State Seeking Lessees for Ag Lots on Oahu and Kauai

Just came across this article on http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/. The State must really be desperate for cash. I wonder if the State will allow vacation rentals on these prime ag lands. I'm sure that some of our County Councilmembers would have no problem with that. Fortunately, our State is aware of the State law, and will only be allowing legitimate farming on these lands. Thank goodness for that.


Advertiser Staff

The Hawaii Department of Agriculture is accepting lease negotiation applications for five parcels of state agricultural land on Oahu and on Kauai.

The Oahu lots are in Waimanalo and are 5.1 acres, 3.7 acres and 1.4 acres in size. The Kauai lots are in Hanapepe and are 6.7 acres and 4.2 acres in size.

Applications should be submitted to the Agricultural Resource Management Division. The application deadline is Jan. 14 at 3 p.m.

The 35-year leases are for diversified agriculture only. Each parcel has an upset minimum annual rental and the lease will be issued by a negotiation process. In addition to the annual rental, each parcel has an additional rent of 1.5 percent of gross proceeds from the agricultural operation.

STALL TACTICS TO HUSH THE CROWD; CHILDREN LOSE AGAIN

After all, it was just stall tactics to hush the crowd. There was never a sincere desire to get the kids back in school. Between the Governor and the HSTA, the children were never a priority. It was always about taking, not giving. Our poor children have lost again. This is simply disgusting. Shame on all of you that allowed this to happen. God help our children.

Lingle rejects plan to reduce Furlough Fridays
By Star-Bulletin staff and news services

Gov. Linda Lingle has rejected an agreement between the teachers union and education officials to end some furlough days and get students back in the classroom.

Hawaii State Teachers Association President Wil Okabe announced earlier today that the agreement, reached last week, had been approved by the union.

The agreement reduces the remaining 10 furlough days in the current school year to three, all of which would be taken at the end of the school year.

Okabe says $35 million from the state's rainy-day fund will be used to restore five furlough days, and teachers will give up two planning days.

Late today, the governor said the agreement is not a "viable solution" to restore 27 furlough days the rest of this school year and next.

"Today's proposal being floated in the media would use more than two-thirds of the $50 million offered by the governor and would only restore five days of instruction, the governor said in a statement.

"This arrangement is not a credible plan, it is not fiscally responsible and it is not sustainable," Lingle said.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Mel Rapozo to Run for Kauai County Council in 2010

Lihue, HI, December 26, 2009:

Mel Rapozo will try to return to the Kauai County Council, a seat that he held from 2002 – 2008, in 2010. Rapozo served on various Council committees for three consecutive terms, was the Council Vice-Chair during his last term, and served as the President of the Hawaii State Association of Counties. He is known for his advocacy for the island’s senior citizens, military veterans, natural resources, small business, affordable housing, and most importantly, his demand for accountability of County leaders.

“I am excited to begin the campaign for a return to the Kauai County Council. In the past year, I have had the opportunity to be on the “outside looking in” and it has been very enlightening. I realize that there are many pressing issues that face this County, and the current state of the economy will present many more challenges going forward. I feel that my past experiences as a Councilmember will be a valuable asset to the County. I want to return to serve the people of Kauai once again.”

Rapozo has been active in the community during the last year, participating in discussions related to the preservation of agricultural lands, shoreline protection, and the recent landfill site selection process.

Rapozo is currently organizing his campaign committees and will officially file his nomination papers on February 1, 2010.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

From the Rapozo ohana, we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

The Focus Should be on Core Functions, Not Frills

In December 2002, a special commission developed core functions to deliver the three goals outlined in Hawaii’s State Plan. The core functions developed by the commission to achieve the goals are as follows:

– Protect and improve public health and welfare.
– Protect and improve public safety.
– Provide public education.
– Promote a stable and strong economy.
– Protect and conserve Hawaii’s natural and cultural resources.
– Support and perpetuate Hawaiian values, culture, lands and trusts.
– Provide critical administration necessary for the operation of the above government functions.

We must fund the CORE functions of government and reduce our spending on all the non-core aspects of the budget. All the "luxuries" must he halted until we get our core functions, like education and public safety, back in shape. Sister cities trips, festivals, parades, etc. must be scrutinized during the next few years. This is the harsh reality.

The principles of core function analysis are very simple - to be effective and efficient an organization should focus its energy on its most important or core functions.

Kauai Getting Water Rate Increase on January 1. 2010

And the good news continue. After all the furloughs, rising medical premiums, threats of loss County revenue and delayed tax returns, the County of Kauai will hit us one more time by raising our water rates. They tell us that this increase is based on a 2005 comprehensive study. That was almost 5 years ago, when the economy was in a much better place. Keep in mind that this action is coming from the same Water Department that is asking to be exempt from future furloughs? Come on people, WAKE UP! I thought this was a time for all to come together. I guess that doesn't apply to the Water Department. We wish you a Merry Christmas Department of Water.

Advertiser Staff

A water rate increase for Kauai is scheduled to take effect Jan. 1. The increase is based on a comprehensive study conducted in 2005 on the Kauai Department of Water's projected revenues and expenditures that recommended the implementation of a series of five annual 8.5-percent rate increases beginning in fiscal year 2006.

The water rate will increase from $2.90 to $3.20 per 1,000 gallons for the standard residential 5/8-inch meter within the first block (initial 20,000 gallon).

For the portion of the bi-monthly consumption that is between 20,000 and 40,000 gallons, the second block rate will be assessed. The increase in this category will be from $3.70 to $4.00 per 1,000 gallons.

The highest volume residential consumers with usage in excess of 40,000 gallons will pay a top rate of $6.00 per 1,000 gallons.

For more information on the water rate schedule, visit www.kauaiwater.org. Click on Water Board, rules & regulations, and then click on Part IV - Fixing Rates for the Furnishing of Water Service.

More budget hits on the way for Hawaii

Honolulu Advertiser, December 22, 2009

Lingle wants to cut state benefits payments, take county hotel-room taxes

By DERRICK DePLEDGE
Advertiser Government Writer

Gov. Linda Lingle, trying to close a $1.2 billion budget deficit through June 2011, said yesterday that she would delay tax refunds from April until July and ask state lawmakers to scoop hotel-room tax revenues that now go to counties.

Lingle would also raise taxes on insurance commissions, stop paying life insurance premiums for state workers and retirees, and end the state's reimbursement of some Medicare costs for the spouses of retired state workers.

The governor preserves the state's rainy day fund and the hurricane relief fund as options in the event the economy does not improve and the deficit grows larger. The governor also did not call for any additional layoffs of state workers.

County mayors were disappointed that Lingle would take the hotel-room tax revenues and suggested that property taxes may have to be increased in response.

Lingle, a former Maui mayor, said mayors should be prepared given that lawmakers almost took the money last session.

"I tried to give them a heads-up about it over the past year, I think legislators have sent the same message, but it shouldn't be a surprise," the governor said at a news conference at the state Capitol.

Taxpayers will have to wait for their refunds. The delay is an accounting maneuver to get a one-time savings this fiscal year by not counting the refunds in the budget until next fiscal year.

"It's sort of everybody sacrificing so we can get through a crisis period," Lingle said.

Lowell Kalapa, president and chief executive officer of the Tax Foundation of Hawai'i, said he doubts the delay will have much of an impact because many people do not know if they are going to get a state refund until they file their taxes.

But Kalapa said it may send a message about the extent of the deficit.

"I think it sends a message to folks out there — taxpayers, consumers — that the state is really hard up," he said. "They cannot pay their bills."

fiscal maneuvering

Lingle would reduce the state budget this fiscal year by $522 million, mostly through labor savings from new contracts with public-sector labor unions, spending restrictions imposed on state departments, and debt restructuring.

The governor would save an additional $296 million through special fund and tax revisions, mostly by delaying the tax refunds for 90 days as allowed by state law.

These steps would enable the state to get through the fiscal year that ends in June.

For the next fiscal year, Lingle would reduce the budget by $378 million, primarily through labor savings and department spending restrictions, and pick up another $181 million by taking the hotel-room tax revenues from counties and other tax adjustments.

In all, Lingle closes a $1.2 billion hole through June 2011 and leaves a carry-over balance.

The total supplemental budget request is $10 billion for fiscal year 2011 — including $5 billion in general-fund spending over which the governor and the state Legislature have the most control.

The governor also wants to reduce the capital improvement budget this fiscal year by $30.4 million in general obligation bond funds. But she would increase CIP spending by $164.9 million next fiscal year, to $1.1 billion. The new construction spending would include $50.9 million for improvements at Honolulu International Airport, $31 million for a new facility at the University of Hawai'i-Hilo College of Hawaiian Language, and $10 million for repair and maintenance and construction at charter schools.

delayed impact

Scooping the hotel-room tax revenues from counties will likely spark a fight with mayors, who are facing their own budget deficits.

Last session, state lawmakers considered taking the hotel-room tax money from counties to help balance the budget but backed off after protests from mayors.

Lingle and state House and Senate leaders have made it clear for months, however, that the money would likely get diverted.

Unlike the state, counties avoided furloughs this fiscal year and have not made significant spending cuts because the impact of the recession on property taxes — the counties' main source of revenue — has yet to fully play out.

Lingle would divert hotel-room tax revenues from the counties for three fiscal years. Counties would lose an estimated $99 million next fiscal year: $44.5 million in Honolulu; $22.7 million on Maui; $18.5 million on the Big Island; and $14.4 million on Kaua'i.

Despite the warnings, the mayors were unhappy yesterday.

Big Island Mayor Billy Kenoi said he thought Lingle, as a former mayor, would understand how difficult losing the hotel-room tax money will be on counties. "The counties rely on the transient accommodations tax to balance their budgets, and for the state to take away that source of funding puts pressure on the counties to raise taxes at the county level," he said in a statement.

Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann said he was disappointed. "I am disappointed that the governor would reverse from last session her position on taking the counties' share of the hotel room tax," he said in a statement. "In so doing, she is opening the door to the possibility that local residents will have to pay more in property taxes so that the counties can continue to provide essential services such as police, fire, paramedics and lifeguards for the state's No. 1 industry."

Kaua'i Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. said he was surprised. "We incur significant costs related to tourism including: parks maintenance, lifeguards; police and fire services, road maintenance, and the list goes on and on," he said in a statement. "Losing all of the TAT would be devastating to our budget and we are hopeful that there will be continued dialogue with the state on this matter before any decisions are made."

options offered

Lawmakers, over Lingle's veto, raised the transient accommodations tax last session to help with the deficit. The tax, popularly known as the hotel-room tax, is applied to operators of hotel rooms, apartments, condominiums, beach houses and other places rented to visitors.

Lawmakers offered to give counties the option of adding a local surcharge to the tax, but the mayors were not interested.

State House Speaker Calvin Say, D-20th (St. Louis Heights, Pälolo Valley, Wilhelmina Rise), said counties not only avoided furloughs but kept covering the 60 percent to 40 percent split in health care costs for workers while the state could not because of rising costs.

"They must have had a lot of money this fiscal year that the state of Hawai'i did not have," he said.

State Sen. Donna Mercado Kim, D-14th (Hälawa, Moanalua, Kamehameha Heights), chairwoman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, said lawmakers will look at the long-term financial health of the state when considering Lingle's budget request.

"To me, the strategy on how we're attacking this is very important, because, to just find little pots of money, I mean, it's one thing. But then what do we do after those pots of money go?" Kim said.

Say and Kim, like Lingle, said they would try to avoid a broad-based tax increase to balance the budget, such as raising the state's general-excise tax.

'where does it end?'

Advocates for the poor and many parents and teachers will likely ask lawmakers to use the rainy day fund and the hurricane relief fund to restore some social-service spending and end teacher furloughs.

Say said there are other public demands to save state programs — such as school bus routes and vector control for rats. "Where does it end for the general public to understand?" Say said. "I thought they wanted us to downsize and rightsize state government?"

Lingle, a Republican who generally opposes tax increases, does have a tax hike in her budget request. The governor would raise the tax on insurance commissions from 0.15 percent to 4 percent, generating $20 million for the state.

The governor would save $12.5 million by not paying life insurance premiums for state workers and retirees and ending reimbursements for some Medicare costs for the spouses of retired state workers. The reimbursement reductions are in Medicare Part B, which covers a range of health-care items, including physician services, home health care and diagnostic tests.

The budget request also reflects the governor's layoffs earlier this year and zeroes out many vacant positions, eliminating 1,990 positions in all.

Additional Facts

STATE BUDGET

Gov. Linda Lingle has proposed cutting $522 million from the state budget to get through the fiscal year that ends in June. The governor has also proposed a $10 billion supplemental budget for fiscal year 2011 — including $5 billion in general-fund spending — a $378 million decrease from what was approved by lawmakers and signed by the governor after last session.

Here are some highlights:

• Save $275 million by delaying tax refunds from April to July.
• Scoop $99 million by taking hotel-room tax revenues that now go to counties.
• Raise $20.6 million by increasing taxes on insurance commissions.
• Save $12.5 million by not paying life insurance premiums for state workers and ending reimbursements for some Medicare costs for the spouses of retired state workers.

COUNTY CRUNCH

Gov. Linda Lingle wants lawmakers to scoop about $99 million in hotel-room tax revenues now given to counties to help close the state's budget deficit. Here is the breakdown of the county share and how much counties may lose:

Honolulu — 44.8 percent ($44.5 million)
Maui — 22.8 percent ($22.7 million)
Big Island — 18.6 percent ($18.5 million)
Kaua'i — 14.5 percent ($14.4 million)
Source: Lingle administration

The People Have Spoken

I don't know how many people showed up last night, but my guess is that there were well over 200 people at the Convention Hall for the bike path meeting. Although I didn't speak to everyone personally, it was clear to me that the majority of people were not supportive of the Wailua Beach route. If not for the County officials and the hired consultants, I would say that the vast majority of attendees were in opposition of the bike path being constructed on Wailua Beach.

I did not go to speak, as I am quite sure that the decision to place the path over the burial grounds of Wailua Beach has already been made. I have made my feelings known and didn't think that I could change the minds of the decision makers that were present. I went to the meeting to learn. And learn I did. What I heard last night moved me. It moved me in a way that I never experienced before. I could not sleep when I got home. In fact, I was wide awake until well after 2am. I woke up this morning with a feeling that we need to continue this fight. No matter what, we cannot let this recreational path destroy the alive sands of Wailua Beach, or Mahunapu`uone, the sand dunes that conceal the bones.

Kehaulani Kekua, Ikane Alapai and Val Ako all confirmed the cultural significance of Wailua. After their testimonies, I had expected at least some of the proponents to change their minds. That didn't happen. I couldn't believe that anyone would publicly support the Wailua Beach route after these experts shared their knowledge. But still, some did.

For those that are culturally insensitive, and can only relate to money and prestige, Alan Murakami of the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation shared the legal ramifications of proceeding, including violations of law. Quite an eye-opening session.

Going forward, I can only hope that our decision makers will do what is right. Of course, we all have different perceptions of what is right. After last night, it is very clear. We must leave Wailua alone. We must allow those that are buried there to rest in peace. We must show our appreciation by respecting them. Not with monuments, but by allowing them to rest, undisturbed.

SAVE WAILUA BEACH!

Wailuanuiaho`ano has always held the distinction as one of the most sacred places in all of Hawai`i. It was the birthplace of royal ali`i, as well as the political and spiritual center for Kaua`i Island. From the ahupua`a’s pinnacle at the summit of Wai`ale`ale moving ma kai toward the shore, a series of major heiau are integrated into the landscape of the "Great Sacred Wailua". Oral histories and traditions detailed in our chants, ceremonies, religious and burial practices further confirm and maintain that the entire coastal ecosystem of sand dunes and beaches of the Wailua ahupua`a are known and documented burial grounds. Iwi kupuna, the bones of our ancestors were interned in these sands many, many generations before us. Known as, Mahunapu`uone, this place name clearly indicates its role in the life and death cycle of our küpuna as, "the sand dunes that conceal the bones".

The Mayor has decided to forge ahead to construct the pedestrian/bike path on the sands of Mahunapu`uone at Wailua Beach – a decision that we strongly feel was uninformed and misguided. We need your support in establishing an ALTERNATE ROUTE by steering the pathway OFF OF THE BEACH and toward the ma uka alignment BEHIND of Coco Palms.

Contrary to Path advocates’ claims that potential environmental, cultural and spiritual impacts have been addressed, THEY HAVE NOT. The path is only one of several development projects that are simultaneously occurring in Wailua. County, State and Federal authorities HAVE NOT COMPLIED with required laws and regulations, including Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. The Environmental Assessment is flawed and inadequate for a region as culturally and historically significant as Wailuanuiaho`ano. Please join us in a unified appeal asking for an EIS (Environmental Impact Study). It is our shared duty to protect and care for our environment, culture and the sanctity of the iwi küpuna. We humbly ask for your presence and participation at this very important Public Information Meeting this coming Monday. Your support is needed!

Public Information Meeting
Wailua – Kapa`a Bike/Pedestrian Path
Kaua`i Convention Hall in Lïhu`e
Monday, December 7 – 6:30p to 8:30p

I'm Back

Sorry for the week long absence. I was occupied for the entire week and had to take care of some medical issues on Oahu with my daughter. All is good and I will be posting regularly. Thank you for your patience.

Happy Thanksgiving

As we sit back enjoy this wonderful holiday, let us not forget those that are less fortunate. Let us give thanks for all our blessings. And let us not forget our troops who are in harms way. Whether here or abroad, let us never forget what they are doing for us. And for our veterans and their families, especially those that have left us, you are not forgotten. God bless you all!

Call Your Councilmembers NOW!!

Tomorrow, Bill 2298 will be heard again in the Planning Committee of the Kauai County Council. The agenda reads:

A BILL FOR AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 8, KAUA'I COUNTY CODE 1987, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE AND SINGLE-FAMILY TRANSIENT VACATION RENTALS

This bill will grandfather illegal vacation rentals on ag lands until the Important Ag Land study is completed. It will legalize an activity that is prohibited under State law. This bill has been deferred for several meetings because of the legal concerns surrounding Chapter 205-5 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes. Chapter 205-5 clearly states that overnight accommodations are prohibited on lands that have been designated as agricultural. This bill will undermine State law and provide loopholes for illegal vacation rental operators.

From what I understand, only Kaipo Asing and Derek Kawakami are in opposition of the bill, mainly because of the conflict with State law. Please contact your Council members at CouncilTestimony@kauai.gov and tell them to vote NO on this bill. Your testimony to this email address will become part of the official record.

We have to stop this precedent setting action. This is only the beginning. The last Council did not entertain this because it was illegal. This new Council has a different vision. Let them know how you feel. Thank you.

The Future of Wailua Beach

I heard some disturbing news today. I heard that Mayor Carvalho has decided to move forward with the plan to construct the bike/pedestrian path along the Wailua Beach. This is disturbing because Wailua Beach is a sacred Hawaiian burial ground. This is not a disputed fact. This is common knowledge. It seems quite unreasonable to move forward. I am anxious to hear his reasons for taking this course.

The route through Wailua Beach is simply disrespectful. Many people may not see the cultural significance of this issue, but I believe that the majority of Kauai residents do. Kauai is different. We are unique. I could go on and on about how we differ from the rest of the Hawaiian Islands, but I won't. If you don't know that by now, something is definitely wrong.

Being different is not a bad thing. We have survived many disasters because we are different. We have maintained a somewhat traditional lifestyle because we are different. We continue to enjoy many cultural traditions because we are different. For this, we should be thankful. For this, we should be grateful. For this, we should display the ultimate show of respect to the host culture. We owe this to the ancestors of this very unique place.

Many native Hawaiians have spoken out. Many non-Hawaiians have spoken out. Our leaders have not listened. For those that continue the push to desecrate the Hawaiian burial grounds at Wailua Beach, shame on you. We are only temporary visitors of this sacred place called Kauai. We are only passing by. While we are here, we must honor the host culture. We must respect the past and the present. We must not allow our personal agendas to get in the way of this wonderful culture. The Hawaiian culture is so very special. Please honor them. Please do not disturb those that have left us. Building a recreational path over known, sacred burial grounds is unacceptable. It is not pono. It is disrespectful. It is NOT the Kauai way.

What a Concept!

The Honolulu Police Commission recently selected Honolulu's new Police Chief. They named Louis Kealoha, a 26 year veteran with HPD, as the new Chief. A Captain with HPD, Kealoha is a well-educated officer that has the respect of the rank and file, as well as the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers. It appears that HPD is on its way to improving the relationships between the administration and the rank and file. I wish them success as they move forward to a new era of leadership.

One of the most impressive things that I noticed about Chief Kealoha was his immediate acknowledgement of the fiscal challenges that he will be facing. Even more impressive was his plan to move forward. From the Honolulu Star Bulletin:

Kealoha said the budget restraints and cuts will give the department an opportunity to re-examine its structure to see where there is duplication of effort and to see what services might be transferred to civilians or the private sector.

He said he also wants to increase the role of volunteer staffing, perhaps by increasing the police reserve officer program.

I hope all of the government leaders throughout the State will follow suit. With the economy in a tailspin, now is the time to reassess the structures of government. Now is the time to cut all duplication of services and other wasteful spending of taxpayer funds. Although easier said than done, it all starts with the acceptance that changes need to be made. From that point, an honest and objective look at the entire operation must be made. Duplication of services are wasteful and need to be addressed. Cuts will have to be made, provided that public safety is not compromised.

To sum it up, Chief Kealoha said it best. He said:

"There's going to be big cuts," said Kealoha, interviewed later. "I believe this is the time we're going to demonstrate who we are. ... We're going to succeed through this, without compromising service to the community."

Good luck Chief Kealoha. We wish you well and look forward to a new and improved Honolulu Police Department. God bless and stay safe.

Better Business Bureau Starts Kauai Advisory Council

About BBB

Vision: An ethical marketplace where buyers and sellers can trust each other.

Mission: To be the leader in advancing marketplace trust.

BBB accomplishes its mission by:

• Creating a community of trustworthy businesses.
• Setting standards for marketplace trust.
• Encouraging and supporting best practices.
• Celebrating marketplace role models.
• Denouncing substandard marketplace behavior.
• BBB does not compare businesses against each other, but evaluates businesses against its Standards for Trust.

BBB Standards for Trust

BBB Standards for Trust are a comprehensive set of policies, procedures and practices focused on how businesses should treat the public—fairly and honestly in all circumstances.

• Build Trust
• Advertise Honestly
• Tell the Truth
• Be Transparent
• Honor Promises
• Be Responsive
• Safeguard Privacy
• Embody Integrity

Full BBB Accreditation Standards at kauai.bbb.org.

About Hawaii’s BBB

• Established in 1945, Hawaii’s Better Business Bureau® (BBB) is the local authority on trust in the marketplace.
• BBB is an unbiased, nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Only businesses and charities that meet and adhere to BBB standards can receive BBB accreditation.
• Hawaii’s BBB provides objective advice, free business and charity reports, and educational resources on topics affecting marketplace trust. BBB also offers fair and timely dispute resolution programs for consumers and businesses.

Kauai BBB Advisory Council

Purpose

• Provide input from BBB Accredited Businesses on Kauai to Hawaii’s BBB and its board of directors.
• Work with BBB to better serve Kauai consumers, businesses, donors and charities
• Help BBB understand Kauai’s marketplace.

• Representatives of local BBB Accredited Businesses.

Members

Chairman, Mel Rapozo - M & P Legal Support Services, Lihue
John Belliveau – A/V Kauai, Kapaa
Lesther Calipjo – Kauai Foreign Cars, Lihue
Lori Cardenas - Aunty Lilikoi Products, Waimea
Candace Mack - Kauai Calls! Set Your Heart Free, Kapaa
Lani Phillips - Lani’s and Boyd Upholstery, Lihue
Ryan Thompson - Cypress Electric Communications, Kapaa

Kauai BBB Data

• 151 BBB Accredited Businesses.
• BBB Reliability Reports on approximately 700 businesses; almost 30 with F rating.
• More than 3,500 inquiries about Kauai businesses so far this year; 464 in October.
• 260 complaints against Kauai businesses.
• 49 business complaints from Kauai residents.
• Kapaa and Lihue in weekly top 10 traffic to Hawaii’s BBB Web site.

Contact Hawaii’s BBB

Web site: kauai.bbb.org
On Twitter: twitter.com/HawaiiBBB
E-mail: info@hawaii.bbb.org
Phone: 1-877-222-6551 (toll free)
Fax: 808-628-3970

Mayor’s Advisory Committee on Landfill Site Selection (MACLS) Meeting in Kalaheo

Attention everyone. If you are concerned about the plans to site the new landfill in Kalaheo, let your feelings be known to your leaders on Thursday, November 19th, at Kalaheo Elementary School at 6pm. This is your opportunity to voice your concerns and get your questions answered. Many people have approached me about this very important issue, questioning the selection committee's decision to site the landfill in Kalaheo. This is a great chance to find out more information.

Personally, I find it strange that the County would disrupt an active agricultural operation by constructing a landfill in the near vicinity of the farm. As we continue to strive for sustainability, and the preservation of agriculture here on Kauai, placing a landfill in a viable coffee farm seems to be counter-productive. Also, the fact that the landowner is not a willing partner will not only delay the process by years, but also increase the cost substantially. I'm not sure if these factors were considered in the committee's decision.

No community wants a landfill in their backyard. The reality is that the landfill will have to go somewhere. I cannot believe that out of all the available locations on this island, Kalaheo was the best choice. I believe that the better choice would have been up on Maalo Road in Kapaia. This site is far away from neighborhoods, near the existing KIUC power plant (in the event we ever get a waste to energy plant), and not currently being used in active agriculture.

I hope the people of Kalaheo, especially the employees of Kauai Coffee Company, show up in force at this meeting. The consultants need to know what the feelings of the community really are. I understand that they may be soliciting comments for a future EIS. Let your feelings be known. Don't sit back and watch it happen. Get involved.

Lingle Calls For End to School Furloughs

Hot off the press. The Honolulu Star Bulletin reports:

"The governor now favors taking $50 million from the rainy day fund to do away with school closings in 2010-11"

"Lingle said part of her decision to change her position and use the rainy day fund came from watching Hawaii debate the issue while she was traveling in China. She said the state needs to refocus on the economy and on creating jobs."

Hmmmm. I wonder if this has anything to do with the fact that, while she was in China focusing on the economy and creating jobs, the U.S. Secretary of Education publicly stated that Hawaii was at risk of losing future federal funds because of the stupid decision to reduce the number of instructional days. Or maybe because the entire nation was criticizing Hawaii for messing with our children's education. Or maybe because we are the laughing stock of the entire world, AGAIN!

Whatever the reason is, it is a little too late to do what should gave been done a long time ago. This doesn't change the fact that Lingle's priority was never the children.

GOD HELP OUR CHILDREN!!

TVRs on Ag Land May be Allowed by Council

I have been informed by a very reliable source that the Council has the required votes to pass Bill 2298. This would allow TVRs on lands that are zoned agriculture. Although I am not surprised, I am terribly disappointed. Councilmembers Asing and Kawakami have both voiced their opposition to the bill, mainly due to Chapter 205-5 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes. It baffles me how the other 5 members of the Council have chosen to ignore this very important State law. This law is very clear and prohibits any overnight accommodations on ag land. For those of you that disagree or may not be familiar Chapter 205-5, here it is in its entirety:

§205-5 Zoning.

(a) Except as herein provided, the powers granted to counties under section 46-4 shall govern the zoning within the districts, other than in conservation districts. Conservation districts shall be governed by the department of land and natural resources pursuant to chapter 183C.

(b) Within agricultural districts, uses compatible to the activities described in section 205‑2 as determined by the commission shall be permitted; provided that accessory agricultural uses and services described in sections 205‑2 and 205‑4.5 may be further defined by each county by zoning ordinance. Each county shall adopt ordinances setting forth procedures and requirements, including provisions for enforcement, penalties, and administrative oversight, for the review and permitting of agricultural tourism uses and activities as an accessory use on a working farm, or farming operation as defined in section 165‑2; provided that agricultural tourism activities shall not be permissible in the absence of a bona fide farming operation. Ordinances shall include but not be limited to:

(1) Requirements for access to a farm, including road width, road surface, and parking;
(2) Requirements and restrictions for accessory facilities connected with the farming operation, including gift shops and restaurants; provided that overnight accommodations shall not be permitted;
(3) Activities that may be offered by the farming operation for visitors;
(4) Days and hours of operation; and
(5) Automatic termination of the accessory use upon the cessation of the farming operation.Each county may require an environmental assessment under chapter 343 as a condition to any agricultural tourism use and activity. Other uses may be allowed by special permits issued pursuant to this chapter. The minimum lot size in agricultural districts shall be determined by each county by zoning ordinance, subdivision ordinance, or other lawful means; provided that the minimum lot size for any agricultural use shall not be less than one acre, except as provided herein. If the county finds that unreasonable economic hardship to the owner or lessee of land cannot otherwise be prevented or where land utilization is improved, the county may allow lot sizes of less than the minimum lot size as specified by law for lots created by a consolidation of existing lots within an agricultural district and the resubdivision thereof; provided that the consolidation and resubdivision do not result in an increase in the number of lots over the number existing prior to consolidation; and provided further that in no event shall a lot which is equal to or exceeds the minimum lot size of one acre be less than that minimum after the consolidation and resubdivision action. The county may also allow lot sizes of less than the minimum lot size as specified by law for lots created or used for plantation community subdivisions as defined in section 205-4.5(a)(12), for public, private, and quasi-public utility purposes, and for lots resulting from the subdivision of abandoned roadways and railroad easements.

(c) Unless authorized by special permit issued pursuant to this chapter, only the following uses shall be permitted within rural districts:

(1) Low density residential uses;
(2) Agricultural uses;
(3) Golf courses, golf driving ranges, and golf-related facilities; and
(4) Public, quasi-public, and public utility facilities.

In addition, the minimum lot size for any low density residential use shall be one-half acre and there shall be but one dwelling house per one-half acre, except as provided for in section 205-2. [L 1963, c 205, pt of §2; Supp, §98H-5; HRS §205-5; am L 1969, c 232, §1; am L 1977, c 140, §2; am L 1978, c 165, §1; am L 1991, c 281, §4; am L 1994, c 270, §2; am L 2005, c 205, §4; am L 2006, c 237, §5 and c 250, §3]

You be the judge. It is clear to me and many others. Why our local legislators are trying to legalize an illegal activity is beyond me. Maybe the pressure from the real estate community is too much for them to handle. If you feel that the County should leave the State law alone, let your Councilmembers know. Call or email them right away. Time is of the essence.

And The Judge Didn't Stop The Furloughs! Shameful!!

Do you know if your kids go to Kauai High School, and because of block scheduling....in the month of Nov, they will have only 15 school days (7- A days and 8- B days). If math is on an A day...they will have math only 7 days in the entire month of Nov! December is worse...6 -A days and 5- B days! Tell me how can the teacher teach their subjects in such time, what is worse, how can the kids learn ?!!! For the entire 2nd quarter, they will have only 19- A days and 19- B days!19 days to learn Alg II, or Spanish, or etc..... our poor kids, they are getting "shafted" big time!

Here is a letter to one of the teachers at Kauai High School:

Thank you Mr. ** for your comments and suggestions to help **. If you don't mind, can I ask you a question in general? What are the KHS teacher's plans or directives with working around the furlough days? With less school days to teach, are the teachers revising their curriculum accordingly? It seems like it would be difficult to cover the same amount of material in less days? And it would be unfair to "double up" on the material because of less school days? Ultimately the kids would hurt the most, but what can we as parents expect with respect to the furloughs? Because of "block scheduling", in the month of November the students would have only 7 days of your class. Nov = 7 A days & 8 B days = 15 days of schooling. December is worse with only 6 A days and 5 B days! Because you teach math, it is harder for you, as a teacher to "cram" material into less days....and keep comprehension levels up. I believe you cannot "speed up" learning. I don't mean to "attack" you or put you on the spot, I just wanted to know what changes (if any) we can expect because of furloughs. Thank you for your time.

A Concerned Parent

IT IS TIME FOR CHANGE

As our legislators sit back and watch the future of out keiki get compromised, we need to move to action. We need to initiate change ourselves. I am looking for people that will walk the walk, not talk the talk. I'm looking for people that are willing to MAKE CHANGE, not just talk about it. I am looking for THOUSANDS of concerned citizens to come together to DEMAND change from our legislators. If this issue does motivate people to get involved, nothing will. It is so sad to see that more people gave a damn about the Superferry than for our keiki. This is not right. People, let's PUT UP OR SHUT UP. If you are interested in joining this movement, let me know. More importantly, you need to pass this on. My email is melrapozo@gmail.com and I want to make sure that the future of our kids is the PRIORITY! I am looking at peaceful demonstrations, letter writings, political forums, etc. We need to change the laws to require minimums in instructional days. We need to bring local control to our school districts. This system is broken and we need to fix it. Please spread the word. Email me and lets all stand up and fight for our keiki.

GOD HELP OUR CHILDREN!!

Aiona: No Need for Special Legislative Session

From the Star Bulletin Breaking News:

Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona says there is no need to call a special legislative session to reduce or eliminate controversial teacher furloughs in Hawaii.

In a statement, Aiona today said a special session would be premature because the revenue picture for the fiscal year that ends June 30 would be unclear. Instead, he says state education and teacher union officials could reopen contract talks to discuss pay cuts or shift furlough days to non-instructional days.

He also said officials could agree to ease the process for parents and school principals to convert waiver and planning days into instructional time.

His comments mirror those of Gov. Linda Lingle and Republican legislators. Aiona intends to run for governor next year.

Why am I not surprised? Lt. Gov. Aiona is following in the footsteps of Gov. Lingle. It would be politically incorrect for him to go against the Governor. Unfortunately, I believe that this position will hurt him in his run for Governor. As I stated in an earlier post, I will not vote for anyone that did not help stop the shameful act of taking away instructional days from our kids. And believe me, tens of thousands of voters share this feeling.

Many are saying that it is too late for a special session. Why is it too late? Why are we stalling? Some legislators have told me that they will not support a special session unless the Governor agrees to it. Why not?

I believe that many of our legislators do not understand the impact that their silence on this issue will have on their bids for re-election. They are taking this way too lightly. People will not forget what happened to our kids. This shameful act has made national news. I saw a piece on ABC News and we really looked bad. This will spark many ex-voters to vote again. This will spark many non-voters to register to vote. Maybe this is a blessing in disguise.

God help our children!

Don't Know Who to Call?

From Kanu Hawaii's website, here is a list of legislators, and their contact information, that have not yet supported the special session to address the furloughs. Here is the article:

List of Senators/Representatives on Furlough Fridays
By Safia Lehua Slater

This is a list of all Representatives and Senators who have not yet declared support for a Special Session to address Furlough Fridays. It will be updated daily. As legislators go on record in support of a Special Session, their names will be removed from this list. Click on the name of your Representative or Senator for a link to their contact info.

REPRESENTATIVES

Aquino, Henry J.C. - District 35
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96797
Email: repaquino@capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-6520 Fax: 808-586-6521 Room #: 310

Awana, Karen Leinani - District 44
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96707, 96792
Email: repawana@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-8465 Fax: 808-586-8469 Room #: 403

Cabanilla, Rida - District 42
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96706, 96797
Email: repcabanilla@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-6080 Fax: 808-586-6081 Room #: 442

Chang, Jerry L. - District 2
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96720, 96721
Email: repchang@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-6120 Fax: 808-586-6121 Room #: 435

Chong, Pono - District 49
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96734, 96744
Email: repchong@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-9490 Fax: 808-586-9496 Room #: 404

Coffman, Denny - District 6
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96725, 96739, 96740, 96745, 96750
Email: repcoffman@capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-9605 Fax: 808-586-9608 Room #: 317

Evans, Cindy - District 7
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96738, 96740, 96743
Email: repevans@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-8510 Fax: 808-586-8514 Room #: 425

Har, Sharon E. - District 40
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96707, 96709, 96797, 96860
Email: rephar@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-8500 Fax: 808-586-8504 Room #: 438

Herkes, Robert N. - District 5
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96704, 96718, 96725, 96726, 96737, 96750, 96771, 96772, 96777, 96785
Email: repherkes@Capitol.hawaii.gov Phone: 808-586-8400 Fax: 808-586-8404 Room #: 320

Ito, Ken - District 48
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96744
Email: repito@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-8470 Fax: 808-586-8474 Room #: 420

Karamatsu, Jon Riki - District 41
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96797
Email: repkaramatsu@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-8490 Fax: 808-586-8494 Room #: 302

Keith-Agaran, Gilbert S.C. - District 9
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96732, 96733, 96779, 96784, 96793
Email: repkeithagaran@capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-6210 Fax: 808-586-6211 Room #: 424

Lee, Marilyn B. - District 38
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96789
Email: replee@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-9460 Fax: 808-586-9466 Room #: 434

Magaoay, Michael Y. - District 46
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96712, 96731, 96759, 96762, 96786, 96791, 96854, 96857
Email: repmagaoay@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-6380 Fax: 808-586-6381 Room #: 432

Manahan, Joey - District 29
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96817, 96819, 96898
Email: repmanahan@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-6010 Fax: 808-586-6011 Room #: 421

Nakashima, Mark M. - District 1
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96710, 96719, 96720, 96727, 96728, 96743, 96755, 96764, 96773, 96774, 96776, 96780, 96781, 96783
Email: repnakashima@capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-6680 Fax: 808-586-6684 Room #: 319

Nishimoto, Scott Y. - District 21
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96815, 96816, 96826
Email: repnishimoto@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-8515 Fax: 808-586-8519 Room #: 441

Oshiro, Blake K. - District 33
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96701, 96782, 96819, 96861
Email: repboshiro@capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-6340 Fax: 808-586-6341 Room #: 439

Oshiro, Marcus R. - District 39
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96786, 96789
Email: repmoshiro@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-6200 Fax: 808-586-6201 Room #: 306

Pine, Kymberly Marcos - District 43May be your representative if you live in zip code 96706Email: reppine@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-9730 Fax: 808-586-9738 Room #: 333

Rhoads, Karl - District 28
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96801, 96802, 96803, 96804, 96805, 96806, 96807, 96808, 96809, 96810, 96811, 96812, 96813, 96814, 96817, 96827, 96837, 96840, 96841, 96843, 96846
Email: reprhoads@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-6180 Fax: 808-586-6189 Room #: 326

Sagum, Roland D. - District 16
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96705, 96716, 96741, 96747, 96752, 96756, 96769, 96796
Email: repsagum@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-6280 Fax: 808-586-6281 Room #: 426

* Say, Calvin K.Y. - District 20
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96816, 96822
Email: repsay@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-6100 Fax: 808-586-6101 Room #: 431

Shimabukuro, Maile S.L. - District 45
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96792
Email: repshimabukuro@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-8460 Fax: 808-586-8464 Room #: 406

Souki, Joseph M. - District 8
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96732, 96793
Email: repsouki@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-9444 Fax: 808-586-9499 Room #: 433

* Takumi, Roy M. - District 36
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96782
Email: reptakumi@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-6170 Fax: 808-586-6171 Room #: 444

Tokioka, James Kunane - District 15
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96715, 96741, 96746, 96756, 96765, 96766
Email: reptokioka@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-6270 Fax: 808-586-6271 Room #: 322

Tsuji, Clift - District 3
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96720, 96749
Email: reptsuji@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-8480 Fax: 808-586-8484 Room #: 402

Wooley, Jessica - District 47
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96717, 96730, 96744, 96762
Email: repwooley@capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-8540 Fax: 808-586-8544 Room #: 327

Yamane, Ryan I. - District 37
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96789, 96797
Email: repyamane@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-6150 Fax: 808-586-6151 Room #: 419

Yamashita, Kyle T. - District 12
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96768, 96788, 96790
Email: repyamashita@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-6330 Fax: 808-586-6331 Room #: 422

*Hold important leadership positions in the House.

SENATORS

English, J. Kalani - District 6
May be your Senator if you live in zip code 96708, 96713, 96729, 96742, 96748, 96757, 96763, 96768, 96770, 96779, 96788, 96790
Email: senenglish@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-587-7225 Fax: 808-587-7230 Room #: 205

* Hanabusa, Colleen - District 21
May be your Senator if you live in zip code 96707, 96792
Email: senhanabusa@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-7793 Fax: 808-586-7797 Room #: 409

Hemmings, Fred - District 25
May be your Senator if you live in zip code 96734, 96795, 96825
Email: senhemmings@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-587-8388 Fax: 808-587-7240 Room #: 221

* Kim, Donna Mercado - District 14
May be your Senator if you live in zip code 96701, 96817, 96819, 96859, 96861
Email: senkim@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-587-7200 Fax: 808-587-7205 Room #: 210

* Kokubun, Russell S. - District 2
May be your Senator if you live in zip code 96718, 96720, 96749, 96760, 96771, 96772, 96777, 96785
Email: senkokubun@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-6760 Fax: 808-586-6689 Room #: 407

* Sakamoto, Norman - District 15
May be your Senator if you live in zip code 96701, 96818, 96819, 96820, 96838, 96849, 96853, 96858, 96860
Email: sensakamoto@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-8585 Fax: 808-586-8588 Room #: 230

Slom, Sam - District 8
May be your Senator if you live in zip code 96815, 96816, 96821, 96824, 96825
Email: senslom@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-8420 Fax: 808-586-8426 Room #: 222

Takamine, Dwight Y. - District 1
May be your Senator if you live in zip code 96710, 96720, 96721, 96727, 96728, 96743, 96764, 96773, 96774, 96776, 96780, 96781, 96783
Email: sentakamine@capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-7335 Fax: 808-586-7339 Room #: 204

Tokuda, Jill N. - District 24
May be your Senator if you live in zip code 96734, 96744, 96863
Email: sentokuda@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-587-7215 Fax: 808-587-7220 Room #: 218

*Hold important leadership positions in the Senate.

Does Anyone Disagree With This Letter?

The following letter to the editor was printed in The Garden Island newspaper. Please share your thoughts on this letter.

The Education Governor

A recent letter claims that Neil Abercrombie has not spoken out about teacher furlough days (“Don’t alienate anyone before a primary,” Letters, Oct. 28). Nothing could be further from the truth.

Congressman Abercrombie has been front and center on this issue. He met with President Obama’s education secretary, Arne Duncan, to talk about how the furloughs might affect Hawai‘i’s ability to get federal funds for education. Duncan responded by writing an opinion piece calling this furlough plan a mistake.

Abercrombie was the only gubernatorial candidate to show his support in person at the Oct. 23 rally at the State Capitol. Abercrombie shared his feelings with upset parents and students and stressed that these lost school days need to be restored now.

Other candidates have dodged reporter interviews or shrugged their shoulders with tired and lame excuses. For example, in a commentary last month in The Garden Island, Lt. Gov. Aiona said the administration had its hands tied. He wrote: “The decision to furlough teachers on instructional days was made by the Board of Education, the DOE and the Hawai‘i State Teachers Association.”

Days after that appeared, Gov. Lingle admitted she made a mistake and should have not have agreed to the collective bargaining deal that resulted in all these 17 lost days of classroom time.

Neil Abercrombie is the only educator running for governor and has consistently been endorsed by educators. He understands that it’s the students who come first; today, tomorrow and forever.Neil Abercrombie will be Hawai‘i’s long-overdue education governor.

IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR ALL THAT ARE CONCERNED ABOUT FURLOUGHS

To All concerned about the school furloughs:

Although there appears to be movement in the Senate to end the school furloughs, the battle is nowhere near over. It is VITAL that you e-mail, write or call Senator Hooser, Governor Lingle, and Representatives Tokioka, Morita, and Sagum, and let them know that 34 days of lost school days is unacceptable. One legislator recently commented that they have not been getting enough public input, given the importance of this issue. PLEASE TAKE 3 MINUTES to call, e-mail, or write to them. If you don't know which Representative is yours, contact them all. Also, my feeling is that there are a lot of moms writing in. If every husband/boyfriend did so as well, we would double the testimony in favor of ending school furloughs! Here is their contact info:

Governor Linda Lingle
State Capitol, Room 415
Honolulu, Hawai`i 96813
Phone: (808) 586-0221 or 586-0222 or 586-0034
e-mail:governor.lingle@hawaii.gov

Senator Gary Hooser
Hawai'i State Capitol, Room 214
415 South Beretania Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone 808-586-6030
from Kauai, toll free 274-3141 + 66030
e-mail:senhooser@capitol.hawaii.gov

Representative (District14) Mina Morita
Hawaii State Capitol, Room 314
415 South Beretania Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
phone 808-586-8435
fax 808-586-8437
from Kauai, toll free 274-3141 + 68435
e-mail:repmorita@capitol.hawaii.gov

Representative (District16) Roland D. Sagum III
Post Office Box 25
Lawai, Kauai, Hawaii 96765
phone: 652-9811
e-mail: repsagum@capitol.hawaii.gov

Representative (District 15) James Tokioka
Hawaii State Capitol, Room 322
415 South Beretania Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
phone 808-586-6270
from Kauai, toll free 274-3141 + 66270
e-mail:reptokioka@capitol.hawaii.gov

Sound Familiar?

Maine Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rosa Scarcelli has been vocal in her opposition of shut down days. Through her Twitter account Scarcelli has expressed a strong opposition to the idea. “Could there be a worse idea,” Scarcelli said. Dirigo Blue published an email from Scarcelli which argued against shut down days.

For a state that already has one of the shortest school years in the country, there has to be a better solution. That we’re even considering a plan to balance the state budget on the backs of school children and their parents with one-time, quick fixes like school shutdown days clearly shows how bad our state’s budget problems have become. And it shows why we need a change of direction in Augusta.
Consider the ramifications. Parents will have to take time off from work or find childcare for their children. Low-income families that rely on the school lunch program will pay more to make sure their children get enough to eat. The interruption in classes will be difficult for teachers too, who are already hard-pressed to find the time to comply with state and federal mandates.

We can’t rely on a band-aid approach. We need strong financial management and more creative, bold thinking. Have we truly looked at all the options? School officials say shutting down the schools for a few days a year will save on heat and electricity costs. Maybe local school districts should consider more vacation time in the winter when heating costs are high and extending the school year into the summer.

I guess we are not the only warped-minded State. In Augusta, Maine, the government tried to do the same thing. Stephen Bowen of the Maine Heritage Policy Center believes that shut down days are a terrible way to balance the education budget. Bowen offers several alternatives that should be considered. School consolidation, which the state has fumbled badly, was an opportunity to “generate real savings by cutting down on over-administration and duplication of services. The approach I proposed, which was to create regional “service districts” that handled back-office operations, facility maintenance, transportation and so forth for a number of districts, would have saved millions without completely restructuring the entire system by which our school districts are organized and run.”

I think it is time we call for a performance audit on the Department of Education. They have had their chance to improve education for our kids. I think it may be time to move to local school districts. Local control of our schools appears to be the answer. The current system, where the State controls our educational system, simply does not work. Local school districts with their respective school boards would bring local control to our schools. Local accountability and local answers. I'm sure many will disagree but the current system is not working. It's time for a change. It's time for our kids to become the priority once again.

Lingle traveling to China to promote Hawaii tourism, build partnerships

Honolulu Advertiser breaking news on the internet. My question is simple. Shouldn't we be investing in our kids' education before tourism and partnerships?

Lingle acknowledged that she will be leaving the state during a debate over an estimated $1 billion budget deficit through June 2011 and public backlash over teacher furlough days.

But the governor said it is equally important for the state to look to increased business development and prepare for the economic recovery.

Maybe I'm just totally off track. Sorry for the short post but I know I will say the wrong thing if I continue. I'll just go to my room and breathe. This is really draining on the body and the mind. Good night.

Legislators, Please Rise to the Occasion

Below is a letter that was written to House Speaker Calvin Say from a concerned parent on Kauai. This same parent has also been trying to get some answers from the Governor's office for quite a while. The question is a simple one. Did the State receive federal stimulus dollars for education, and if so, where did all the money go? Of course, she has not received any answers.

Dear Representative Say:

Two years ago when you were considering convening a special session to draft legislation to keep the Hawaii Superferry operating, you were quoted in the Honolulu Advertiser as saying,"For me, when you have a crisis, that's when you're supposed to rise to the occasion.

"The State has a crisis today - with our schools closed for 34 days over the next two years and with the shortest school year in the country (and the state with the second fewest number of days has 10 more days than we do).

I expect you to lead the House of Representatives to rise to the occasion for our schools, the way you did so swiftly for the Superferry - a single business -- two years ago. Please gather support in the House for this important initiative.

If you haven't already done so, please read the online petition directed to the legislators and Governor Lingle. It has more than 2500 signatures - at www.thepetitionsite.com/1/hawaiieducationmatters

Thank you,

Mother of two children in public schools

Graduate of Kapaa High School, University of Hawaii-Manoa, & the William S.Richardson School of Law

Representative Say has publicly stated that he will not support a special session to try and end the school furloughs. Yes, he pushed hard for the special session for the Superferry a few years ago. Apparently, the Superferry fiasco rose to the level of a "crisis" but the education of our children does not. Auwe! Shame, shame!

From the Pacific Business news, October 24, 2007,

Special session opens on Superferry bill

The Hawaii Legislature went into special session Wednesday to consider legislation to help get the Hawaii Superferry back into operation.

The Superferry suspended its interisland operations in late August, following a court order and community protests.

Gov. Linda Lingle on Tuesday ordered lawmakers to convene, stating that "a large capacity interisland ferry is in the public interest and proposed legislation to allow its operation and harbor improvements to continue to be constructed, while environmental review are conducted, require immediate action by the Legislature."

Back in 2007, the Governor and the Legislature felt that saving the Superferry was in the public interest and special legislation was required. This could only be done via a special session. Are they saying that the Superferry was more important than the future of our children? I sure hope not. I guess we will find out soon enough. God help our children.

"I can't tell you why we didn't go for wage reductions or holidays" -- Garrett Toguchi, Board of Education Chairman

Many of us wonder why furloughs were ordered. Many of us feel that other avenues should have been explored. In yesterday's Star-Bulletin, we start to see the rationale, or lack thereof. According to the Star-Bulletin,

In Star-Bulletin interviews with key players, differing versions emerge about who first raised the furlough idea. But it is clear that other options -- such as straight pay cuts or widespread across-the-board layoffs -- were rejected by both the unions and employers early in the negotiation process.

Wil Okabe, president of the HSTA, stated that the decision to furlough was simply based on dollars. It was the best method to save the State money. It is clear that the education of our children was not considered. The fact that the furloughs were set for instructional days versus non-instructional days validate this theory.

The article further states,

Asked why the union did not look to either taking the furloughs during other times, such as at the end of the school year, Okabe said it would have affected other unions such as the UPW and also might have cut teacher's service credits because they would not have worked enough in the spring quarter to earn service credits for retirement.

This makes no sense. With the current furlough schedule, UPW workers are now reporting to work at empty schools. How much sense does that make? Mr. Okabe was worried about service credits for the teachers' retirements but not about the number of school days that our children would lose. Come on, Mr. Okabe. Can't you come up with a better excuse? We are not stupid.

Unfortunately, our children will end up the losers in this battle. Hopefully, the lawsuit filed by Mr. Seitz will change things. I am hopeful that it will. But until then, we can only watch as this State continues its tailspin. I would have hoped that regardless of the economic crisis here in Hawaii, our children would have been protected. Well, they haven't. They continue to be used as pawns in the battle between the government and the labor unions. This is shameful. Our kids are our future. After all, isn't that what ALL the politicians profess when they are running for office?

Need I Say More?

From today's Honolulu Advertiser:

Hawaii erred in cutting education
Reduction in school days is not the way to invest in education
By Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education

Our country is at a crossroads. The economy is in its worst recession in a generation. State and local tax revenues have been hit especially hard in the economic downturn. We need to make sure our important government services are sustained during our nation's economic troubles.

At the same time, we need to invest in our future. Too many of our schools are not preparing students for success in college and careers.

The statistics are troubling. On international tests, American students are struggling to compete with their peers around the globe. Twenty-seven percent of the nation's ninth graders don't finish high school within four years. In Hawaii, 36 percent of freshmen don't complete high school on time.

As a nation, only 40 percent of our adults complete a two-year or four-year college degree. That was good enough to lead the world a generation ago. But today it puts us behind our international competitors. Now more than ever, we need to invest in schools so we can educate our way to a better economy.

Hawaii has been making progress on student achievement. Over the 20 years that the National Assessment of Educational Progress has been given to states, Hawaii students have recorded steady gains.

Now, however, Hawaii is cutting 17 days from the current school year. All states are under financial pressure, but none are cutting this much learning time from their school year. This is a step in the wrong direction. It's inconceivable to me that this is the best solution for Hawaii.

President Obama and Congress worked together to pass the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, also known as the Recovery Act. The law includes $100 billion for education. Of that, $40 billion or more will help states avoid devastating cuts in K-12 education and drive reforms in states. My department has already made $105 million available to Hawaii from this stabilization fund. Hawaii is eligible for $52 million more when we release the rest of those funds later this year. In total, Hawaii's schools and students are scheduled to receive more than $500 million from the Recovery Act.

In addition, my department has $5 billion for competitive grants to advance school reform. The $4.35 billion Race to the Top Fund will reward states that are leading the way in reform and making education a priority. The $650 million Investing in Innovation Fund will go to districts that are advancing research-based programs to improve student achievement.

I understand that Hawaii is feeling the pain of the economy more than many states. The tourism industry is struggling. The unemployment rate is climbing. Investments in commercial real estate are declining. Tax revenues aren't meeting your budget projections. These are tough times, I know. But now is not the time to decrease investment in education. Hawaii's economic problems should not be creating an educational crisis for its children.

I was disappointed to learn that Hawaii has started closing its schools on most Fridays and will reduce the 2009-10 school year by 17 days. Sure, students may like the three-day weekends now, but I know they also realize that they will lose out in the long run if they don't receive the education they need and deserve. They understand that they won't be prepared for success in the global workforce if we cut back on the amount of time they spend in school.

Since becoming secretary of education in January, I've urged states and districts to increase the amount of time students are learning. Our competitors across the globe are doing that — and they're reaping the economic benefits of a well-educated work force.

School districts across the country are using Recovery Act funds to lengthen their school days or school years. During my seven years as CEO of the Chicago Public Schools, I saw schools that extended learning time make gains in student achievement. When done right, extended learning time allows schools to creatively add activities that reinforce what students learn during the regular school day and expand student participation in the arts and other enrichment activities.

I will work closely with Hawaii's Congressional delegation. But solving this problem will take more than federal assistance. The people in Hawaii must come together to create a solution. Elected officials, educators, union officials, community leaders and parents must work together to do the right thing for Hawaii's children.

There has to be a better solution than cutting more than three weeks from the school year. Even in these difficult financial times, we have to invest in our children's education — not reduce their opportunity to prepare themselves to succeed in the global marketplace.

Arne Duncan served as CEO of the Chicago Public Schools from 2001 through 2008, prior to becoming U.S. Secretary of Education under the Obama administration.

One of the Many Public Comments

From the Star Bulletin website comments:

"so typical... here they are in the eleventh hour threatened with a law suit and they are scrambling to do what they should have done in the first place...lengthen that silly short day of school (should have done that years ago) and swap "training" days for instructional days. I would like to see attendance stats for these training days going back 5 years....if you add up potential paid days off for doe employees it is well over 50 per year(vacation,sick,training,ho lidays,etc) how about actually teaching where does that come in. I dont blame theteachers..they are vistims and pawns in all this...it comes from the top.lack of leadership,no moral authority to do the job assigned to them.its the politicians who fo ryears have neglected to lead and allow the unions to get out of control and to basically run the show.Why cant we take a look at the best school districts in our country and emulate them..some things are done better on the mainland and educating children is one of them"

If you read the online comments on the Honolulu Star Bulletin and Honolulu Advertiser websites, you will see a common thread. The people are unhappy. They are very unhappy that we have come to this. To reduce the number of instructional days is simply unacceptable. Yes, a lawsuit has been filed. Yes, people are scrambling to try and change things. Yes, people are playing the blame game. No matter what happens, the fact remains that the State of Hawaii did not consider education a priority. They felt that the education of our children took a back seat to everything else.

As you know, this story made the Associated Press. The media across the country have access to this story. Many newspapers carried the story so now the whole world knows about Hawaii's love for their children. Boy, do we look good.

A special session by the legislature could rectify this problem. The problem is that the Governor is not inclined to support that. Why not? Without the Governor's support, the legislators are hesitant to convene. I say that they convene anyway and let the Governor veto their actions. Plain and simple. This crisis must not be political. The politicians can flex their muscle with all the other issues, but not our kids' future. Come on people, it is time to do the right thing. It is time to take care of our kids.

What Did They Think Would Happen?

According to Breaking News on the Honolulu Star Bulletin website, "Two lawsuits seek to halt 'furlough Fridays' at Hawaii public schools"

What did our leaders think would happen? Did they think the people of Hawaii would just sit back and allow this to happen? Did they think the the people of Hawaii would agree with them that education is not a priority? The article states:

Lawyers representing public school students, in both regular and special education, have filed two separate lawsuits in U.S. District Court seeking to block "furlough Fridays."

The complaint notes that parents enrolled their children in public schools on the assumption that the school year would be 180 days, and then the state decided unilaterally to shut down schools for 17 days this year. It also says the decision disproportionately affects certain classes and racial groups.

The suit alleges that the furloughs are an unlawful change in programs and services the disabled children receive. Federal law allows changes to such special education services only if parents agree or a hearing officer or court finds the change appropriate for the child.

Attorney General Mark Bennett said that the DOE plans to go ahead with the furloughs, adding that he didn't think a request from Seitz for an injunction would be granted. "I believe the DOE has negotiated appropriately with (the Hawaii State Teachers Association) and I don't believe there is a viable cause of action," he said. Apparently, Mr. Bennett is more concerned with the union negotiations than he is with Federal law. I guess we will see what the Judge thinks.

I commend these attorneys for stepping up to the plate when our leaders failed to do so. These lawsuits were filed in Federal Court and will hopefully receive immediate attention. It is sad that this road had to be taken. The people of Hawaii spoke loud and clear but our fearless leaders chose not to listen. The attorneys warned the State of litigation but the State did not listen. The State decided to ignore the warnings and now we will be in court. At least we know that the Governor won't be able to "pressure" the Federal Judge into making a decision that will benefit the State. I am very optimistic that the Plaintiffs will be victorious in this case.

The underlying message is that Hawaii does not consider education a priority. We didn't learn from the Felix lawsuit years ago. From the June 2, 2005 Honolulu Advertiser:

It is indeed shameful that it took a lawsuit (known as the "Felix" lawsuit because it was originally filed on behalf of Maui student Jennifer Felix) and more than 10 years of tough, uncompromising court supervision to get us where we are today. Many millions of dollars later, the state now is providing a "free and appropriate" education to most, if not all, of its special-education students. The cost of reaching this landmark was astounding, in part because Hawai'i was forced to play catch-up after years of failing to fully meet its obligations to these students under the law.

Hopefully this will be resolved without lengthy and costly litigation. I doubt it, but I am hopeful. Based on the comments made by many of our leaders, it appears that we will not see a "peaceful" resolution to this very serious matter. God bless our children.

First Furlough Friday Coming Up

Well, I guess our voices have fallen on deaf ears. Furlough Fridays are going to happen. I had hoped that our leaders would have come to their senses by now, but I was wrong. Our children have been held hostage and at the end of the day, will end up the losers. What a shame. This State has made a clear statement to the rest of the country. Education is not a priority here. It never was. No matter what we've been told over the years, the proof is in the pudding. The State of Hawaii is willing to compromise the education of our children to balance a budget that includes careless and irresponsible spending.

The fact that the State and the HSTA decided to take the furloughs on instructional days is clear that our children was never considered in the negotiations. To even consider taking away instructional days from our children is shameful. I have heard a lot chatter from elected officials lately, about how we must stop this. Where were they when they could make a difference? Why wait until a week before the furloughs to try and fix it? Politics is a way of life, but we must keep it away from the future of our kids.

Hawaii is already known for low test scores and a substandard educational system. These furlough days will only make it worse. Can you imagine shortening an already shortened school year? What possible justification can there be? I can't believe that the State has allowed this to happen.

As I stated in an earlier post, next year is an election year. Please remember those that forgot about our children. They don't deserve to be in office. Harsh words? Damn right. This is a serious matter and we must hold our leaders accountable. Our children are our future. What is happening is not acceptable. No Child Left Behind? In Hawaii, it is All Children Left Behind! God help our children.

Furloughs and Layoffs Only Temporary

With all the discussions about furloughs and layoffs, what I haven't really heard is a plan for the future. These drastic measures are only temporary. They will not fix the problems caused by big government and irresponsible spending. The problems we face today will not be easily resolved. The culture of government has to change. Furloughs and layoffs are temporary fixes. What will we do next year? And the year after that?

From today's Star Bulletin,

Savings are estimated to be about $204 million over the fiscal biennium, which ends June 2011, according to the Governor's Office.

"The savings that we're going to get from the furlough plan -- it will be substantial, but it won't even come close to closing the budget deficit that we have," Lingle told reporters.

Also in the article,

With state revenues continuing to decline, Lingle said she would continue to explore all other cost- cutting options, including further spending restrictions on state departments and refinancing of debt.

Shouldn't we have explored "all other cost-cutting options, including further spending restrictions on state departments" a long time ago? Maybe before we decided to go on all those national and international junkets under the guise of visitor industry promotions. Before we spent so much on travel and conferences for non-essential purposes. How about before we decided to send a highway engineer to Kauai, from Oahu, EVERY DAY to observe the limited number of highway jobs on Kauai? I could go on and on but I think you all get the point.

We are a government of waste, like many other governments throughout the country. What disturbs me here in Hawaii is that we are trying to fix our fiscal problems at the expense of our children. When you look at classes of employees, you have essential and non-essential employees. Police officers, medics, and firefighters are essential to the safety of the public. School teachers are essential to the future of our children. Why are we messing with them? Why can't we see the long-range problems that a reduction of 17 days from the school year will cause. I am still hoping for a miracle. I am hopeful that the furloughs will be called off. Maybe I am a dreamer. We'll see what happens.

Cell Phone Ban Coming Soon to Kauai

According to an article on the Garden Island newspaper's website,

"First-term Councilman Derek Kawakami intends to introduce a bill in coming weeks that would make it illegal for Kaua‘i drivers to use handheld electronic devices when behind the wheel."

This is a great thing and Councilman Kawakami should be commended. We all know how convenient it is to use cell phones while driving but we also know how dangerous it can be. This is a great move that will make Kauai's roadways even safer for all of us.

We've seen the results of cell phone use while driving. This distraction is responsible for many accidents, many of which end up in serious injury or even death. I hope this bill gets to the Council floor soon, and there are no delays in it's passage. This bill will save lives.

It amazes me how people can drive their vehicles while talking on the phone, putting on makeup, messing with their stereos, all at the same time. Multi-tasking is a great skill, but should not be practiced while driving. It is tough enough focusing on driving on Kauai's roads. The additional distractions of the use of electronics are simply unnecessary. Let your Councilmembers know that you support this very important bill. Thanks Councilman Kawakami.

Furlough Friday Rally

Lihu`e, Kaua`i, HI (October 13, 2009) - All parents, students, teachers, and members of the public are invited to a rally to send a message to the Governor, State Legislature, and the Department of Education, and Hawai`i State Teachers Association that 17 Furlough Fridays this school year are not acceptable. The rally will be held at the State Office Building on Friday, October 16, 2009, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. The rally is being organized by parents of public school students.

“A special session of the State Legislature is needed to find a long-term funding solution that does not sacrifice instructional days for our youth,” said Tracy Murakami, parent of children attending King Kaumuali`i Elementary and Kapa`a Middle Schools. “Action is needed NOW,” said parent Jack Yatsko, Kapa`a Elementary School PTSA Board Member. “It is unacceptable that Hawaii public schools would have the fewest instructional days in the Nation if the furlough is implemented."

The rally is intended to show public outrage over decisions to reduce 17 instructional days this school year. Rally organizers ask that participants wear school colors and/or uniforms, protest with aloha, and use this as an opportunity to teach our youth about our basic democratic right to free speech. More information about the rally can be found on the Kaua`i Planning and Action Alliance website at: www.kauainetwork.org.

What Will They Do?

Tomorrow will be a historic day for Kauai. The Kauai County Council will be discussing two bills in their Planning Committee, under the direction of Planning Committee Chair Jay Furfaro. The two bills, 2298 and 2319 are described below:

Bill No. 2298 A BILL FOR AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 8, KAUA'I COUNTY CODE 1987, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE AND SINGLE-FAMILY TRANSIENT VACATION RENTALS
(Deferred 9/16/2009)

Bill No. 2319 A BILL FOR AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 8,
KAUA'I COUNTY CODE 1987, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE (Amending Article 27, Chapter 8, Kaua'i County Code 1987, relating to Shoreline Setbacks and Coastal Protection)
(Deferred 9/16/2009)

Bill 2298 will allow transient vacation rentals on lands that are zoned agriculture. This is a flawed bill as the State law clearly prohibits overnight accommodations on agriculture lands.

Bill 2319 will exempt certain projects from the State's MANDATORY shoreline certification process. Like Bill 2298, this is a flawed bill because the State MANDATES that a certified shoreline be completed whenever construction occurs near the shoreline.

Tomorrow we will find out where our Councilmembers stand on the issues of preservation of natural resources and the protection of ag lands. What is disturbing is the fact that we are entertaining these bills. They VIOLATE State law. These bills should be killed in the Planning Committee tomorrow. The County does not have the authority to circumvent State law. This is a bad precedent to set. Kauai is special. Let's join together to protect her. Please let your legislators know how you feel. This is vital to our culture.

Golf Tournament for Mom

Aloha friends. As you may know, my mom Jessie Sam Fong was diagnosed with kidney cancer late last year. She lost a kidney to cancer back in 1992 and had only one kidney remaining. Her doctor on Kauai said that her only option was to remove her remaining kidney and go on dialysis for the rest of her life. We called around the country and learned that the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota was willing to give us a second opinion. In December, we made the trip to Minnesota and learned that surgery to remove the 6 tumors on her remaining kidney was possible, but chemotherapy would be needed first to hopefully shrink the tumors. We stayed in Minnesota for 3 weeks then returned home where mom went through 7 gruelling months of chemotherapy. On August 10th, we returned to Minnesota and mom had her first surgery on August 13th. After 7 weeks, and 6 total surgeries, mom returned home and is recovering well. Her kidney was saved and she requires no dialysis or other treatments. We appreciate all the thoughts and prayers that helped mom get through this ordeal.

As you can imagine, our family has incurred many expenses. To help these expenses, we are holding a benefit golf tournament at the Kiahuna Golf Club on November 1st. It will be a 3-man scramble with a hole-in-one prize of a brand new Harley Davidson motorcycle. We will also have a putting contest where 2 people will each have a chance to putt for $5,000 in cash. A flyer and registration form is attached.

For non-golfers that want to help, donations can be sent to:

Benefit for Jessie
3236 Inouye Street
Lihue, HI 96766

Hole sponsorships are $100 and all prize donations are welcome. If you need more information, please feel free to contact me at any time. We thank you in advance for your help. Mahalo.

And It Continues.......

The Honolulu Star Bulletin wrote:

"The state's financial picture is worse than thought, according to the Lingle administration, which said today it has discovered a clerical error that mistakenly boosted the state's general fund revenues by $44 million."

The Honolulu Advertiser wrote:

"Gov. Linda Lingle today announced that there was an overstatement of general fund revenues for the fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2009 (FY09). Actual general fund revenues were found to be $44 million below the amount reported by the state's Financial and Accounting Management Information System (FAMIS)."

Both newspapers quoted Governor Lingle's comments:

"With the recent discovery of the recording error, we have an additional $36.8 million shortfall, and the need for immediate solutions to close the budget gap becomes more urgent than ever," Lingle said. "The administration is committed to continue working toward this goal."

I guess the question is, "What happens next?" I'm afraid to think what the options are. I haven't heard anything yet but it can't be good.

How did things get so bad? Where did we go wrong? It seems not long ago everyone was bragging about how good the economy was. How Hawaii was the leader on so many fronts. We were giving away tax credits and corporate incentives. We seemed to be so "rich" and now, we are so "poor." In fact, some would argue that we could be facing bankruptcy. If we were a business, we would be done.

So, where do we go from here? More furloughs and layoffs? Tax increases? More sacrifices by the common folks? Whatever it is, I can assure you that it won't be pretty. We will be asked to pay the price for years of wasteful spending and a growing government. Is this fair? I think not!! God bless us all.