elections Office location>>> MAP

Ballots are also being collected at the State Capitol near the Father Damien statue until 6pm.

It isn't easy being Arizona these days, especially when President Barack Obama puts politics before Americans' interests, a foreign head of state before the United States, and an agenda of apology before much-needed, sensible reforms.

But that's just what happened this week when Mexican President Felipe Calderon visited Washington, DC. President Obama extended a warm hand to Calderon and demagogued Arizona’s illegal immigration law all in the name of politics.

The final tally will become clearer later this month, when Bank of Scotland, now part of Lloyd's Banking Group PLC, completes an auction for the debt on the property on the west side of Hawai'i, or, as it is known to locals, the Big Island. The price is expected to be in the $50 million-to-$100 million range, according to people involved in the process.

In 2006, at the height of the real-estate boom, a private appraiser valued the property, known as Hokuli'a, at between $600 million and $800 million, according to people familiar with the matter. The owner, Lyle Anderson, a Phoenix-based developer, has sold about one-third of the lots. But in early January, he defaulted on its debt, which was in the form of a $1 billion Bank of Scotland mortgage on Hokuli'a and five other less-valuable properties, according to people involved in the project's sale.

How this happened: Hokuli’a Settlement Exposed

“This trip to China is another important component in our ongoing effort to expand long-term economic development and business opportunities for Hawai‘i in the emerging China market,” said Governor Lingle.  “It is vital that our state continue to build and strengthen relationships in Asia, especially China, that will position Hawai‘i businesses and residents to capitalize on future economic and investment opportunities and strengthen our cultural and educational partnerships.”

On Saturday, you can also drop your ballot off at the State Capitol near the Father Damien statue until 6pm. 

On Sunday, columnist Ross Douthat described the Dodd bill as just one example of "the real story of our time. From Washington to Athens, the economic crisis is producing consolidation rather than revolution, the entrenchment of authority rather than its diffusion, and the concentration of power in the hands of the same elite that presided over the disasters in the first place. ... If Robert Rubin’s mistakes helped create an out-of-control financial sector, then naturally you need Timothy Geithner and Lawrence Summers — Rubin’s protégés — to set things right. ... But their fixes tend to make the system even more complex and centralized, and more vulnerable to the next national-security surprise, the next natural disaster, the next economic crisis. Which is why, despite all the populist backlash and all the promises from Washington, this isn’t the end of the 'too big to fail' era. It’s the beginning."

Bob Wiesel is a pseudonym that has a long history in Honolulu and been passed around quite a bit.  I am one of many Bob Wiesels...collectively we amount to a poor man's Publius. There are blog entries that go back to before 2001 still online from Robert D. Wiesel, BobW, BWiesel and every other variant that you can dream up.  Some of the "Bob's" work for, or had worked for both the city and state at some point. 

Blog participation at City Hall tapered off after Dave Shapiro started publishing IP addresses in an attempt to suppress his critics.  Several individuals at City Hall asked Charles Totto (ethics commission) for a reading on whether it was "against the rules" to participate during our lunch hour, breaks etc.  He recommended that we play it safe and just not do it at all from the city network and it pretty much stopped at that point.  Bob Wiesels live on, however, on their own time and own internet connections. 

HONOLULU, Hawaii -- Approximately 200 Soldiers assigned to the 307th Integrated Theater Signal Battalion (ITSB)’s Headquarters, Headquarters Company (HHC) and Bravo Company, are deploying to Afghanistan for one year to provide signal support as part of the Operation Enduring Freedom surge.

This is the 307th's first deployment into combat since the Vietnam War.