December 29, 2009
Keeping Up With Health Care Reform in the New Year?
Do you find that no matter how many headlines you read in the newspaper concerning health care reform in an effort to keep up, you still feel hopelessly left behind? You're not alone. Read the following breakdown and pass it along to your friends. The more informed you are, the more convincing you'll be when explaining to others how worse off we'll be with greater government intrusion into our health. (more)
December 2009
Wikipedia Battle Rages On
The next time you consult Wikipedia, keep in mind that Wikipedia users can edit articles, remove information, and freeze pages to prevent others from making changes. Lawrence Solomon, a Canadian environmentalist and author of "The Conserver Solution," has publicly taken issue with shenanigans clouding the accuracy of Wikipedia's article on the Medieval Warm Period (MWP). (more)
December 2009
More Than a Decade After Condemnation, Hawaii Department of Transportation Still Owns Cherished Homes on Ancient Hawaiian Fish Pond
Just over a decade ago, Tad Hara, 84, lived in his dream home, which was a simple two-story wooden house built over a vibrant ancient Hawaiian fishpond, just steps from the stunning beach in East Oahu’s Niu community... (more)
December 21, 2009
In Hawaii, We Must End the Mail-in Election Ballots
We take the secret ballot as so essential to our form of government that many think it is required by the Constitution. Thus it comes as a surprise to most people to find that the secret ballot was not adopted in the U.S. until 1892 — more than a hundred years after the country’s founding. (more)
December 2009
Akaka Bill Poll Findings Released
December 15, 2009--A new poll of registered Hawaii voters, conducted by Zogby International, has found that a majority of those surveyed oppose the Akaka Bill, while 76 percent oppose higher taxes to pay for the nation-tribe proposed in the bill. The poll was sponsored by the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii and conducted from November 18 to 23, 2009 (more)
December 16, 2009
Porkers Also Abound Across the Pond
Recession or not, government spending abounds, as evidenced by Mayor Hannemann's recent $10,000 televised speech promoting rail transit. As of June of last year, the city had already spent about $2.6 million in taxpayer money on rail promotion. Perhaps Hannemann is practicing wasteful spending for future Congressional ambitions. (more)
December 2009
Akaka Bill Poll Findings Released
December 15, 2009--A new poll of registered Hawaii voters, conducted by Zogby International, has found that a majority of those surveyed oppose the Akaka Bill, while 76 percent oppose higher taxes to pay for the nation-tribe proposed in the bill. The poll was sponsored by the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii and conducted from November 18 to 23, 2009. (more)
December 2009
Akaka Bill Editorial, Grassroot Institute in Wall Street Journal
The Grassroot Institute's public education efforts concerning the Akaka Bill have earned a mention by the Wall Street Journal. The editorial cites the Grassroot Institute and Beacon Hill Institute's study on the economic impact of the bill, which could result in up to $689.7 million in lost state tax and land lease revenue annually. The exact amount would depend on the percentage of public land ceded. (more)
December 14, 2009
Myth Continues Concerning Hawaii's Unemployment Rate
The media and government remain intent on concealing Hawaii's true unemployment rate. Do not make the mistake of taking data by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics at face value. While the Bureau claims that Hawaii's unemployment rate remained steady at 7.2 percent in October, the truth is thatit is actually 14.5 percent, more than double the reported rate (and exceeding the reported national unemployment rate). (more)
December 2009
Jonathan Gullible’s Odyssey Continues: A Nigerian Free Market Play, Smuggling In & Out of Cuba, a Hundred Thousand CD’s, and the Finland Internet
A free market play was written and produced by Adedayo Thomas [below left] and Paul Ugbede and directed by Dr. Sam Kafewo [below right]. This production was based on my book, The Adventures of Jonathan Gullible: A Free Market Odyssey (aka JG) which was first published by Sam Slom and Smart Business Hawaii twenty years ago. With an acting cast of 22, the play was performed August 13 to 15, 2009 at the Drama Village of Ahmadu Bello University in Nigeria. (more)
December 09, 2009
Jones Act Lawsuit Irks Federal Government
Federal judge David Ezra chose to toss a lawsuit seeking to overturn the Jones Act, an 89-year-old law that restricts interstate shipping to Hawaii to only U.S.-built and U.S.-flagged ships. Earlier this fall, Honolulu attorneys John Carroll and Christopher Dias filed the suit against the U.S. government on the basis that the Jones Act infringes upon the Commerce Clause of the Constitution. (more)
December 04, 2009
Hawaii: Eliminate State Jobs, Save Money For Real Stimulus
A real stimulus should include a provision for eliminating government jobs of which there are too many and costing too much . On the Big Island, the County Council is examining 193 vacant positions to see which ones can be eliminated. Councilman Dominic Yagong of Hamakua says, "It's a no-brainer. We need to unfund these vacant positions to deal with the budget deficit." (more)
November 29, 2009
DBEDT Director Ted Liu Faces Serious Charges
In a draft audit, state auditor Marion Higa alleges that under Director Ted Liu, the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism has been operating under less than honest standards. According to the report, the department violated procurement procedures, filed false financial reports, and spent funds inappropriately on overseas trips. (more)
November 23, 2009
Scientists Need Ethics Training and Anger Management
Apparently in today's scientific community, it is common practice to reach a conclusion via popular opinion instead of through a civil exchange of data. The hacked e-mails from the University of East Anglia's Climate Research Unit reveal something akin to a mob mentality of "us vs. them," complete with the express desire to "beat the crap" out of non-believer Dr. Patrick Michaels in the religion of global warming. (more)
November 19, 2009
How Much Does a Trillion Dollars Weigh?
Bailouts and deficits have Americans thinking of money in very big terms. Some questions that haunt us include how much money we do not have, how much we owe, and how much we have handed over to failing companies in a futile effort to save them. (more)
November 17, 2009
Four Hawaii Phantom Districts Receive $45.6 Million in Stimulus Funds for 3.4 Jobs
Hawaii received $2,284,000 of federal stimulus funds for the 11the Congressional district, $40,903,941 for the 15th Congressional district, $1,651,811 for the “00” Congressional district, and $799,656 in the 99th congressional district creating a combined “3.4” jobs or $13,423,355 per job, according to the federal government’s transparency web site for stimulus funds, http://www.Recovery.gov/. (more)
November 2009
No More Taxes to Stop Furloughs
The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii is calling out Kanu Hawaii, a self-branded community organization, on its petition entreating the state to preserve children's education. Among its demands are raiding the Hurricane Fund, raiding the Rainy Day Fund, and raising taxes, all of which would come at the detriment of all Hawaii citizens. (more)
November 2009
What Health Care Reform Means- H.R. 3962
With the narrow passage of the Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962) in the House, it is up to the Senate to decide whether to approve major government expansion into our lives. Unfortunately, the bill is a thinly veiled, revised form of H.R. 3200, which sparked a storm of controversy earlier this year over its costs and projected devastating effects on the economy and private health insurers. (more)
November 10, 2009
Maui Recreation Will Cost You
Planning to escape the troubles of tough times with a walk in the park? Think again, because it may cost you. (more)
November 05, 2009
Turn off the TV
Is election chaos giving you a headache? Do yourself a favor and turn off CNN, MSNBC, and all the other cable news channels on which talking heads are squabbling over the "future" of the Republican and Democratic parties. In times like these, the GOP and even the White House are not above bickering while exhibiting short-term amnesia. (more)
October 27, 2009
Is HSTA Teaching Our Children?
The Hawaii Department of Education, the Board of Education, and the Governor's Office worked together to hammer out an agreement in late September to help relieve the state budget deficit. In the end, the Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA) agreed to an 8 percent pay cut. (more)
October 26, 2009
Obama's Economic Advisor Admits to Trouble
Christina Romer, who heads President Obama's Council of Economic Advisers, made a surprising admission on October 22 before the Joint Economic Committee. It was widely predicted and believed that Obama's massive stimulus package would prevent rising unemployment and create jobs. Romer, who co-authored the administration's economic recovery plan, admitted four days ago that the stimulus is failing to stave off growing unemployment. (more)
October 2009
Human Climate Control Up In the Air
How much control do humans have over the Earth's climate? This is a topic I have covered in a policy paper and commentaries. A reader recently wrote to me to express his concern that it is premature for either side to announce they have an unassailable position based on existing data. (more)
October 2009
Two Key Reform Proposals for Health Care in Hawaii
Hawaii's lawmakers continue to introduce reform schemes that focus on the uninsured population without instituting any provisions that would actually lower health care costs. Growth in managed care and regulations has resulted in the opposite of their intended effect. Market distortions in health care are reflected in greater administrative costs and declining physician reimbursement levels. Thus far, the state legislature has overlooked at least two key proposals for reform that would lower health care costs and increase access and quality of care in the state, namely medical tort reform and increasing physician reimbursement levels. (more)
October 13, 2009
Councilman Yagong Upholds Accountable Government
On the Big Island, Hamakua Councilman Dominic Yagong has introduced a measure, Bill 132, that would bolster transparency in government land sales. At present, when property is sold, the council does so through sealed bid, lease, trade, or adopts a resolution authorizing the transaction. (more)
October 2009
Feel-Good Politics of a Styrofoam Ban
Environmentalists love banning items they claim are destroying our natural ecosystems. Ban paper, ban plastic, ban Styrofoam. I suspect they would prefer to carry around their shopping items stacked on their bare hands while balancing on a bicycle on the highway, but if they actually did so, that wouldn't explain how so many of them continue to wreak havoc on common sense. (more)
October 2009
A Time for Transparency
Why Hawaii Needs a New Transparency Web Site ASAP
The Grassroot Institute believes it is past time for the state to allow those who pay the bills to see the checkbook. We call on all state and local government agencies to voluntarily make this information available to the public—now! (more)
October 03, 2009
Will Hawaii Become the Next California?
Sunny climates and beautiful beaches aside, Hawaii is starting to experience some of California's growing problems. The national spotlight on California's deepening economic crisis continues to shine as its poverty rate rises and its finances slip down the drain. The sad thing is, many of California's problems are self-inflicted, and Hawaii's policymakers are turning to the same ill-wrought solutions that only exacerbate the situation. (more)
October 02, 2009
Swiss Health Care More "Free Market" Than U.S. Health Care
Misconceptions concerning the United States and its supposedly broken health care system abound, especially the assertion that nations in Europe have superior health care systems because they are more socialist. (more)
October 2009
Life and Death Medical Challenges in Maui
Ellen Bellerose rushed to Maui Memorial Medical Center's emergency room at her cardiologist's direction after she felt severe pain and pressure in her neck, chest and arms. As the pain intensified over the next two hours, she walked up to the counter three times to report difficulty breathing. She was told there were no beds available... (more)
October 2009
Why Obama’s Public Option Would Lead to No Option
American citizens who value choice and freedom have done it again. They rallied enough to force President Obama to back away from single-payer health care following his election. This week, the Department of Health and Human Services Secretary, Kathleen Sebelius, announced that a public option is no longer an essential element in national health care reform. Despite these victories, the fact remains that a majority in Congress are intent on passing health care reform that would greatly increase the scope of government in the most personal aspect of our lives. Lawmakers are still turning to mandates and other regulatory means to cover the uninsured in the nation. (more)
September 2009
Civil Rights Activist and Attorney Dies
Remembering kama’aina John Goemans
John Goemans, a revolutionary attorney well known for his initiation of the Rice v. Cayetano case, passed away on Monday June 15th in a California hospice. He had spent the past few years in California with his sister. Mr. Goemans was passionately involved in various civil rights cases in the state of Hawaii and will be remembered as a kama’aina with a vision of racial equality for Hawaii. (more)
September 2009
Plastic Bag Ban Neither Logically Nor Environmentally Sound
The vote to ban plastic bags on Kauai has again been postponed. Lawmakers would be wise to use this extra time to seriously consider the ramifications of banning plastic bags. (more)
September 29, 2009
Are Dog Walkers the New Criminals?
KITV News recently reported that dog walkers have been the target of a new city and county crackdown. Kapiolani Park, a popular recreation and gathering area for families, bikers, skaters, joggers, and the like is now a barred zone for dog walkers. (more)
September 28, 2009
Special Interests Continue Mischief in the House
The House Ethics Committee has been probing three members of the House; Maxine Waters (D) of California, Sam Graves (R) of Missouri, and Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D) of Illinois. In the meantime, Representative Jackson's investigation has been deferred. (more)
September 2009
Honolulu Drivers Suffer Through Worst Roads
Last year, TRIP, a national transportation watchdog group, rated Honolulu as having the second-worst urban roads in the nation. On top of all the potholes, Honolulu residents also pay the third highest cost for extra vehicle maintenance due to poor road conditions. The price tag is $770 a year in added costs. (more)
September 2009
Debunking More Misinformation on Health Care Reform
In his recent Honolulu Advertiser op-ed, Maui Democratic Party chairman Lance Holter deemed President Obama's health care reform an essential and patriotic plan. His rationale can be summed up as such: The American health care system is a mess because of too little government intervention, thus the solution is more government intervention. (more)
September 2009
Baucus Health Care Bill Also An Epic Failure
Senate Finance Chairman, Max Baucus (D-Mont), introduced his health care bill, America's Healthy Future Act, yesterday. The bill shares many similarities with H.R. 3200 (America's Affordable Health Choices Act), right down to its misleading name and hefty price tag. (more)
September 14, 2009
Honolulu's Energy Hyprocrisy
In 2007, Hawaii state officials unveiled a new plan to reduce city power consumption by 10% by 2017. Two years later, the city is still going in the wrong direction. In figures released today, the city's electricity use has actually increased by almost 15% in the last two years. (more)
September 11, 2009
Hawaii's Revenues Are Disappearing
Hawaii’s Department of Taxation reported that revenue collections were down 5 percent in July and August compared with the last fiscal year, and the Council on Revenues reduced its forecast last month from zero growth to a 1.5 percent drop. Hawaiians have no one other than their elected officials to thank for passing a slew of tax increases that are pushing us deeper into debt. (more)
September 2009
The Latest on Obama's Health Care Reform
The grand, sweeping health care reform promised by President Obama during the 2008 election campaign now lies in shambles. Without any possibility of universal health care and the departure of the public option, Americans are feeling betrayed, elated,sad, or just plain confused. (more)
September 08, 2009
Americans Turning Against the Unions
It looks like Americans' perception of unions is changing. According to Gallup, fewer than half of Americans, or 48 percent, approve of labor unions. A year ago, unions had a 59 percent approval rate. Contributing factors may include backlash against the bailouts and an increasing unemployment rate. (more)
September 05, 2009
Giving ObamaCare Proponents the Finger
The healthcare debate is sure getting heated these days as a 65-year-old man who was against socialized healthcare had his pinky finger bitten off in an argument at a healthcare rally. To be fair, he did punch the other guy first, but was biting off a finger in return really called for? (more)
September 2009
Cutting Costs and Choices for State Workers
State and county workers are in for a few changes to be made in their prescription drug plans next year on January 1. Trustees of the Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund (EUTF) enacted reference-based pricing for three categories of drugs that will feature cheaper alternatives to alleviate rising costs. (more)
September 2009
Conservatives for Patients' Rights Tour
The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii joined Conservatives for Patients' Rights in a tour to alert the public about the dangers of more government control in health care. Several states (including Hawaii) have tried government-run health care and suffered enormous costs, and their experiences should serve as a valuable lesson for what not to do at the national level. (more)
September 2009
Will Kauai Join the Plastic Bag Ban Wagon?
Last year, Maui passed the state's first municipal ban on plastic bags. The law will take effect in January 2011. The Big Island followed suit, and will encourage businesses to offer 100 percent recyclable paper bags that must be made out of at least 40 percent post-consumer recycled content. Will Kauai be next? (more)
September 2009
Health Care and Life Expectancy Among Americans
Following my blog post about health care systems in France and Cuba compared with the United States, a wise reader, Joe Speroni, was compelled to write me an enlightening message concerning data for infant mortality rates and life expectancies. Many (including columnist Paul Krugman) make the mistake of correlating nationalized health care systems with long life expectancies (more)
September 2009
2009 DOE Trim the Fat Contest Exposes Waste: THE WINNERS!
Contestants Help Hawaii's Education System by Identifying Waste and Inefficiencies
THE 2009 WINNERS! Contest ends with over 100 money saving ideas generated to help DOE trim its budget. (more)
September 01, 2009
Superintendent Hamamoto Taking Chancellor Rhee's Lead?
In June 2007, D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty surprised the nation when he selected Michelle Rhee, seen as an unlikely choice, as chancellor of the capitol's public schools. In doing so, he sent a signal that it would not be business as usual in the district. Problems plaguing the D.C. system may sound familiar; despite top-dollar per-pupil spending, students perform at the bottom of the nation. (more)
August 31, 2009
Government Waste Not Just On Oahu
Who can forget the time Kauai residents joined together to complete a $4 million road repair, which was estimated to take two years, in only eight days and for free? While providing an uplifting lesson about what is humanly possible, the story also paints a grim picture of the extent of government waste and inability to fulfill its stated functions. (more)
August 2009
Before You Move to France, or Even Cuba
Yes, it's true that the United States is one of the few industrialized nations in the world that does not have some form of nationalized health care. For that, thank your lucky stars. If you move to France, you would be moving to a country whose health care system has been ranked number one by the World Health Organization. You would also be paying close to 20 percent of your income for health insurance. (more)
August 2009
Townhall Turnout Shows Debate Isn't Over
On Tuesday night, over two hundred people gathered at McKinley High School for Charles Djou's health care forum. I was granted the opportunity to speak about Hawaii's failed experience with employer mandated insurance. Dr. Linda Rasmussen imparted key information about the need for tort reform while Bruce Bottorff of the AARP defended Obama's support for expanding government in the health care sector. (more)
August 25, 2009
Townhall Meeting on Health Care Tonight
At this time, no town halls discussing health care reform are planned in August by Hawaii's congressional delegation. Considering how town hall meetings on this vital topic have been hosted by representatives across the country, this is a shame and an affront to Hawaii citizens. (more)
August 24, 2009
Higher Taxes Hurting Hawaii
It has not been an easy year. Everyone has been touched in some way by the economic recession, but everyone also disagreed on how it would be best addressed. State workers battled Governor Lingle over furloughs, and labor unions wrangled over pay cuts. In an effort to shrink the state deficit, the Legislature passed several tax increases that are hurting everyone and helping no one. (more)
August 15, 2009
Grassroot Institute Joins Conservatives for Patients' Rights' Jet Tour
The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii will be joining Conservatives for Patients’ Rights in an eleven-state national jet tour to educate the public about the dangers of impending national health care reform. (more)
August 2009
Accountability Needed to Keep Hawaii Beaches Clean
Hawaii's beach water quality was recently ranked sixth in the nation by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). The few states that topped Hawaii included Delaware, Virginia, and New Hampshire. The waters of Hawaii attract over seven million visitors annually and provide year-round recreation for residents. Keeping them clean, however, is not an easy task. (more)
August 12, 2009
DOE's Student Achievement Update
The Department of Education (DOE)'s July 16 newsletter announces the news of student achievement, claiming that proficiency scores "continue to improve" and that students are making steady gains in reading and math. "The progress made by our schools is evidence that student achievement is improving," Superintendent Patricia Hamamoto said. (more)
August 11, 2009
Hawaii's Unemployment Rate May Be Higher
As of June this year, Hawaii's unemployment rate stood at 7.4 percent, representing 47,700 people. This is well below the national average of 9.5 percent. (According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Hawaii's unemployment rate is at a 31-year high while the national rate is at a 26-year high). (more)
August 2009
How Obama's Health Care Will Affect Your Coverage
President Obama promised during his campaign that "the time has come for universal health care in America. . . by the end of the first term of the next president, we should have universal health care in this country." Many rejoiced at this significant promise, and many others balked. (more)
August 04, 2009
Shameless Politician Flip-Floppers Include Governor Lingle
A big problem with politics today is that our expectations of elected leaders have sunk far beneath any acceptable standard. Election promises are often made over the course of a campaign, and unfortunately they are often broken as well. While candidates openly abhor public scrutiny, I take no issue with the fact that public scrutiny holds accountable candidates who backpedal or turn a complete 180 on their positions. (more)
August 2009
Good Health, Lower Costs for Fortune 500 Company
I will agree to disagree with people who believe Americans have a "right" to health care. In my humble opinion, there is no law or clause that entitles anyone to health care provided by the government. (more)
July 31, 2009
Welfare in Hawaii
Poverty exists in Hawaii, and the state Department of Human Services (DHS) administers welfare programs catering to tens of thousands of state residents to address it through the following Divisions: Benefit, Employment and Support Services, Med-QUEST, Social Services, and Vocational Rehabilitation and Services for the Blind. (more)
July 2009
House Lagging on Public Posting of Expenses
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ordered the House Chief Administrative Officer earlier this year to post expenses of House members online as soon as possible. Yet, the deadline for doing so has passed (three months and counting). Presently, there is no plan in place for the Senate to follow suit. Part of the hold-up is coming from the Committee on House Administration, which claims that security and support issues are delaying publication of the expenses. (more)
July 2009
2009 Hawaii Legislative Scorecard
Did Your Legislator Pass the Freedom Test?
Which Hawaii state legislators toed the party line this session? Who opted for some of the largest tax increases in state history? Who voted in favor of big government and against small businesses? These answers and more can be found in the second annual Hawaii Legislative Scorecard, just released by the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii. The new report ranks state legislators based on their commitment to upholding freedom and liberty during the 2009 legislative session. (more)
July 2009
Prepaid Health Care Act Can't Fool Mainstream Media
The universal health care bandwagon is not lacking for supporters, yet a backlash within the mainstream media has been brewing. Hawaii's Prepaid Health Care Act (PHCA), which has been in effect since 1974, requires employers to provide health insurance for employees working 20 or more hours per week. (more)
July 2009
Hawaii's Green Energy Initiative
Several proposals have been launched by the state Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) in an ambitious push to have 70 percent or more of Hawaii's energy needs supplied by 'renewable resources' by 2030. This goal sprang out of a partnership made in January 2008 with the U.S. Department of Energy called the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative. (more)
July 2009
Testing Your Energy IQ
Are Americans knowledgeable when it comes to current energy policies and how the oil industry works? Most do not know, for example, what percent of oil consumed in the United States this past year came from Persian Gulf countries. (Given the option of 90 percent, 60 percent, 40 percent, or less than 15 percent, you would be right if you picked the last choice). (more)
July 20, 2009
Hawaii's Unions and Sense of Entitlement
Hawaii's unions could be a valuable asset to the community. Every individual is guaranteed freedom of assembly to associate with whomever he wishes to express, promote, pursue, or defend a common interest such as better working conditions. This is a basic human right. Problems arise, however, when any group believes it is entitled to special privileges and benefits. (more)
July 2009
Honolulu Spending On Contracts
It takes a lot of work to run a city. In addition to various programs, officials must maintain sidewalks and roads, traffic lights, security, among other services. The State Procurement Office (SPO), which serves as the central authority on procurement statues and rules for all government bodies of the state, is the central source on all matters of procurement policy. The website is regularly updated with awards, bids, vendors, proposals, and more. (more)
July 16, 2009
Hawaii Legislature Exhibits Short-Sightedness
Yesterday, the House convened a special session at 11:30 AM to override several of Governor Lingle's vetoes. Amie, one of the Grassroot development interns, and I took our video camera and notepads to document the event. (more)
July 15, 2009
Artwork Paid For By Taxpayers
Yesterday, Grassroot received a phone call from Mark Niesse of the Associated Press asking for comment on the Aquarius, a gigantic mosaic on the floor of the State Capitol that was recently renovated using public funds. See the Advertiser's "State Capitol's Renovated 'Aquarius' Mosaic Unveiled" to view the article. (more)
July 14, 2009
Lies Behind Presidential Appointments?
President Obama selected Arne Duncan to succeed Margaret Spellings as the US Secretary of Education. The Secretary of Education position is one of several federal positions appointed by the president that requires confirmation of the US Senate. Hopefully, whoever is president makes appointments based on merit and skill rather than outside pressures or to return favors. (more)
July 2009
The Facts Behind the Tax
Raising taxes on the tourism industry has forced several hotels to absorb hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses because it is too late to change rates already quoted to booked guests. (Check out the Advertiser's "Impact of Raising Hotel Tax"). (more)
July 10, 2009
Superintendent Patricia Hamamoto Woes
A cause that is especially dear to me is that of transparency. That is why I find myself irritated when I see the Department of Education (DOE) get away with shenanigans like this. Today, headlines are focusing on the state school board approving $227 million in cuts, including salaries. You don't need to dig deep to see that this is hardly worthy of making the news, because to the DOE, this amount hardly constitutes a drop in an enormous, overflowing bucket. (more)
July 09, 2009
Amazon Bids Hawaii Farewell
Starving for funds, Hawaii's lawmakers sought to tax anything they considered taxable, from cigarettes to the Internet. The Wall Street Journal took note that Amazon was cutting ties to its affiliates in our state. Amazon's spokeswoman, Patty Smith, said the company believes such legislation is unconstitutional. (more)
July 07, 2009
Lessons from New Zealand and Chile
Hawaii's economy- and that of the United States- should take cues from bold moves made by two countries on opposite sides of the world, Chile and New Zealand. It seems like US leaders are intentionally steering away from capitalism towards socialism. For years, we've been watching as our monetary supply has multiplied (with ensuing inflation), subsidies to various industries have grown, taxes have escalated, and the government workforce has swelled. (more)
July 06, 2009
Recession Hitting Teenagers
Do you recall teenage summers of flipping burgers, lifeguarding at the community pool, or scooping ice cream? During my summers in high school, I did various stints from stamping envelopes at a veterans hospital (unpaid) to performing skits as a camp counselor (paid... barely). (more)
July 2009
Spain's Green Jobs: The Opposite of a Boon
Obama's Energy Secretary, Steven Chu, is currently endeavoring to develop green jobs under the belief that such an initiative will alleviate rising unemployment and the recession. (more)
July 02, 2009
Government Paychecks: Bush vs. Obama
Most members of the public would agree that paychecks of elected officials and all public servants (otherwise known as government workers, whether at the city, state, or federal level) should be kept low to ensure that people who enter the public sector are truly motivated by a desire to serve others. (more)
July 01, 2009
Inouye Gets Bailout Funds For His Troubled Bank
It turns out Central Pacific Financial, which was not originally slated to receive any bailout funds, is now standing to receive $135 million from the Treasury. Senator Inouye reported ownership of shares worth $350,000 to $700,000 at the end of 2007. (more)
June 25, 2009
Doesn't the HSTA Represent Teachers?
Recently the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii and Smart Business Hawaii held the 2009 DOE Trim the Fat contest. The goal was to encourage the citizens of Hawaii to identify innovative ways of cutting DOE costs without resorting to employee furloughs or layoffs. (more)
June 2009
New Contest to Help Trim Hawaii's DOE Budget
Help Hawaii's Education System by Identifying Waste and Inefficiencies
Like the rest of the state during the current economic challenges, the Department of Education (DOE) needs to go on a diet! The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii (GRIH) and Smart Business Hawaii (SBH) announced today a new contest to help the employees of the DOE do just that by identifying ways to trim the Department’s budget and possibly remove the need for job furloughs. (more)
June 2009
Hawaii's Prepaid Health Care Act
and Far-Reaching Costs
Health insurance is widely regarded as the key to accessing vital health care service, and those without insurance are regarded as less likely to access timely and necessary care. To that end, in 1974, Hawaii became the first state to mandate employer-provided insurance through the Prepaid Health Care Act. (more)
June 2009
Hawaii State Teachers’ Union Clamps Down on Teacher Dissension
Concerned teachers believe they now need protection, because delegates to the April 2009 HSTA Convention approved bylaw amendments that take away members’ right to counsel during the grievance process... (more)
June 2009
Hawaii’s Prepaid Health Care Act and its Far-Reaching Costs
New Policy Brief Explains Hawaii's Health Coverage Monopoly
New GRIH study 'Hawaii’s Prepaid Health Care Act and Far-Reaching Costs' explores devastating effects on employment and the rate of covered residents in the state that government health plans can have. (more)
June 2009
Thinking is Sometimes Hard
Akaka Tribe Bill Back in the News
The Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2009 (S1011/ HR2314) begins movement in the US Congress. (more)
June 2009
State Forced Land Sales
The Power of Eminent Domain to Redistribute Land Ownership
The recent news has been filled with the term 'redistribution of wealth', but in Hawaii and elsewhere the power of the state to confiscate private property under the guise of economic development has never been more popular. The recent Supreme Court case Kelo v. City of New London in 2005 involving the use of eminent domain to transfer land from one private owner to another to further economic development is one example. In a 5-4 decision the Court held the state using eminent domain to redistribute property for redevelopment was permissible "public use" under the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment because the community derived "economic benefits". (more)
May 2009
Day In, Day Out
An Ode to the Majority in our State Legislature
A song by founder Dick Rowland to our State Legislature. (more)
May 2009
Remembering
The History and Legacy of Memorial Day
Denis Edward O’Brien was attending seminary at St. John’s in Little Rock, Arkansas when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. The events of December 7, 1941 moved him to join the Marine Corps at the tender age of 18. As he would later write, “It is the soldier, not the reporter who has given us freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the organizer who has given us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the soldier, who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protestor to burn the flag.” ... (more)
May 2009
A Culture of Indifference?
The DOE Deserves No New Funding
The Honolulu Advertiser recently reported that the Hawaii Department of Education (DOE) may receive federal stimulus monies after all. Governor Lingle has previously said she planned to use those funds to balance looming budget deficits, in lieu of less appealing options such as raising taxes. Education is rightly one of the highest priorities of modern society. (more)
May 2009
Elementary Principles of Monopoly
Government-run Schools Get Less with More
For years most economists have been arguing for market-like reforms in K-12 schooling. Market-like reforms would unleash competitive forces that reward innovation. The purpose of this study is to provide additional empirical evidence of the need for those reforms. (more)
May 2009
Don't Tax Me Bro!
Grassroot Institute Applauds Hawaii's Governor on Tax Vetoes
"Finally! It's about time someone in state government stood up for the taxpayer," said President Jamie Story of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii as she watched Governor Linda Lingle veto several tax bills from the State Legislature. (more)
April 2009
2009 Tax Day Tea Party
Citizens commit to Oppose and Vote Against Tax Increases
Hawaii's taxpayers have had enough and are ready to do something to let their voices be heard. The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, The Hawaii Republican Assembly, Studio Ryan, Mac Mouse, Admor HVAC and Joe the Builder Inc. have teamed up to sponsor the first annual Hawaii Tax Day Tea Party on April 15th from 4-7pm at the Hawaii state capitol. (more)
April 2009
A Climate of Common Sense
International Climate Change Conference 2009
During the Heartland Institute’s recent International Climate Change Conference in New York City (co-sponsored by GRIH), Czech Republic President Vaclav Klaus declared that the true plans and ambitions of climate change alarmists are “to stop economic development, and return mankind centuries back.” (more)
April 2009
Global Warming
Rethinking the CO2 and Temperature Relationship
The presumption of anthropogenic (human-caused) global warming is a prevailing concern among academics, politicians, and environmentalists. On a daily basis, the media report that human-caused elevated levels of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere are responsible for increasing temperatures that will contribute to a rise in sea levels, tsunamis, food storages, starvation, and spread of disease. (more)
March 2009
America Under Attack From Americans
Is Environmentalism Collectivism?
Recently Larry Kudlow wrote that "Obama has declared war on investors, entrepreneurs, small businesses, large corporations, and private equity and venture-capital funds." Kudlow’s famous expertise in economics cuts through the fuzzy euphemisms concealing the true agenda of President Obama’s confiscatory tax plans. He also notes that nations which tax their citizens more produce less, and nations which tax less produce more. When a nation produces more, there's also more prosperity, more jobs at higher wages, and more innovation. No nation has ever taxed its way to prosperity. (more)
February 2009
Don't Go Native On Us
A Free Market Case Against The Akaka Bill And More Government
A top New Year's resolution for many elected officials in Hawaii's local government is to see passage of the Native Hawaiian Government Act. The Act seeks to create what The Honolulu Advertiser characterized in a recent editorial as "a pathway for establishing Hawaii's indigenous people as a political entity, enabling their reconstitution as a 'state within a state' government." It has been argued that without a native government, the Hawaiian people can never succeed and never attain their highest dreams. In truth, for not just the Hawaiian people but all residents of the State of Hawaii, government is not the solution to our problems, it is our problem. Hawaii's existing government has already proven its inability to provide quality education, promote a healthy economy, and sustain a job market that keeps people employed and tax revenues flowing – are we really to believe that another government can magically create prosperity for Native Hawaiians? (more)
January 2009
True Lies:
Hawaii's Government Employees' Retirement System
As a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, I know almost everything taxpayers are told about the Hawaii Government Employees' Retirement System is false.
One lie is that employee benefits depend on, or are affected by, the $10 billion of assets earmarked by the state for their payment. In truth, the benefits are legally guaranteed by the taxpayers' full faith and credit. Losing the entire $10 billion would not cost any employee or retiree a single penny of benefits already earned, or a single penny of future retiree cost of living allowances (COLAs). The Unions even claim current employees would retain the right to earn more benefits under the current formula for life, and the Attorney General's silence blesses that claim. Instead, taxpayers would make up every lost dollar, continue annual contributions for new benefits as they are earned, and even make up any amount by which future earnings fall short of 8 percent thereafter. (more)
January 2009
The Economic Impact of the Akaka Bill
Unintended Consequences for Hawaii
The Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2007, S.310 and H.R..505 in the 110th Congress, also known as the Akaka Bill, after sponsor Senator Daniel Akaka, proposes to creates a sovereign Native Hawaiian Governing Entity (NHGE) within the state of Hawaii. While the terms of the bill are vague, the most likely effect would be to vest this new Native Hawaiian government with the right to land now owned by the state, to the detriment of non-Native Hawaiian taxpayers and, correspondingly, the state economy. (more)
January 2009
Hawaii Drops Universal Children’s Health Care Plan
An economic downturn and ensuing budget cuts have forced Hawaii to abandon the nation’s first universal health care program for children, Keiki Care, after only seven months. (more)
January 2009
2009 Pork Report
The Book Hawaii's Government Doesn't Want You to Read
The 2009 Hawaii Piglet Book does not paint a pretty picture of current and future state spending. But, all hope is not lost. Through some common sense and political courage, Hawaii can turn things around. (more)
Blogs
The Mystery of Hawaiian History
Correcting historical revisionism and misconceptions promoted by the Akaka Bill.
Hawaii Spendometer
How Fast Does The State Government Spend Your Money?
$9,122,166,121.47
