Hawaii Political Platter

It was a standing ovation at the end of the House session last week after HB 444 was "postponed indefinitely". Funny how the news media only focused on the loss by the civil rights supporters... i.e. no photos in the paper of these people.


Former U.S. Attorney Ed Kubo's confirmation as the state's newest First Circuit Court judge is being held up to Wednesday, February 3.

POLITICAL STUFF AT YOUR STATE CAPITOL & ELSEWHERE

The Civil Unions bill died in the House on Friday, January 29 after that body voted to "postpone indefinitely" further action on HB 444. Opponents declared a "temporary victory" in their tedious effort to save traditional marriage.

HB 444 has a remote possibility of being revived anytime during the current session if there is enough votes and political willpower among the supporters to do so. But since this is an election year, and the "white shirts" showed huge numbers, the notion at this time is that this will probably not happen.

Meanwhile over in the State Senate, controversy arose after the confirmation vote of former U.S. Attorney Ed Kubo to a judgeship in the First Circuit Court of Hawaii was delayed until this Wednesday, February 3. It seems someone high up in Senate leadership doesn't want Mr. Kubo to sit on the bench.

DCCA Director Lawrence Reifurth's nomination to the State Intermediate Court of Appeals was quickly voted upon in the Senate's Judiciary committee the day after the same committee deadlocked on Kubo.

State Senator Norman Sakamoto and 15 other Democrat senators have introduced a bill (SB 2437) to raise the General Excise Tax to fund education. Aren't our taxes high enough without raising it more? Want to fund more education? Why don't we get rid of the State Foundation of Culture and Arts. Get rid of the non-teaching positions within the State Department of Education. We don't need more taxes.

There are other bills that call for increases to the bottle tax and a new sugared drinks tax. Enough taxes!

Speaking of which... another Tax Day Tea Party is being scheduled for April 15. Mark your calendar.

Good to hear that Dr. Panos Prevedouros is planning to run for mayor again.

Lastly if you support traditional marriage you might want to call your legislators and ask them to hear any of the bills that puts the issue back to a public vote through a constitutional amendment and leaves the legislature out of it. Ask your legislator to give these bills a hearing.

• HB 1933 - http://tinyurl.com/HB1933
• SB 2796 - http://tinyurl.com/SB2796
• SB 2886 - http://tinyurl.com/SB2886
• State Senators Contact Page
• State Representatives Contact Page
• Hawaii Politics 2010 Flickr Photos
  

How Senators Voted on HB 444

As most people know by now the State Senate passed HB 444 out on Friday, January 22. The bill if it becomes law, will allow for "civil unions". The version passed out of the Senate was amended late last year and is subject to further House action.

Representatives at the State House can either agree to the changes made in the Senate, or opt to disagree to those changes. If there is agreement, the bill goes to the Governor for her signature or a veto. If there is disagreement between both houses, the bill will go to conference committee.

The following 18 Senators voted in favor of HB 444 to allow same sex civil unions:

• Roz Baker
• Suzanne Chun Oakland
• Kalani English
• Carol Fukunaga
• Brickwood Galueteria
• Josh Green
• Clayton Hee
• Gary Hooser
• David Ige
• Les Ihara
• Michelle Kidani
• Russell Kokubun
• Clarence Nishihara
• Dwight Takamine
• Brian Taniguchi
• Jill Tokuda
• Shan Tsutsui
• Colleen Hanabusa

Seven Senators voted in opposition to HB 444.

• Robert Bunda
• Wil Espero
• Mike Gabbard
• Fred Hemmings
• Donna Mercado Kim
• Norman Sakamoto
• Sam Slom

Links:

• HB 444 Bill Status & Text
• Civil Unions Bill Passes Hawaii State Senate

I am one of the many people who remain opposed to legalized civil union benefits. The list of those who opposed to bill will be republished this coming September, October and November. Remember in November. Vote.

Photo: The Senate gallery was packed with people from both sides of the controversial HB 444 issue.

HMS Corp Superferry Photos

The Hawaii Superferries are in good hands with the HMS Corporations as shown in this Flickr.com slide show series. The two ships, Alakai and Huakai are on assignment to Haiti for earthquake relief work.

Take a look at the slides. The Huakai has its own vehicle ramp. Otherwise it looks remarkably similar to its sister ship the Alakai. Only the Alakai saw service in Hawaii before being withdrawn after months of protests and court actions. The firm that ran the ferry went out of business.

• HMS-Corp Photostream on Flickr

This Year's March For Life

Several hundred people showed up at the Hawaii State Capitol for the annual "March For Life" - a political rally that demonstrates Hawaii and the nation's commitment to saving lives of the "pre-born". The march usually falls on the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on Roe vs. Wade that allowed for the legalization of abortion.

Today the pro-life marches and rally have extended to issues such as the opposition to assisted suicide and the upholding of traditional family values. Many of the people participating in this year's march are also opposed to same sex marriage.

More information on the March For Life can be found at the following links:

• March For Life
• Hawaii Family Forum

Hold On To Your Wallets - Legislature in Session

The 25th Hawaii State Legislature reconvened this past Wednesday, January 20 with a low keyed opening, sans most of the pomp and circumstance and after session parties. The budget, taxes and economy will be the hot button issues of the year.

TAXES & THE BUDGET

The State's budget woes continue. Last I heard the State was $1.2 billion in the hole and counting. Democrats want to find "new sources of funding". That usually means tax and fee increases. Many Democrat authored bills call for new tax and fee increases including a new sales tax authorization for the counties, raiding of the Transient Accomodations Tax by the State, tax increases on certain types of food and drinks to fund education, increases to the bottle tax, and even gambling.

All bills that allow for new taxes and fees are bad. Almost all of these bills are being introduced by Democrats.

THE ECONOMY

All of the tax and spending proposals will continue to have a bad effect on the economy. People and businesses cannot afford to pay more taxes for more government.

It is time once again to take a look at what the core functions of government are. Examine that (very quickly) and shed all of the excess functions of government such as funding for the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. Art is not a core function of government. It is a luxury that we cannot afford in these most dire of economic times. Sell all of the state art, get rid of the department and let the private sector and market forces decide what art is good or bad.

Legislators vow to reign in one of the biggest tax increases that will take effect later this year if nothing is done. The State's Unemployment Tax will increase by 1000% for many businesses, leading most of them to downsize, layoff employees or simply close down, leave town or file for bankruptcy. There is some movement in the legislature to lessen the impact of this big tax increase.

The negative impacts of high taxes and a poor economy are already impacting several firms doing business in the islands... Japan Airlines, Price Busters, and Shirokiya are a few that come to mind.

HB 444

Today the Hawaii State Senate will take up the very controversial HB444 that will allow gay couples the same rights as traditionally married opposite sex couples. Reports indicate that the gay community have the votes in the State Senate to see this nasty bill pass.

Despite thousands of Hawaii residents opposed to civil unions, most of the Democrat party Senators will pass the bill.

The Senate Session to vote on HB 444 will start at 11:30 am today. Senate chambers. Be there in white.

Opponents, remember who these people are and keep your momentum strong and take your frustration to the ballot box later this year. Time to kick the civil union sympathizer Democrats out of office.

Time to kick the tax and spend Democrats out of office. Remember in November.

Photo: The Senate Gallery on Opening Day. It is expected to be full today with the vote of HB 444 coming down.

Superferry To Be Used for Haitian EQ Relief

It is interesting to learn this morning that the Huakai, once projected to be used in the Hawaii Superferry operation is being pressed into service by the U.S. Martime Administration for earthquake disaster relief in Haiti. The new ship which can carry more than 800 passenger and about 200 vehicles will be part of a fleet assembled by the agency that includes 4 other ships.

The ship will prove to be a valuable asset for disaster relief. It may also be the perfect vessel to use in future operations within the region. One can safely assume that no one will be opposed to operating those ships in the Caribbean.

Hawaii Superferry went brankrupt last year after the Hawaii State Supreme Court ruled against their EIS exemption due to complaints from special interests, Hawaiian activists and environmental whackos.

Photo: Maritime Administration's Huakai superferry vessel.

Thousands Rally Against HB 444

God's Army came out in force yesterday (January 17) at the State Capitol in opposition to the civil union bill, HB 444. More than 10,000 people, most of them dressed in white, staged a respectful and civil demonstration against the measure which would allow same sex couples the same benefits as traditionally married couples.

The show of unity was the first salvo fired for the new year in the ongoing battle to persuade lawmakers to not pass the controversial bill. Some legislators who oppose HB 444 were at the rally as well as Lt. Governor James “Duke” Aiona and Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann. The two possible gubernatorial candidates voiced their strong in favor of keeping marriage a union between a man and woman only. Their short speeches brought rousing cheers from the crowd.

Hawaii Family Forum sponsored the well organized rally that featured several voter registration tables, additional speakers from the religious community as well as musical groups that sang songs of praise. The estibmated 10,000+ people in attendance eclipsed the large crowd that came to last year's rally.

Yesterday's successful rally needs to be followed up with attendance en masse at the opening day of the State Legislature, particulary in the State Senate chambers on January 20 (this coming Wednesday). Opponents should continue to call, fax, email, write and visit their legislators to tell them that traditional marriage values need to be upheld and that HB 444 needs to be defeated. Do not accept any "amendments" that some lawmakers want to add to the bill.

The best thing that opponents to HB 444 can do is to be in attendance at the State Senate chambers on opening day as well as subsequent days following the start of the session. No one knows exactly when the Democrat majority will want to take up a motion to vote on the bill. It can happen on any day.

The Democrats usually like to vote on controversial measures of this type when the public is not in attendance for the floor vote and when the TV cameras are not rolling. They are ace for making secret, closed door deals and then come out when no one is looking to take the vote. Don't let that happen. Be there everyday until the bill comes to a vote and is hopefully defeated. Let the supporting legislators of HB 444 know that "iVote, you vote, wa all vote" and that you'll remember them in November.



Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann is a supporter of traditional marriage between a man and a woman. He has to be since he is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The gay lifestyle is not a part of the Mormon doctrine.



More than 10,000 people came out to rally against HB 444. Click here to see a larger version of this photo.

iVOTE RALLY SLIDE SHOW




ADDITIONAL LINKS

• Thousands Rally Against Same Sex Civil Unions Bill
• Thousands Rally Against HB 444 @ KHON 2
• Civil Union Debate Could Spur Political Action From All Sides
• Hawaii Family Forum
• Last Year's Rally Against HB 444
• 2009 & 2010 HB 444 Photos
• A large photo of the crowd

Congressional Candidates Speak on Stimulus

This is the first of a series of video clips that I will be posting here taken at the 2010 Smart Business Hawaii Conference which was held on January 13 at the Ala Moana Hotel. In the above clip, Congressional Candidates Charles Djou, Colleen Hanabusa and Ed Case talk about the merits of the federal stimulus funding plan.

A special election for the First District Congressional seat is expected to be held as early as May 1st, after current U.S. Representative Neil Abercrombie steps down from the post to concentrate all of his efforts to his gubernatorial campaign.

More from the Smart Business Hawaii conference is available at the SBH website.

Here is a slideshow of photographs I took at the SBH Conference:

Governor's Informational Briefing on Rail - January 18

Governor Linda Lingle is having a public meeting on Monday, January 18 to discuss concerns about the elevated rail and to hear the AIA presentation for ground level rail.

This meeting will be held in the Capitol Auditorium (parking level) of the Capitol Building .

January is Martin Luther King Day, a federal holiday.

Mark your calendars to come and bring someone with you.

THE GOVERNOR’S INFORMATIONAL MEETING ON RAIL TRANSIT

• Monday, January 18
• 9:00am to 11:00am.
• State Capitol Auditorium

You can enter the parking stru cture from Punchbowl Street by the Education Building .

Since it is a holiday, there will be street parking available.

I'll be there. Will you?

iVote Rally on January 17

iVote Rally
The Battle to Save Traditional Marriage
Starting January 17, 2010 at 2:00 pm | State Capitol

Hawaii Family Forum and dozens of churches and organizations throughout Hawaii will rally once more at the Hawaii State Capitol in the latest salvo to save traditional marriage in Hawaii. Organizers of the iVote Rally expect at least 10,000 people to show up at the rally on January 17 starting at 2:00 p.m. They are hoping to bring in 24,000 people according to the latest TV spot that started airing today.

The issue at hand is HB 444 scheduled for a floor vote in the State Senate as early as opening day, January 20. If passed HB 444 would approve "civil union" benefits for same sex couples, which will be nearly close to or the same as the benefits enjoyed by traditionally married people.

Furthermore Hawaii's voters in 1998 voted on a constitutional amendment to reserve marriage to opposite-sex couples. The problem we now face is that the entire amendment reads as follows:

"The legislature shall have the power to reserve marriage to opposite-sex couples."

The problem lies within the State Legislature, who this year, once again, want to take that right away and practically grant marriage to same-sex couples under the guise of "civil unions".

This is simply wrong and goes against the will of the people.

Democrats are said to be in favor of fast tracking the bill, while Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle says this is not the time to tackle the issue due to the seriousness of economic matters impacting the state.

Now is the time for all people who value the sanctity of traditional marriage to rally and show your colors. Organizers are urging people to wear white (not red) this year at the January 17 rally. It will be a good idea to wear this color at all subsequent assemblies where HB 444 will be heard and perhaps voted upon. This includes the opening day of the State Legislature (January 20) and all subsequent days until action on HB 444 is taken (or hopefully denied).

If you cannot attend the rally, show up to the Legislative sessions starting on January 20. Calling, faxing, writing and emailing your legislator is next best step.

Here is a link to Legislator contact information.

• State Senate

• State House

Additional Links

• Hawaii Family Forum
• How Legislators Voted on HB 444
• Bill Text and Status of HB 444 (links)
• Pray Hawaii - Help Fight HB444
  
• State Senate Poised to Vote...
• Jobs Not Civil Unions is Focus Lingle Says
• HB444 May Rear Its Ugly Head Again
• HB444 May Be Pulled
• Opposition to Civil Unions
• Click here to see Large Version of the Above Flyer

Pollster John Zogby to Speak at SBH Conference

PRESS RELEASE

World renown pollster and author John Zogby will be the keynote luncheon speaker at the 34th Annual Smart Business Hawaii [SBH] Conference next Wednesday, January 13, at the Ala Moana Hotel, Garden Lanai, 7:30 am - 2 pm.

Zogby, who heads up the worldwide research and marketing firm, Zogby International, based in Utica, New York, with offices in Washington, D.C. and Miami is also the author of the best-selling book, " The Way We'll Be: The Zogby Report on the Transformation of the American Dream."

Zogby recently conducted polls on Hawaii's Statehood 50 Years Later, and on local reaction to the Akaka Bill. He will speak on, "Hawaii and the Future of the American Dream."

Governor Linda Lingle will also offer remarks during the luncheon program.

During the day, attendees will hear from State Senator Fred Hemmings, Deputy Prosecutor Paul Mow, tourism liaison Marsha Wienert, world famous marketer, David Tyreman and Successful entrepreneurs, Joyce Edwards, Cliff Slater and Jack Schneider.

There will also be a live panel featuring candidates for Hawaii's 1st Congressional District: Former U.S. Congressman Ed Case (D), City Councilman Charles Djou (R), and State Senate President, Colleen Hanabusa (D.

Advance reservations are required by contacting Darlyn Evangelista at SBH, 396-1724, by FAX @ 396-1726 or email: sbh@lava.net. A downloadable form is also available from smallbusinesshawaii.com.

Ray Stevens - We The People

This is great. Enjoy.

Spread the word. Embed this video on your website and blog.

Direct link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dc_-L4fyLUo

Better yet. Buy the song from Amazon.com or iTunes. Let's put this to the top of the charts.

Can 2010 Be Better Than 2009?

Bring on 2010. Let's leave 2009 behind.

The previous year was quite bad - the economy still in the toilet, the Hawaii Superferry gone forever - the State Budget Crunch leading to more taxes, fees, teacher and worker furloughs - tourism continues to stagnate - agriculture is just about gone - Obama is in the White House turning the country into a socialist haven - bad, bad, bad.

I am not very optimistic for 2010 - the Year of the Tiger - the economy will still be at the forefront - and how to find ways to improve it without impacting our pocketbooks. 2010 is a census year - we have to let the federal government get into our lives to be counted and classified into regional and ethnic demographic groups.

It's an election year for Hawaii. A new Governor will be chosen. A Republican will probably not be following in the footsteps of outgoing Governor Linda Lingle - her term is up in December. Democrats will likely maintain and grow in their political dominance.

Barring any last minute snafu, the $5 to $7 billion Mufi train will start construction this year - this will be tragic for generations to come as the City and County of Honolulu will be sinking billions into a transit plan that will not solve Honolulu's traffic woes. Can anyone say "white elephant" and "financial black hole"? My pocketbook already aches from this pain.

Aside from these and many other concerns, let's hope that 2010 is a Happy and Prosperous New Year for us all.