The Hawaiian Opinion

HSTA Sees Reason

2009-09-19T19:00:00.000-07:00

In the first breakthrough of a labor stalemate, the Lingle administration and the Hawai'i State Teachers Association announced a tentative agreement yesterday on a two-year contract that includes furloughs to help close the state's budget deficit.

Finally! Some reason... it seems quite apparent to me that Lingle is only trying to help by inducing furloughs rather than having to have layoffs. Aparently Wil Okabe also sees this. Furloughs are better than layoffs. If only HGEA could understand this, there might not be such as clash between the Union and the Governor. If only schools could be open on those Fridays, families also wouldn't be impacted, but everyone has to do their share.

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Health Insurance in Hawaii Too Costly

2009-09-16T17:53:00.000-07:00

Hawai'i's health insurance premiums grew an estimated 3.7 times faster than worker earnings during the past decade...the study by Families USA said family health care premiums jumped 94.2 percent during the period, while median earnings grew at a slower 25.7 percent pace.

--Honolulu Advertiser

Health care in Hawaii has never been one of the cheapest things in the world... but the government should try to make it one. The health of its citizens should be a moderate priority for government. We need to not only attract doctors to the islands but ensure that they will remain here.

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Waikiki Beach Restoration

2009-09-15T18:12:00.000-07:00

The state has kicked off the environmental review process for a project to restore heavily eroded portions of Waikiki Beach, but work to bring in sand to widen the state's most famous coastline likely won't start until 2011. The project...is planned as the first modern erosion abatement project in Waikiki that the state will undertake with funding help from hotels.

--Honolulu Advertiser

Waikiki Beach, as the advertiser said, is completely man-made and should be man-maintained. It is therefore the responsibility of the citizens of Honolulu and the users of the beach to ensure it does. The problem is when it goes left unattended that serious problems develop which will have to be fixed by some serious dollars.

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Museums Reduce Budget, Can't Find Funds

2009-09-14T16:01:00.000-07:00

As the economy limps along, Hawai'i's museums are finding it tougher to meet their financial needs. They've slashed budgets by cutting hours, closing collections and laying off staff. They've slashed budgets by cutting hours, closing collections and laying off staff.

--Honolulu Advertiser

Well, everyone is affected by the slowing economy somehow and I guess it was a matter of time until it reached museums and other institutions. It's kind of disappointing that museums have to cut hours, employees , and collections. Hopefully, the museums will survive through these economic tribulations and re-expand their budget.

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$1000 Reward for Waiawa Arson Info

2009-09-13T20:49:00.000-07:00

As yet another brush fire burned in Waiawa yesterday, Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann joined police and fire officials in announcing a $1,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of the person or persons believed responsible for a string of recent fires.

--Honolulu Advertiser

This continues yesterday's episode of the sight of two men seen fleeing from one of the recent Waiawa brush fires. It's unacceptable to have this type of crime go lightly punished as this string of fires has cost the state thousands of dollars and impacted motorists on the H-2. Hopefully, the arsonists will be caught and be punished the maximum 10 years in jail. The public needs to make a point that this type of behavior will not be tolerated.

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Suspected Arsonists, 11 Wild Fires

2009-09-12T16:14:00.000-07:00

As police and fire officials announced yesterday that a rash of brushfires in the Waiawa Ridge area may have been intentionally set...that would make 11 such fires since early August in the area, which is in the vicinity of H-2 Freeway at Ka Uka Boulevard in Waipi'o.

--Honolulu Advertiser

This is terrible. Just like the firemen, I can't see a reason, a motive, to do something like this. We all work hard to preserve our natural resources, living in one of the most isolated places on the planet, and then something like this comes up and ruins all our hard work and tips the scale. We need to be intolerant of this type of crime, especially because we live in Hawaii.

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Hawaiian Airlines Vote for Strike

2009-09-11T23:37:00.000-07:00

Hawaiian Airlines pilots have voted to authorize a strike, but a walkout is not imminent. The Hawaiian Airlines branch of the Air Line Pilots Association said today that 98 percent of those pilots who cast ballots authorized the union leadership to call a strike.

--Honolulu Advertiser

This is quite interesting. They say that there has never been a strike in the history of the Airlines, but the pilots have shown that they could end all that. Because it was just a vote, this will not affect the airlines operations unless the pilots "deem it necessary". I see most of these pilots as respectable men and women, and I say we should submit to their demands only to a certain point.

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The Next Honolulu Mayor

2009-09-10T21:39:00.000-07:00

City Managing Director Kirk Caldwell yesterday said he will run for mayor when Mayor Mufi Hannemann leaves office, be it 2010 or 2012. Hannemann has set up an exploratory gubernatorial committee, however, and many suspect he will resign as mayor next summer to run for governor. Caldwell said if that happens, he will throw his hat in the ring for mayor then.

--Honolulu Advertiser

As I review yesterday, Hannemann will probably give up his position as Honolulu Mayor in 2010 to run for the coveted Governor's office. As a result, Kirk Caldwell could possibly run for Honolulu Mayor. The other possible candidates (Coucil Chair Todd Apo and UH Professor Panos Prevedorous) are still considering their options. All in all, I can't wait for the upcoming elections.

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The Next Governor

2009-09-09T15:17:00.000-07:00

While things have been quiet recently in the cornerstone political fight of 2010 — the race for governor — don't expect that to last too long. The stakes are simply too high. The Hawai'i governorship is a political plum unlike any elsewhere in the country. Our highly centralized bureaucracy (what other governor has final say over schools, hospitals, welfare, virtually all taxes and more?), makes the governor's office a particular prize.

--Honolulu Advertiser

Hawaii governorship is truly a remarkable position. Because of the power of this position, the citizens of Hawaii must elect a new governor in 2010 wisely. I can see the competition coming down to two main players: current vice-governor Duke Aiona of the Republican party and Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann.

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Obama Addresses Students of America

2009-09-08T18:25:00.000-07:00

President Barack Obama, the controversy of his address to U.S. school children ebbing, told a class at a Virginia high school today that parents and teachers can't force them to learn."If you are hungry for learning, you will find teachers who want to help you," Obama told 9th graders at Wakefield High School in Arlington, a suburb of Washington, before giving a separate address that was available to schools nationwide.

--Honolulu Advertiser

This is exactly true. Students must have the desire to learn. Teachers can support them; parents can support them; but students themselves must crave knowledge. Success will only come after hard work, never before. Students must put their best efforts into their work, for it is then that their parents and teachers can fully support them. Education will not only play a key part in the future of the United States but also its ability to solve problems and move forward.

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Swine Flu Takes First Child in Hawaii

2009-09-04T18:40:00.000-07:00

Four more people have died from swine flu, bringing the total such deaths in Hawaii to 10, the state Department of Health said today. One of the deaths is a 5-year-old — the first death of a child here, said Janice Okubo, DOH spokeswoman. The others who died were described as two adults with underlying health issues and one adult with no health issues. Okubo said state epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park confirmed the deaths, which occurred between June and August.

--Honolulu Advertiser

I never did get the big hype over the swine flu. The normal flu, influenza, contributes to millions of deaths world wide. Sure the swine flu virus could mutate, but can't influenza do the same. Still, the swine flu does kill people and the development of the antiviral vaccine specific to the virus should be a higher priority. The swine flu typically targets middle-aged adults, with less deaths reported for children and senior citizens.

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Kamehameha Build Community in Kaka'ako

2009-09-03T14:54:00.001-07:00

A master plan by Kamehameha Schools to remake 29 acres of its land in Kaka'ako into a largely high-rise residential community was approved yesterday by the state agency that oversees the area. The approval will allow Hawai'i's largest private landowner to break ground as early as next year....the buildout of the nine blocks between Restaurant Row and Ward Centers mauka of Ala Moana is anticipated to take 15 years and produce up to 2,750 homes with seven towers as well as low-rise buildings, some retail and park space.

--Honolulu Advertiser

This development will hopefully come as a relief for those searching for affordable housing. 55 homes will be "affordable" for those earning the median income while 395 homes will be available for those earning 140% of the median income. It will create thousands of full-time jobs and nearly ten thousand temporary jobs, as well as being home to a few local businesses.

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Libraries Need Donations to Prevent Closures

2009-09-02T10:08:00.000-07:00

Faced with a $6 million budget cut, the state public library system will be asking library users, corporations and foundations to donate whatever they can to prevent major cutbacks at the state's 51 libraries. The fundraising effort, "Keep Your Library Open!," is set to be announced this morning by the Hawaii State Public Library System and the Friends of the Library of Hawai'i. Each entity will conduct its own fundraising drive, and the combined effort is intended to ensure that no library will be closed permanently because of projected budget shortfalls.

--Honolulu Advertiser

Finally, some intelligent ideas... If Hawaii's citizens truly want the libraries to stay open, they will donate in some form or another. Libraries are like the polish to a good education; it really allows students to shine. The plan is to raise $3 million by getting 1 million library users to donate $3 dollars each. $3 per person is a reasonable amount, and I have faith in the people of hawaii that they will get this done.

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DHS Sued by Foster Kids, Abusers

2009-09-01T10:29:00.000-07:00

Children who were abused by state-approved caregivers in a Wai'anae "House of Torture" have sued the state Department of Human Services and their victimizers. The Circuit Court lawsuit was filed on behalf of three minor children who were repeatedly assaulted when in the care of Rita Makekau and Gabriel and Barbara Kalama. The lawsuit alleges the state "acted negligently" when it approved the Kalamas as legal guardians.

The most disturbing part about this whole affair is that the Department of Human Services (DHS) fully knew that the Makekaus and Kalamas were part of the same nuclear family, hence the children would also be cared for by the Makekaus. If this is true is a whole different matter. But since we assume this is true, then the DHS is clearly at fault.

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DOE Seeks New Level of Authority

2009-08-31T18:18:00.000-07:00

Superintendent Patricia Hamamoto says she intends to again seek the authority to replace the principals, most teachers and other staffers at public schools that have consistently failed to meet federal No Child Left Behind requirements in light of a push by President Obama's administration for school districts to turn around the lowest-achieving public schools.

--Honolulu Advertiser

I firmly believe that this is not the solution. Teacher's cannot control their students. They may be able to encourage and support their students, but cannot control them. Students decide that on their own. Teacher's and principals should not be liable for the students' level of commitment. They should do all that they can, but should that fail, they should not be at fault. But if the teachers simply do not try hard enough, then Hamamoto should be given the authority to replace teachers. If, and only if.

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$1 Billion Assets on "Hold"

2009-08-30T17:35:00.000-07:00

For the past 18 months the state has been unable to use $1 billion it sank into supposedly highly liquid, short-term investments because of a collapse in trading of the securities. No one knows for certain when the state will get its money out of so-called auction-rate securities, and an auditor recently required the state to revalue its holdings at $114 million less than what it paid for the investments.

--Honolulu Advertiser

The administrator of the Financial Services Division, Scott Kami, says there is still more than enough money for projects and the state's bills. It's very disturbing that the state invested a total of $4.5 billion, $1.1 of which was invested in these "auction-rate" securities. That's nearly one-fourth of all investments.

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Governor Returns to Cuts, Layoffs

2009-08-29T08:51:00.000-07:00

The state had made an offer to the Hawai'i Government Employees Association [HGEA] that involved 24 furlough days this fiscal year, starting in October, and 24 days in the next fiscal year. The state also agreed to stop most of the 1,100 layoffs the governor has set to start in September. The governor said a similar offer was made to the United Public Workers but that the union did not respond.

--Honolulu Advertiser

HGEA countered the state's plan with 18 furlough days this fiscal year and 12 the next. The union also demands that the state cover 60% of health care premiums, even as costs continue to rise. Lingle describes it as "completely unacceptable" and has returned to cuts and layoffs. It seems to me like a simple choice: Either have a job, get at least some income, and have full benefits, or don't have a job at all. Unions, pick wisely, or hundreds of workers could be laid off.

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HGEA Negotiates Over Furloughs

2009-08-28T15:25:00.000-07:00

Over the past several days, the Lingle Administration has been working with the Hawaii Government Employees Association (HGEA) to develop a plan to furlough state workers and stop the over 1,000 layoffs Lingle had threatened:

The Lingle administration has offered the union 24 furlough days this fiscal year starting in October and 24 days next fiscal year, along with a halt to layoffs except for staff at Kulani Correctional Facility on the Big Island, which is being closed.

--Honolulu Advertiser

Once the next fiscal year starts, workers will furlough two days per month, down from the three originally proposed. However, the deal includes that HGEA drop its legal charges against furloughs and complaint against the layoff plan. The state will even consider reducing furlough days and increasing health care premiums next March, but I doubt that will happen.

Looks to me like a win-win situation, so I say the unions should go for it!

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HPD Chief, Farewell

2009-08-27T21:36:00.000-07:00

Boisse Correa concluded five years as Honolulu's police chief and 39 years on the force yesterday, saying he may reappear on the public scene as a politician or in some other government role. In a tearful farewell ceremony, the 64-year-old Correa drove away from police headquarters satisfied that he was leaving "the finest police department in the nation.

--Honolulu Advertiser

Boisse Correa ended his career with the force yesterday, bidding a sad farewell to his fellow friends colleagues. Continuity and change are part of life, and Correa felt that he had done what he could and it was time for change. The 64-year-old former HPD chief left the police compound yesterday while a five-member panel will make the decision of his replacement in October. Correa has served the city well.

+50% Highschool Grads, College

2009-08-26T18:55:00.000-07:00

A recent study by the P-20 Initiative College observes that over half (51%) of high school grads in Hawaii will attend colleges with about a third going out for 4-year degrees. The study comes as a real wake-up call for most:

For decades, the state had been unable to accurately track the number of public school graduates who entered a university or college. The Hawai'i P-20 Initiative's College and Career Indicators Report, released this week, is the first report of its kind to take nationwide college enrollment data, along with several other college readiness statistics, and break it down school-by-school.

--Honolulu Advertiser

Eventually, I hope that college-level prerequisite and introductory material will be taught in high schools to better prepare their students in anticipation for college. But for now, it is the duty of the teachers and parents to make college an expectation from a young age.

The three things I consider to be the most important for the future of Hawaii are a) education, b) economy, and c) sustainability and the advancement of green technology. Education is at the top of my list. 51% is unacceptable.

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Economic Situation, Not As Bad?

2009-08-25T16:28:00.000-07:00

The improved outlook is due to inflation being more subdued than state economists had anticipated, while Hawai'i's biggest economic engine — tourism — is expected to be worse than before and result in increased job losses.

As shown in the forecast above, inflation is quite low, but that's countered by a 6% drop in visitor arrivals. The economy is still in recession, but the recession is not as severe as it was this time last year. As the state's chief economist of the Department of Business puts it, the economy is a "mixed picture". Big hits are expected to employment rates as well as visitor spending and the tourism industry, a major part of Hawaii's economy. Hawaii is still better off than most states however.

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Rising Enrollment, Less Availability

2009-08-24T12:35:00.000-07:00

As the last group of UH-Manoa students — mostly incoming freshmen — began registering last week, college deans and department chairs were forced to increase class sizes and find instructors to teach additional class sections to prevent students from being shut out of high-demand prerequisite courses.

--Honolulu Advertiser

With enrollment for the University of Hawaii on the rise, many classes are forced to take in more students as the UH searches for more teachers to instruct the additional classes needed. The state cut $76 million from the school's budget for this year despite enrollment up 10%. Community colleges faced an even great 15% rise in enrollment. Education is the path to success and the state is denying students the possibility, the right, to it.

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Hawaii Commemorates 50th Anniversary

2009-08-21T18:44:00.000-07:00

Today, the fiftieth state commemorates its fiftieth anniversary. However, the occasion is one of less looking back to the past than looking to the next fifty years. The day also comes as a busy day for Hawaiian activists who planned to march from Ala Moana Beach Park to the Convention Center. The rally was organized by the Hawaiian Independence Action Alliance and the Institute for the Advancement of Hawaiian Affairs. The "action" included burning the fiftieth star in protest. Despite the rallies, the day came to a close with a few words from the governor and a spectacular fireworks display.

May we prosper for the next 50 years!

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Freeway Jimmy Sentenced

2009-08-20T17:11:00.000-07:00

Earlier today, James "Freeway Jimmy" Taylor pleaded guilty to three charges of stripping copper from freeway lighting systems. His wife, Regina Foster, who managed finances of the gang, received the same sentence:

Taylor earlier pleaded guilty to three of four charges brought against him last
year. Ahn sentenced him today to serve concurrent 10-year prison terms for
criminal conspiracy, racketeering and money laundering.

--Honolulu Advertiser

The money made from the stolen copper wires was used to finance methamphetamine. The state needs to crack down harder on these types of criminals. It should make Taylor and his gang pay for the copper stolen (which amounted to over $500,000) and make an example of him to all future copper theifs. Someone needs to make a stand against crime.

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Hawaii "Better Off" Than Most States

2009-07-26T14:38:00.000-07:00

Nationwide, stung by the drop in revenue collections because of the recession, states had to close a $142.6 billion shortfall in budgets for fiscal year 2010, according to a new report by the National Conference of State Legislatures. Eight states missed budget deadlines on July 1 and scrambled to pay state workers and bills while rushing to patch holes that may grow larger if the economy does not improve.

--Honolulu Advertiser

Governor Linda Lingle suggested that other states' economic situation may be far worse than Hawaii's. For example, in California, state workers are furloughing two days per month and Gov. Schwarzenegger is asking for a third furlough day. We should just be happy and remember all that we have is a blessing.

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Rail Cost Estimate Higher

2009-07-24T15:39:00.000-07:00

The cost estimate of the Honolulu elevated mass-transit public rail system has risen from the previously estimated $5.17 billion to the current estimate of $5.29 billion. It is a result of high-than-expected inflation, which was 2.3% higher than expected. Still, Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann says that this is considerably less than the $5.4 billion presented in last year's Mayoral ballot. I personally won't use the transit system... I would have placed the question on the ballot if voters would use the transit system, rather than if they supported it.

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Funding Approved for Rail and Housing

2009-07-23T17:35:00.000-07:00

The 2010 Transportation and Housing & Urban Development appropriations bill approved today funds the U.S. Departments of Transportation and Housing and Urban Development.

The U.S House approved today a bill that will fund Native Hawaiian housing and the Honolulu Rail Transit project. The bill, officially called the 2010 Transportation and Housing & Urban Development appropriations bill, grants Hawaii $17 million. $12 million will fund housing block grants, $1 million for a Native Hawaiian Loan fund, and $4 million to the rail project. Hopefully this will further stimulate the economy and help to close the budget deficit.

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Lingle Offers Compromise

2009-07-22T17:33:00.000-07:00

Sources familiar with the talks, speaking on condition of anonymity because the negotiations are confidential, said the administration's offer involves a 7 percent pay cut and about 18 furlough days a year for two years. The administration's proposal is in response to a union offer last week of a 5 percent pay cut. The combination pay cut and 1 1/2 furlough days a month would save the state roughly the same amount of money as Gov. Linda Lingle's initial goal of three furlough days a month.

--Honolulu Advertiser

Governor Linda Lingle made an offer yesterday to the three major labor unions (HGEA, UHPA, HSTA) that would comprise of both furloughs and paycuts, as she still stands behind her belief against layoffs. The plan is estimated to save the state the same amount of money that the governor's original three furlough days per month would have saved. To me, it's a "no-brainer", as one of my dear friends use to say. It's either that or a mass layoff of over 1,000 workers.

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Total Solar Eclipse

2009-07-21T13:20:00.000-07:00

Later this afternoon, Hawaii will get a glimpse of part of a total solar eclipse, which will be exceptionally long this time. Set to start about at 5:20 PM, the Bishop Museum says that it will be over at 6:14 PM. The museum advises that to get a good look at the eclipse, stay in a place where the western sky will be visible. At maximum point, the eclipse will last over six minutes, 30 seconds compared to 2008's eclipse which lasted for about one-third that time. Astronomers look forward to this eclipse, as it will give them much time to study the sun's corona. On an international scale, the eclipse will start in India before making its way through Southern China and Japan and eventually the Pacific. Even during an eclipse, DON'T LOOK AT THE SUN, even with sunglasses. Use a mirror to reflect the eclipse onto a piece of paper. Have fun!

Council Canditates Against Tax Hike

2009-07-20T23:03:00.000-07:00

Nearly all 14 candidates for the Honolulu City Council's 5th District seat say they're unhappy with the council's decision to raise property tax rates this year and would have taken steps to avoid it.

--Honolulu Advertiser

The upcoming election that will decide who will take the late Duke Bainum's seat shows great promise for the next several years. With all but one candidate against tax increases (George Waialeale suggested tax hikes be part of the solution), most blame the current economic situation (including tax rates and fees) on those in office; "Greed, corruption, ego and the fiscal irresponsibility of Honolulu's elected officials caused our current quandary," says candidate Jaques Sims. Many candidates have relations within the state's political community. I just hope that, like a few short elections, this won't be a popularity contest. Let's just make something good of Duke Bainum's death.

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Hawaii: The "Mean" State

2009-07-19T17:30:00.000-07:00

Two national homeless advocacy groups rank Honolulu as the eighth meanest city in the nation because of its treatment of the homeless. The report criticized city officials for their efforts in the last three years to close Kapiolani Park and beach parks on the Leeward Coast to camping and for shutting down parks and sending police to evict homeless campers.

--Honolulu Star Bulletin

This is absolutely unacceptable. The government can only worry about "closing the budget" while homeless wander the streets of the eight “meanest” city in America. This is questioning our moral standards and ethics. What is Hawaii coming to?

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Lingle's List of Layoffs

2009-07-18T13:45:00.000-07:00

The Lingle administration would not disclose how many workers are targeted, but Gov. Linda Lingle has said she may have to lay off 2,500 workers under her direct control because of the state's budget deficit. Workers in several departments -- including Agriculture, Health, Human Services, Labor and Industrial Relations, and Business, Economic Development and Tourism -- reported being notified.

--Honolulu Avertiser

The list of workers Lingle and her staff will lay off will be released tomorrow. However, it has been estimated that over 2,500 workers might be let go in order to close the state's budget deficit. The informality of the situation - Lingle telling workers about the layoffs before considering the unions - has raised some eyebrows, including Randy Pierra, executive director of HGEA, described Lingle's announcement as "shameless". The unions should have accepted the furlough plan. Now they have to deal with layoffs.

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66% Fail No Child Left Behind

2009-07-17T12:22:00.000-07:00

Although test results this year for nearly all grades improved, 66% of all Hawaii schools missed the progress goals prescribed in the No Child Left Behind Law. 187 schools did not pass AYP compared to the 97 (34%) that did pass. This is down from the 42% last year. Principals also worry that because of budget cuts, many schools could face even lower results this coming year.

However, NCLB standards are rising so the numbers do not tell the whole story. The original 39% reading proficiency has risen to 65% and the original 19% math proficiency has risen to 44%, both dramatic increases.

The NCLB standards will continue to rise until 2014 when the goal is to have 100% of students demonstrate high skill level.

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Lingle Leading?

2009-07-17T12:08:00.000-07:00

With labor talks between the state and the public worker unions still stalled, Gov. Linda Lingle put some pressure on the unions yesterday by announcing that her Cabinet would be taking a pay cut equal to two furlough days a month through two years.

--Honolulu Star Bulletin

Pressure? The Governor played this one poorly; first she released her proposal to the media before even sitting down with the unions, then, only after she loses the court ruling, she begins to make sacrifices herself. Lingle then wants to make it clear that she is leading by example. Yeah, leading after losing. She also said later that because of the growing budget deficit, she would not let any money be released for any bills that were overrode in the last legislation.

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Food Funds and Renewable Energy Vetoed

2009-07-16T14:28:00.000-07:00

Governor Linda Lingle vetoed the so-called barrel tax bill which would increase the price of oil about 2-3 cents per gallon. The money raised from the tax would in turn fund progress and research of renewable energy as well as fund food security. The bill was opposed by the fragile airline industry, claimed Senator Colleen Hanabusa. This is a bad move however, because renewable energy is the key to maintain sustainability on these most isolated islands in the world we live on. Food security should also be a main priority as we are thousands of miles away from any major landmass. Nice job, Governor, we're making (no) progress!

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Budget Cuts = No Fishing?

2009-07-16T11:58:00.000-07:00

With just two days until the scheduled Saturday opening of this year's catfish season at Nu'uanu Freshwater Fish Refuge, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has not decided whether it can afford to open the popular spot this year because of state budget cut.

--Honolulu Advertiser

Many people were looking forward to this year's session so many people applied for licenses, but "Now we might not have anyone," says Brian Kimate, owner of a fishing supply store. Fishing is also a great activity for families. The recent cut in budget for the DLNR may bring an end to freshwater fishing in Hawaii. A solution might lay in volunteers from the Hawaii Freshwater Fishing Association.

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Japanese Emperor & Empress Visit

2009-07-15T09:20:00.000-07:00

Their Majesties, the Emperor and Empress of Japan, are now in Honolulu. Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko arrived in the islands around 3:15 Tuesday afternoon at Hickam Air Force Base. It's the royal couple's first visit to Honolulu in 15 years.

--KHNL News

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko landed on Oahu yesterday afternoon at Hickam Air Force Base. They are scheduled to attend a service at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Punchbowl later today, as well as to dine with Governor Linda Lingle in Washington Place. Today they will also revisit the tree they planted in 1960 that marked the 100th anniversary of US-Japan relations. Later tonight they will attend a banquet at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. This is a great gesture on the part of the Japanese, not only showing their trust in our community but repeatedly displaying it. The royal couple will remain in the islands until Thursday.

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Unions Offer 5% Cut

2009-07-14T18:39:00.000-07:00

In what all sides described as progress, public-sector labor unions yesterday offered to take a 5 percent pay cut to help close the state's budget deficit, far less than what Gov. Linda Lingle has wanted but a sign that state workers are willing to sacrifice.

--Honolulu Advertiser

Hawaii Unions offered a 5% cut in pay in labor talks yesterday Governor Linda Lingle attended saying afterward the state would consider the unions' proposals. The 5% cut is a big plummet from the three furlough days a month (equal to about 13% cut) Lingle proposed last month. Although the budget deficit is still quite large, this is the first step toward closing the gap.

However, one of the Unions' other proposals of taking money from the Hurrican relief fund and temporarily increasing the general excise tax. This is not a good solution because a) El Nino is this year and b) this could cripple the already fragile private sector. Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann says the Governor has "broken the stalemate," but that means someone is going to lose.

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New Budget Deficit Estimate

2009-07-13T08:27:00.000-07:00

Gov. Linda Lingle's administration now estimates the state's deficit through the next two years totals as little as $744 million, far less than the $900 million gap she warned the state could face Wednesday.

--Honolulu Star Bulletin

The Governor released today the new budget deficit estimate, $744 million, which was far less than the previous $900 million. The Governor released this information shortly after talks with the labor unions ended. I, like the Governor, oppose layoffs and prefer furloughs, however Lingle has began to compose a list of public workers that would be laid-off if her furlough plan is not implemented.

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2009-06-16T11:39:00.000-07:00

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For more information regarding our staff at The Hawaiian Opinion, contact us by sending us an email through the link on our contact page.

Privacy Policy

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The Hawaiian Opinion and our staff respects the privacy of every individual who visits our site. This Privacy Policy outlines the information that our website may collect and how we may use that information. The Hawaiian Opinion reserves the right to alter this policy at any time without notice and/or change the location of this privacy policy relative to our homepage.

Definition
"The Hawaiian Opinion" is defined as publicly accessible pages hosted under Bloggers' server(s).
"We" is defined as the team of administrators and writers for The Hawaiian Opinion.

The Hawaiian Opinion contains links to other external sites. Please be aware that we not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites. This policy applies solely to information collected by this specific site.

Personal Data
We will not collect any personally identifiable information about you, such as name, address, telephone number, or e-mail address ("personal data") through our site unless you have provided it to us voluntarily via contact form and/or email. If you do not want your personal data collected, please do not submit it to us.

When you do provide us with personal data, we may use that information in the following ways unless stated otherwise: we may process that information in order to fulfill a request you have placed with us; and/or we may use that information to contact you. We will not sell, rent, or market personal data about you to third parties.

Additional Information Collected Automatically
In some cases, we may automatically (i.e., not via contact form or email) collect information about you that is not personally identifiable. Examples of this type of information include the type of Internet browser you are using, the type of computer operating system you are using, the IP address of your computer, and the domain name of the website from which you linked to our site. This information is used to ensure that our site meets the needs of the majority of our users, as well as to diagnose problems with our server. This information also helps us produce statistics on how often our various pages are visited.

Information Placed Automatically on Your Computer
When you view our site, we may store some information on your computer. This information will be in the form of a "cookie" or similar file and can help us in many ways. For example, cookies allow us to tailor a website to better match your interests and preferences. With most Internet browsers, you can erase cookies from your computer's hard drive, block all cookies, or receive a warning before a cookie is stored. Please refer to your browser instructions or "help" screen to learn more about these functions.

If you have any questions regarding on how we collect and what we do with information gathered, please send us an email through the link on our contact page.

Policy Valid as of May 2009

Terms of Service

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The Hawaiian Opinion is a public site and by accessing this website and its pages, you agree to adhere to the following guidelines.

These guidelines are provided to help The Hawaiian Opinion end-users to become more aware of the expectations of The Hawaiian Opinion and its staff. In general this terms of service agreement requires efficient, ethical and legal utilization of the network resources. If an individual or group violates any of the below guidelines, appropriate action will be taken, and depending on the severity, The Hawaiian Opinion could turn to legal action.

Terms and Conditions

1. Acceptable Use
The use of The Hawaiian Opinion's services and resources must support LEGO® and their goals for their institution and websites. Transmission of any material in violation of any U.S. or state regulation is prohibited, which includes, but is not limited to, copyrighted material, threatening, obscene, vulgar, hateful, sexually-oriented, violent, or otherwise illegal material. Use for commercial activities is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. Use for product advertisement or political lobbying is also prohibited.

2. Warranties
The Hawaiian Opinion makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service(s) it is providing. The Hawaiian Opinion cannot, and will not be held responsible for any damages you suffer, which includes, but is not limited to, loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, mis-deliveries, and service interruptions. Use of any information obtained via The Hawaiian Opinion is obtained at your own risk. The Hawaiian Opinion specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services, although we strive to provide its users with the highest quality information and reviews.

3. Vandalism
Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy hardware, software or data of the website or of another user or users, the Internet, or any other network that is connected to the Internet, which includes, but is not limited to, the creation or uploading of computer viruses, misuse of the email system, and abuse to the comment system (details prescribed in section 4).

4. Comment Use
The comment system is designed to give users a more interactive experience on our site. Comment content will be acceptable, thus not containing unacceptable content, which includes, but is not limited to, vulgar, harmful, obscene, violent, hateful, sexually-oriented, or otherwise illegal material. The comment usage system is a privilege, not a right.

Policy Valid as of May 2009

Link to Us

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Do you own a website? Linking to us will increase website traffic and visitor activity. Add our link to your website. Then e-mail us using the link on our contact page with the subject of the message being "Link". In the message, please include your website and the page on which our link can be found. Once confirmed, we will add your link to our directory.

Contact Us

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Questions, comments, or feedback about our site? Contact us at hawaiianopinion.admin@gmail.com or post a comment to this post. We will reply as soon as possible.

Links Directory

2009-06-15T19:55:00.000-07:00

Do you own a website? Link to us!

> Featured Sites

> Resources

> Other Sites

Links Directory > Other Sites

2009-06-15T14:20:00.000-07:00

Link Market - Free Link Exchange, Link Swap and Link Trade Directory
Have you ever tried to exchange links, swap links, or trade links? Was it hard? Use link market instead; - it is easy to use, free and very smart. It will save you hours of work.

Marco Island Florida Vacation Rental House
Florida, marco island 4 bedroom luxury vacation rental waterfront house, upscale villa with gulf of mexico with beaches and beaches

Florida Marco Island Waterfront Vacation Rental House
Florida, marco island luxury 4 bedroom waterfront vacation rental house on gulf of mexico with beaches and boating and upscale ambience.

The Water Fountains Company
Retailer of water fountains & ponds. Link partner for home improvement, construction, online, jobs, legal, lawyer, blogs, jewelry, web design & hosting, real estate, finance, financial, travel, business, shopping, gambling, insurance & mortgage site

Hawaii Vacations
Hawaii vacations on maui, kauai, hawaii and oahu including discount condos, hotels, cars, air fare and activities.

Debt Consolidation In Hawaii
Debt consolidation in hawaii

To Quit Smoking
Easyquitsmoke. Com will help you kick smoking. Looking at quiting smoking, contact us now.

Links Directory > Featured Sites

2009-06-15T14:17:00.000-07:00

All Hawaii News - All Hawaii. All the news. All the time.

Big Island Chronicle - Blog with aloha for news and commentary.

Politicsknowledge
Providing up to date easy to read news on british and world politics. The site also provides politics essays, revision notes and encourages debate and discussion.

Politics With Coffee
News, politics, government, conservative, opinion, analysis

Wayward Hawaiian

Links Directory > Resources

2009-06-15T14:13:00.000-07:00

GardenIsland.com, The - The Garden Island newspaper for the island of Kauai in the Hawaiian Islands. News is updated daily.

Hawaii Tribune-Herald - Hilo's daily newspaper with local news, sports, and classifieds.

Honolulu Advertiser, The - HonoluluAdvertiser.com is the home page of Honolulu, Hawaii with in depth and updated Honolulu local news.

Honolulu Star Bulletin - Hawaii coverage and reports on news, sports, business, entertainment, and events.

KGMB9 News - KGMB9 is Hawaii's TV news source and one of the good things about Hawaii

KHNL.com - Hawaii's live local late breaking news reader.

KITV News - Honolulu, Hawaii breaking news, weather, headlines, and sports.

Maui News, The - The Maui News is the best source for news, sports, and visitor's information for those living, or traveling to Maui, Hawaii.

West Hawaii Today - Newspaper published daily, except for Saturdays, on the island of Hawaii. Includes local news, sports, and classifieds.

The Hawaiian Opinion

HSTA Sees Reason

Health Insurance in Hawaii Too Costly

Waikiki Beach Restoration

Museums Reduce Budget, Can't Find Funds

$1000 Reward for Waiawa Arson Info

Suspected Arsonists, 11 Wild Fires

Hawaiian Airlines Vote for Strike

The Next Honolulu Mayor

The Next Governor

Obama Addresses Students of America

Swine Flu Takes First Child in Hawaii

Kamehameha Build Community in Kaka'ako

Libraries Need Donations to Prevent Closures

DHS Sued by Foster Kids, Abusers

DOE Seeks New Level of Authority

$1 Billion Assets on "Hold"

Governor Returns to Cuts, Layoffs

HGEA Negotiates Over Furloughs

HPD Chief, Farewell

+50% Highschool Grads, College

Economic Situation, Not As Bad?

Rising Enrollment, Less Availability

Hawaii Commemorates 50th Anniversary

Freeway Jimmy Sentenced

Hawaii "Better Off" Than Most States

Rail Cost Estimate Higher

Funding Approved for Rail and Housing

Lingle Offers Compromise

Total Solar Eclipse

Council Canditates Against Tax Hike

Hawaii: The "Mean" State

Lingle's List of Layoffs

66% Fail No Child Left Behind

Lingle Leading?

Food Funds and Renewable Energy Vetoed

Budget Cuts = No Fishing?

Japanese Emperor & Empress Visit

Unions Offer 5% Cut

New Budget Deficit Estimate

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