Council Canditates Against Tax Hike

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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Food Funds and Renewable Energy Vetoed

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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Japanese Emperor & Empress Visit

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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