Education K-12

Hawaii is going down with its one party politics. Hawaii needs more balanced political checks and balances. There are simply too many Democrats and too many Lawyers. There are too few Republicans and too few Engineers. I wish to tip the scales by one.

Tax and Spend does not work. Too many wrong projects are being done at huge cost to taxpayers. Hawaii's affordability is moving in the wrong direction. More taxes and poor policies lead to accelerated brain drain, labor losses and unemployment.

  Former Abercrombie staffer George 'Skip' Roberts at GOP conference in Minnesota.

The Advertiser is being bought out by Black Press, owner of the Star-Bulletin.  Among Black’s local partners is Ed Case’s uncle, Dan H Case.  

Six hundred Advertiser employees are on tenterhooks waiting to see if they will be rehired by the new entity.  Their new bosses are still running the Star-Bulletin as the purchase passes through various procedural hoops.  Who will stay and who will go depends on the good will of Dan H Case, Black Press, and the other members of the Star-Bulletin Editorial Board.

Two sources with first-hand knowledge describe a series of September, 2006 post-Primary talks between Hanabusa’s defeated campaign and that of Republican Primary winner, State Senator Bob Hogue.  Although Hanabusa did not personally participate, the sources say her campaign’s leaders, including her now-husband John Souza, offered the Republican candidate extensive unofficial support.  One pro-Hanabusa union came on board with Hogue after receiving a commitment that, if elected, Hogue would work to increase immigration quotas from the Philippines.

“Case has hired well-respected Dem pollster Fred Yang, who was tagged as an advisor in the criminal complaint against ex-IL Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D). Yang was ‘Advisor B,’ who suggested Blagojevich leverage Pres. Obama's open Senate seat in order to win a top position at Change to Win, the labor federation headed by SEIU.” (Reid Wilson, “Wednesday’s Starting Lineup,” Hotline On Call, 04/14/10)

"While Hawaii taxpayers struggle amid a fragile economy, Ed Case continues to be complicit with the job-killing, tax-hiking policies of Washington Democrats by supporting the Democrats’ healthcare takeover. As the nation’s economy teeters on the edge of disaster, more and more jobs are shed each month and the national debt continues to climb to new highs, the last thing the people of Hawaii need is a representative with an insatiable appetite for taxing and spending. Unfortunately for Case, Hawaii voters don’t want another Pelosi rubberstamp in Congress – they want jobs," said Erin Kealoha, Communications Director, Hawaii Republican Party.

“Under this proposal, students, parents, teachers, other school employees, Department of Education officials, legislators and the general public would still be left with the looming uncertainty of the remaining six furlough days in the second half of the next school year. 

“Further, this plan once again pits education against other public services, as legislators struggle to find money in 2011 for the myriad of programs operated by the State. 

SB: The Hawaii rally was aimed squarely at state lawmakers—majority Democrats who approved this week an increase in the tax on a barrel of oil. The increase from a nickel to $1.05 per barrel is expected to increase the cost of gas and energy bills….

One candidate, Republican Charles Djou, attended the rally and took the occasion of tax deadline day to launch an appeal for votes....

“The people are frustrated with business as usual in our government. Our Hawaii public school system is not putting the children first which is an outrage. Tax increase bills are advancing in the legislature which will lead to more business failure. Home sales are down and many owners are facing foreclosure. Unemployment is higher than ever. What people want is stability and that’s the choice I represent for the voters."

“We are excited about Charles’ campaign to change the direction of Congress.  Having made over 20,000 volunteer phone calls and knocking on over 15,000 doors in Mililani, Ewa Beach, Hawaii Kai, and everywhere in between, we have heard that Charles’ message of fiscal responsibility and government accountability is resonating with the people of Hawaii.  People are tired of elected officials who care more about themselves, than they do about the people they represent,” stated Dylan Nonaka, Djou for Hawaii campaign manager.  “Our strong finance numbers are one of several indicators of the growing enthusiasm and momentum for Charles in this special election.  Charles understands, however, that the only number that counts is the number of votes cast in the election.”

Hawaii Legislators want to raise the GE Tax by as much as 25%. They propose to raise the barrel tax on fuel 3000%.  But they refuse to even consider abolishing the BoE and placing the DoE under the direct control of the next Governor.  On April 15, Hawaii voters will have their say at rallies planned for Honolulu, Kahului, Kailua-Kona, Hilo and Lihue.  Here are the details and contact information for each rally. 

 “Lines that Divide: the Great Stem Cell Debate” will be broadcast on KALO-TV, channel 38 (cable channel 25).

On Wednesday, April 14^th at 10:30 a.m. a group of veterans will place about 100 small flags on the front lawn of the State Senate next to the replica of the Liberty Bell.

On Thursday, April 15^th, they will hold a Flag Rally at the State Capitol from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. (separate from Tea Party events) and will deliver petitions to Senate President Colleen Hanabusa asking her to pass language in any Bill that would ensure their right to fly Old Glory.

If you want to get familiar with the budget, this is a good place to start because it will allow you to make your own choices by simply placing an ”x” in the left column next to the  proposals. The fiscal impact of the proposal will then be added to the ending balance.

“I understand that times are tough for Hawaii families right now and I promise to work tirelessly to ease the burden of heavy taxes and excessive government spending and control,” said Charles Djou. “The age of the spend-and-tax mentality are over, Hawaii families need a Representative that will fight to rebuild Hawaii’s economy and create jobs. I’ve never voted for a tax increase, because I understand that crippling taxes only hurt small businesses and stifle economic growth. I will open Hawaii’s doors to new markets, which will boost Hawaii’s tourism and trade and bring millions of dollars in revenue to our sluggish economy.”

This is the reward to Matayoshi for holding the line against reform and protecting the HSTA....boost to 150% of highest Principal's salary, thus making her effectively tied to the HGEA's contract for Principals. 

Despite the continuing willingness of our residents to generously support our public education system, it has not produced meaningful improvements or demonstrable progress toward improved systemwide education outcomes.  The record is clear that the answer to the problem of an underperforming school system is not solely the amount of money being spent.  We have dramatically increased public education spending between the time I took office and the present, and our school system still fails to show meaningful improvement in national test scores.  We should not tolerate perpetuating a system that results in situations such as Nanakuli where only 14 percent of the children are proficient in arithmetic.

...Right now, the race is close: according to a Democratic source, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has conducted an internal poll showing Case at 32%, Djou at 32%, Hanabusa at 27%, and 9% undecided.

Hawaii Family Forum and Hawaii Catholic Conference is committed to urge the faithful to

1. Register to vote;
2. Be knowledgeable about issues and where candidates stand on those issues and
3. Motivate and get believers to go out and vote.

According to a high level source within the DoE, the Charter School Review Panel (CSRP), at its regularly scheduled meeting Wednesday morning, voted to bring a nearly immediate end to the school year for Puna’s Na Wai Ola/Waters of Life Public Charter School.  According to the source, the decision will take effect Friday, April 16 leaving parents to scramble to find alternate placements for their children in the middle of the semester and in the midst of HSA testing. The semester for Waters of Life's 80 students was originally to have run until May 26.

...to characterize Djou's opposition to raising taxes as protecting tax breaks that send jobs abroad is wrong. Any tax benefit can be eliminated and offset by a rate cut or by other benefits without raising taxes overall, and without violating the terms of that pledge. This attack ad is false.

When HB2877 was defeated earlier within this legislative session, homeowners that pay maintenance fees were relieved and saved from having to pay another tax increase. This new tax would have unfairly targeted homeowners that reside in condominiums and planned community associations by taxing their maintenance fees. 

Then on March 30, in the House Finance Committee, a bill that had nothing to do with raising taxes on maintenance fees - SB2401 SD1, was gutted and replaced with the language from HB2877, the measure previously defeated.

"This outside intrusion into a Hawaii political campaign is unprecedented and unnecessary.  There should be no need for a mainland Democrat group to be involved unless they are afraid of how the people of Hawaii will vote.  My position on issues is there for all to see, and the votes that I have taken are clear, honorable and correct.  For the DCCC to attempt to sway public opinion in this manner by defaming my character is clearly wrong."

The source said the move was in part intended as a warning shot to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, which is considering an endorsement for Case.

Ward proposed an amendment to remove political appointees in SB2571's process of selecting the governor's BOE appointees. The amendment, along with one that proposed to lift the cap on Charter Schools would have made Hawaii more competitive for Race to the Top funds. All three amendments were killed by the House.

...the DCCC should explain to voters why several current U.S. House and U.S. Senate Democrats, and numerous Democrats on the state level have already made the same commitment as Djou. The following Democrat members of Congress have signed the Pledge: Reps. Brad Ellsworth (IN-08), Rob Andrews (NJ-01), Gene Taylor (MS-04), Ben Chandler (KY-06) and Sens. Ben Nelson (NE) and Arlen Specter (PA). Interestingly, every single Democrat named has violated the Pledge on at least one occasion. Even more interesting is the fact that every House Democrat named has violated the Taxpayer Protection Pledge on multiple occasions.

In late 2008, Congressman Neil Abercrombie could not have been more clear in this letter to a Hawaii constituent, where he vowed to vote “no” on the $700 Billion bail out bill....Less than one week from the date of Abercrombie’s  reassuring assertions, he voted for the bailout anyway.

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Chris Van Hollen said Tuesday he wouldn't rule out making an endorsement in the May special election in Hawaii's 1st Congressional District.

As two Democrats — former Rep. Ed Case and state Senate President Colleen Hanabusa — compete against a single GOP candidate in the three-way election, Van Hollen didn't reject reports that the DCCC may swing behind Case's campaign.

To hear the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee tell it, Republican Congressional candidate Charles Djou “signed a pledge that protects tax breaks for companies that send jobs overseas” and “Djou still supports tax breaks for big corporations who would export our future.”

Starting tonight, the National Democrat commercials will run through the end of this week.  According to one Honolulu TV advertising sales exec interviewed by Hawai’i Free Press, the commercials will target Republican Congressional candidate Charles Djou.  Djou is the only Republican facing off against Democrats Colleen Hanabusa and Ed Case in the May 1 –22 mail in special election.  The same source tells Hawai’i Free Press the DCCC message will be anti-Djou—and will not make reference to either Ed Case or Colleen Hanabusa.

Determined to avert that result, the two sources said the DCCC is providing under-the-radar organizational support to former Rep. Ed Case against Democratic state Sen. Colleen Hanabusa, including assistance from DCCC Western Regional Political Director Adam Sullivan.

This unique 18-unit subdivision is an affordable-housing project by the State Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. The homes will consume little electricity and have a low environmental impact, and were designed with a blend of the newest energy technology and traditional Hawaiian practices to support a self-sufficient and sustainable lifestyle.

“I’m the only one who actually lives in the congressional district,” Djou says. “I have two opponents who are running insider themes. Case is running on his experience, his seniority, and [the fact that he] knows the corridors of Congress. Hanabusa is running on how she’s going to be a team player with Democrats in Congress. It’s clear that voting for Case or Hanabusa will not change Washington, D.C. My election will mean change, not just here, but if I win this race, we’re going to have a very big impact across the country.”

“I have never voted for a tax increase, and neither of my opponents can say that,” Djou says. “In five debates so far, both of them have repeated that they will not take a pledge to not raise taxes. They have both said they believe that there’s even an appropriate time to raise taxes, even in a recession.”

The National Journal writes: "National Democrats are tempted to pick a favorite, sources say, and perhaps get the White House involved to avoid the embarrassment of losing in President Obama's hometown urban Honolulu congressional district."

But the Dan’s won’t let them pick Ed Case, so they are stuck with Larry Mehau associate Colleen Hanabusa.  The National Journal article points the finger at Inouye, while pretending to point the finger at Obama, who, perhaps retaliating for Inouye’s support of Clinton in the Primary, washes his hands of the mess caused by Inouye’s retaliation against Ed Case and Neil Abercrombie....

Meanwhile..."Democratic strategists sense a momentum shift for Djou."

Case led in the last public poll, but that was nearly three months ago. Privately, Democratic strategists sense a momentum shift for Djou.

"The onus is on the White House. ... Can you imagine how bad it would be messaging-wise if we lost Obama's home district after losing Massachusetts?" one strategist said.

White House officials did not respond to requests for comment.

Democrat congressional candidate Ed Case is attempting to portray himself as someone who is fiscally responsible.  A look at his record, however, uncovers the truth: While in Congress, Ed Case was a reliable vote for imposing higher taxes on middle-class families and small businesses....

Ed Case has been ranked as one of the most ineffective members of Congress: “Two members of Congress ranked as some of the least effective – Rep. Ed Case [D- Hawai'i] and Sen. Dan Akaka [D- Hawai'i] – are battling over who has the worse rating on a national political Web site.” (Richard Borreca, “Case to Akaka, Akaka to Case: You’re ineffective,” Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 08/29/06).

Honolulu – Thursday, April 1, 2010 "I'm very disappointed that the HSTA leadership, BOE, and DOE allow the general public, parents and classroom teachers to believe incorrect information," said Minority Leader Lynn Finnegan.

"I'm hearing that teachers are under the impression that front office staff, nurses, cafeteria workers, special education assistants, janitors and security are on the non-essential employees list. This is simply not true," stated Finnegan.

Congressman Abercrombie, the ultimate PAC Man, displayed an insatiable appetite for special interest money during his twenty years in Washington.....

Wil Okabe, the HSTA President, said that negotiations would cease if their proposal failed. This would leave parents, teachers, principals, and students with 21 Furlough Fridays in place until the school year 2010-2011 is over. The HSTA will vote next Wednesday to approve or disapprove a new supplemental agreement between HSTA, BOE, and the DOE.

“HSTA is treating this as if it is the end of the road. There is more work to be done, but I’m hopeful there can be further compromises to end this Furlough Friday fiasco,” Finnegan said.

The difference between bringing back only essential employees and also bringing back non-essential DoE employees is $1 million per day.   Representative Finnegan continues to advocate bringing back only essential personnel in order to keep the cost of restoring Furlough Fridays reasonable and something the State can afford.

An indication that our campaign is a threat to the status quo is the number of yard signs stolen on a regular basis.  We know that it happens in every election, but the rate that our signs are stolen surpasses anything we have ever seen before.  In some areas, we will put up a yard sign and the sign will be taken in a matter of hours.  One of our supporters reported last week that she was in her yard when a white van drove up to her house.  A man jumped out of the van and pulled her yard sign out from where it was planted in her yard.  When she asked him what he was doing, he said that he was from the Djou campaign and that the sign was needed in another location.  This was completely untrue - the campaign never relocates signs to "better" locations.  We value every single person willing to indicate their support for Charles with a yard sign.

“It is more important that our next Congressman fight to lower taxes and allow Hawaii families to keep more of their money than to elect a Congressman who wants to spend all of your money,” stated Djou.

Here is video from the March 23 rally at the Capitol. 

More anti-tax rallies are planned for Honolulu, Kona, and Hilo April 15.

• Honolulu Rally 4-7PM at Capitol
• Kona Rally 1-5PM along Queen K Hwy near Mormon Temple
• Hilo Rally 4-6PM along Bayfront at Kamehameha Statue

Today the House Finance Committee will be hearing a bill (SB 2124 SD2) that appropriates $86.1 M to end Furlough Fridays. Representative Finnegan will be offering an amendment to Finance Chair Marcus Oshiro, reflecting her proposal to decrease the appropriation to $77.5 M.

“We can refrain from raising taxes and get students back in school,” said Minority Leader Lynn Finnegan.

“With the 31% pay increase, our part-time legislators, who are in session for just four months in the year, are the highest paid part-time legislators in the nation.  In these tough economic times, when people are losing their jobs, businesses are shutting down and teachers and students are being furloughed, do we really want to elect someone who cares more about her own paycheck than what’s good for the people of Hawai'i?” said Hawai'i Republican Party Chairman Jonah Ka'auwai.

HONOLULU – In response to Senator Roz Baker's (South and West Maui) decision not to schedule a public hearing for House Bill 2311, veterans from across the state, will be delivering their military decorations ribbons and awards that honor their valor and service to the country out of protest to her tomorrow.   

Veterans will present the ribbons to Chair Baker and her Committee members of the Commerce and Consumer Protection (CPN) on Wednesday, March 24 in room 229 at 10 a.m.  Sen. Baker, who sponsored the clothesline bill last year, has chosen to pass an unenforceable resolution about the flag instead....  

What do Sen Roz Baker and Rep Rida Cabanilla have in common?  They both have employed convicted child molester Leon Rouse.

“Congress should instead have enacted medical malpractice reform, allowed for the interstate sale of health insurance, and reformed the tax code to allow for an individual deduction on health insurance premiums.  We must continue to fight for responsible health care reform that lowers costs and offers greater access to affordable health care.”

Djou is the only major candidate in the Congressional race, who lives in the 1st Congressional District and the only major candidate who would have voted against this bill.  Ballots will be mailed out April 30.

For months, Mazie Hirono pledged to vote against the Senate version of Obamacare.  For her, Senate Obamacare just wasn’t socialist enough.  Along with 56 other “progressive” members of Congress, she demanded a program with a public option and denounced the Senate bill as a multi-billion dollar giveaway to the insurance companies.

Hirono’s July 30, 2009 letter explained:

“Any bill that does not provide, at a minimum, for a public option with reimbursement rates based on Medicare rates--not negotiated rates—is unacceptable…. (T)his agreement will result in the public, both as insurance purchasers and as taxpayers, paying ever higher rates to insurance companies.  We simply cannot vote for such a proposal.”

Hirono has maintained this position as recently as February 2, but at the last minute, barely noticed by her “progressive” base, Rep Mazie Hirono has changed her mind....

Now, more than ever, we need to bring balance to our nation’s capitol.  For too long, Hawaii residents have been underserved with only “one” viewpoint represented in Congress.  This out-of-balance system has failed our citizens and allowed for policies that have stifled our creativity and economic growth and burdened us with heavy taxes, wasteful, out of control government spending, and inefficient bureaucratic growth.

The people are speaking, but Washington isn’t listening.  That’s why we need new leaders who will listen and provide “common sense” approaches to get our country back on track.  Join me in the “good fight” and allow me the honor to represent you with “a strong voice and presence” in the halls of Congress.  

Honolulu- Friday, March 19, 2010 Republicans withdraw their support of a seemingly routine procedural resolution. The resolution (HR 205) dictates that the Speaker of the House exclusively controls in-house video programming and information output, and sets restrictions for its use.