|
Entries for December 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010 |
|
Djou, Akaka, Inouye back tax compromise, Hirono rejects Obama
By News Release @ 10:56 PM :: 9847 Views :: Maui County, Education K-12, Energy, Environment, National News, Ethics
|
Rep. Djou voted in favor of the Obama tax proposal that the President announced last week. Rep. Mazie Hirono was the only member of the Hawaii delegation who voted to oppose the President on this critical bill.
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Thursday, December 16, 2010 |
|
VIDEO: Liliuokalani School could become Charter School
By Video @ 8:07 PM :: 8437 Views :: Maui County, Education K-12, Energy, Environment
|
VIDEO: House Speaker Calvin Say suggests Lili`uokalani could be converted to a Charter School.
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Thursday, December 16, 2010 |
|
March for Life Rally to mark 40 years of legal abortion in Hawaii
By News Release @ 7:11 PM :: 9070 Views :: Maui County, Education K-12, Energy, Environment
|
Honolulu, HI – Hawaii Right to Life is sponsoring the 38th annual March for Life Hawaii with co-sponsors Hawaii Family Forum and Hawaii Catholic Conference. The grassroots rally is open to the public and will be held Saturday, January 22 from 10:30am to 1:30pm at the Hawaii State Capitol grounds.
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Thursday, December 16, 2010 |
|
UPDATE: Inouye earmark sets goal of developing a mechanism for Hawaii “Indian Tribe”
By Andrew Walden @ 5:33 PM :: 11538 Views :: Energy, Environment, National News, Ethics
|
It isn’t quite the Akaka Bill sneak attack that many have warned of in recent days, but on page 809-810 of the 2011 Omnibus Appropriations Act, Senator Dan Inouye has slipped in a mandate to the US Department of the Interior....
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Thursday, December 16, 2010 |
|
EPA: Sharp decrease in Hawaii air, water pollution
By News Release @ 11:25 AM :: 8474 Views :: Energy, Environment
|
Toxics managed, treated or released into the environment from facilities operating in Hawai’i decreased 9 percent in 2009 when compared to 2008, according to the latest data available from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Thursday, December 16, 2010 |
|
Release the START Negotiating Record
By Heritage Foundation @ 11:06 AM :: 3993 Views :: National News, Ethics
|
Yesterday, the Senate voted 66–32 to begin debate on the New START agreement with Russia. Only a simple majority (51) was required, but vote counters can use yesterday’s roll call as a benchmark for final ratification, which will need 67 votes to pass.
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, December 15, 2010 |
|
Punished for success? BoE to consider closing two of State’s most successful schools Tonight
By News Release @ 7:48 PM :: 7389 Views :: Maui County, Education K-12
|
Is the school closing guidelines being taken so seriously that we should punish rather than reward such things as Koko Head Elementary’s performance as a 2011 Hawaii Distinguished School and as a Hawaii representative in the 2011 National No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon Schools program?
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, December 15, 2010 |
|
Feds to loan $25M/month as Hawaii Unemployment Compensation fund runs dry
By News Release @ 6:42 PM :: 7540 Views :: Energy, Environment, National News, Ethics
|
Hawaii joins the 32 other states who already have borrowed money from the federal government to pay unemployment benefits during the current economic downturn. DLIR anticipated the insolvency and proactively took the steps to request advances from U.S. Department of Labor last September. Currently, Hawaii pays out $25 million in regular unemployment benefits a month through the trust fund.
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, December 15, 2010 |
|
Hawaii Right to Life endorses Dudley, McDermott in Honolulu Council Special Election
By News Release @ 12:58 PM :: 7453 Views :: Maui County, Education K-12
|
Executive Director Janet Grace stated “It makes no difference if a candidate is running at a federal, state, or local level. What matters is the moral compass of those elected to serve. There are ethics and standards of living that apply to all public servants because they help guide society in doing what is just and right. I believe most voters would agree with us that the men and women appointed to serve us must be held accountable to advocate for all innocent human life.”
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, December 15, 2010 |
|
Gallup: Congressional Approval drops to 13%
By Heritage Foundation @ 12:57 PM :: 3688 Views :: National News, Ethics
|
Defense, homeland security, and veterans can all be funded at current levels for one month through a continuing resolution, and then the next Congress could adjust our defense needs. Inouye is attempting to hold the troops hostage? And for what? Taxpayers for Common Sense reports that among the 6,600 earmarks in the bill is $6 million for parkland acquisition in Hawaii. No wonder Americans hate this Congress.
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, December 14, 2010 |
|
Djou welcomes GAO audit of Compact of Free Association funds
By Rep Charles Djou @ 3:36 PM :: 12980 Views :: Maui County, Education K-12, Energy, Environment, National News, Ethics, World News, Family
|
“I welcome the GAO’s decision to audit the federal funds that go to the COFA. I have been vocally calling for reforming this treaty throughout my campaign and time in Congress – this is a good first step."
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, December 14, 2010 |
|
Report: Hawaii scores 7 out of 10 on Health Emergency Preparedness
By News Release @ 12:40 PM :: 8366 Views :: Energy, Environment, National News, Ethics
|
Overall, states achieved the highest scores ever for health emergency preparedness with 14 states scoring nine or higher. Three states (Arkansas, North Dakota, and Washington State) scored 10 out of 10. Another 25 states and Washington, D.C. scored in the 7 to 8 range. No state scored lower than a five
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, December 14, 2010 |
|
Another Victory on the Road to Repeal
By Heritage Foundation @ 11:03 AM :: 4161 Views :: National News, Ethics
|
“The unchecked expansion of congressional power to the limits suggested by the Minimum Essential Coverage Provision would invite unbridled exercise of federal police powers. At its core, this dispute is not simply about regulating the business of insurance—or crafting a scheme of universal health insurance coverage—it’s about an individual’s right to choose to participate.”
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Monday, December 13, 2010 |
|
How Hawaii’s Congressional delegation voted December 8–13
By News Release @ 6:14 PM :: 7270 Views :: Energy, Environment, National News, Ethics
|
- Cloture Motion, Defense Authorization Act
- Continuing Resolution
- DREAM Act
- Middle Class Tax Relief Act of 2010
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Monday, December 13, 2010 |
|
Hirono panics: After rejecting Obama, she now tries to straddle Tax Bill
By News Release @ 3:54 PM :: 10435 Views :: Congressional Delegation, Taxes, Obama
|
Apparently Hirono is catching hell from her Obamabot base. So she sent this email out today....
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Monday, December 13, 2010 |
|
Full Text: Federal judge rules Obamacare unconstitutional
By Selected News Articles @ 12:26 PM :: 7169 Views :: National News, Ethics
|
The Obama administration’s requirement that most citizens maintain minimum health coverage as part of a broad overhaul of the industry is unconstitutional, a federal judge ruled, striking down the linchpin of the plan.
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Monday, December 13, 2010 |
|
Liberals Leave The Reservation
By Heritage Foundation @ 12:24 PM :: 4185 Views :: National News, Ethics
|
When President Obama and Congressional Republicans first announced their tax deal early last week, our reaction was to hold our noses against its bad elements; on balance, we thought the extension of the current tax rates was laudable. Now, however, the full text of the bill has been released and we see all the bad things that were in the original deal.
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Monday, December 13, 2010 |
|
S.501 will bury small farmers in red tape
By Selected News Articles @ 11:55 AM :: 6587 Views :: National News, Ethics
|
S.510 has been called the “most dangerous bill in the history of the United States.” With over 225 pages of regulations, the FDA is not only granted the authority to issue mandatory recalls, but has the power to tell farmers how to grow food, including regulations on soil, water, temperature, even what type of animals are permitted on the premises. From 2011 to 2015, the estimated cost by the Congressional Budget Office is $1.4 billion.
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Sunday, December 12, 2010 |
|
Cleaning up Abercrombie's Mess: GAO to investigate lack of funding for Compact of Free Association Migrants
By Selected News Articles @ 7:51 PM :: 12034 Views :: National News, World News, Congressional Delegation, Hawaii State Government
|
The GAO is in the “design phase” of preparing the audit plan. US Interior Department official Tom Bussanich, who was in Majuro last week for the Development Partners Meeting, said GAO officials had an “entrance conference” with him last month to start the audit process.
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Sunday, December 12, 2010 |
|
Small Business Survivability: Hawaii ranks 44th
By News Release @ 4:59 PM :: 8206 Views :: Energy, Environment, National News, Ethics
|
Highlights:
• Highest personal income tax
• Highest consumption-based taxes
• Very high gas and diesel taxes
• Highest electric utility costs
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Sunday, December 12, 2010 |
|
Hawaii Legislators’ favorite child molester claims he is the victim
By Andrew Walden @ 1:42 PM :: 17415 Views :: Ethics, Family, Law Enforcement, Politicians
|
With the defeat of Rep Bertram, convicted child molester Leon Rouse has become a demonstrated electoral liability to his employers. Will he still be rehired by Baker or Cabanilla for 2011? It is likely this question which has caused Rouse to pop up and try to spread his self-serving justifications and denials in the pages of the Maui News.
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Saturday, December 11, 2010 |
|
GOP responds to “bizarre, comical” emails from Eric Ryan
By News Release @ 1:59 PM :: 7368 Views :: Energy, Environment
|
For those who have been party members for a while, you know that he does this every year and you may already be disregarding them. For those who have recently joined, these accusations may be alarming and that is why although most of what is said should be disregarded, we feel it is necessary to address a few of the points....
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Saturday, December 11, 2010 |
|
BoE Approves Committee Leadership Assignments
By News Release @ 1:11 PM :: 6014 Views :: Energy, Environment
|
The Hawaii State Board of Education approved the following committee leadership assignments at a meeting Thursday night at Radford High School....
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Saturday, December 11, 2010 |
|
Rep. Marumoro: $372K is not enough savings to justify closing Liliuokalani School
By News Release @ 1:00 PM :: 7964 Views :: Maui County, Education K-12, Energy, Environment
|
In the case of Queen Lydia Lili’uokalani School, history and tradition argues even more strongly against closure. It would indeed be ironic to shut its doors on the 100th school year since the Queen dedicated its opening.
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Friday, December 10, 2010 |
|
Reward for backing Tax Compromise? Obama Cabinet officials call for passage of Akaka Bill
By Andrew Walden @ 9:25 PM :: 8474 Views :: Energy, Environment, National News, Ethics
|
US Attorney General Eric Holder and Interior Secretary Ken Salazar have written to Senate leaders to “express the Administration’s strong support for … S 3945 .” S3945 is the latest version of the Akaka Bill.
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Friday, December 10, 2010 |
|
NCSL: Hawaii budget short $200M for 2012, $145M for 2013
By News Release @ 1:56 PM :: 7004 Views :: Energy, Environment
|
“Hawaii’s projected shortfall is $201.9 million, or 3.6% of its total budget, according to NCSL data.”
The NCSL report also projects a 2.6% budget gap for 2013, this adds up to $145M.
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Friday, December 10, 2010 |
|
Child porn survivor denounces UH Prof’s call for legalization
By Selected News Articles @ 1:16 PM :: 15192 Views :: Maui County, Education K-12, Energy, Environment, National News, Ethics, World News, Family
|
When I was a mere eight-year-old boy I was sexually abused for an entire year of my childhood life. In addition to the horrific abuse my abuser took child porn photographs of me and had me develop them at his apartment.
He put his hand on my shoulder and said “wouldn’t your mother like a copy.”
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Friday, December 10, 2010 |
|
There is No Tax Deal
By Heritage Foundation @ 12:20 PM :: 4075 Views :: National News, Ethics
|
On Wednesday, Vice President Joe Biden reportedly told House Democrats that the tax deal cut with Republicans was a “take it or leave it” proposition that could not be changed. But by last night, after fierce opposition from his leftist base, President Barack Obama was singing a different tune, telling NPR: “My sense is there are going to be discussions between both House and Senate leadership about all the final elements of the package. Keep in mind we didn’t actually write a bill.”
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Thursday, December 9, 2010 |
|
24% of Hawaii residents spend more than they earn
By News Release @ 6:56 PM :: 5887 Views :: Energy, Environment
|
60% of individuals lack a "rainy day" fund to cover expenses for three months, in case of emergencies such as sickness, job loss or economic downturn.
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Thursday, December 9, 2010 |
|
|
Thursday, December 9, 2010 |
|
Olbermann Video: “President may not be re-nominated. Get a new man. Or woman.”
By Video @ 6:01 PM :: 6753 Views :: National News, Ethics
|
Olbermann: It is not disloyalty to remind the President that he was elected by people to whom he had given a clear outline of what he would do for them. And if he does not steer out of the skid of what he is doing to them, he will not only not be reelected, he may not even be re-nominated.
It is not disloyalty to remind him that we are not bound to an individual. We are bound to principles. If the individual changes or fails often or needlessly, then we get a new man. Or woman….
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Thursday, December 9, 2010 |
|
Rail Financial Report co-authored by former Controller of So Cal Rapid Transit
By Selected News Articles @ 5:39 PM :: 7564 Views :: Maui County, Education K-12, Energy, Environment
|
First it's important to mention the impeccable reputation and expert subject knowledge of the primary authors of the report prepared by Infrastructure Management Group, Inc.
Steve Steckler is a Harvard University planner and chairman of IMG with past service in the U.S. DOT. Thomas Rubin is a mass transit consultant who's served as Controller-Treasurer of the Southern California Rapid Transit District, now known as Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority.
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Thursday, December 9, 2010 |
|
|
Thursday, December 9, 2010 |
|
Turnabout: Hawaii GOP calls on Hirono, Hanabusa to support Obama Tax Bill
By News Release @ 4:45 PM :: 7598 Views :: Energy, Environment, National News, Ethics
|
"We are disappointed that, despite bipartisan efforts to achieve real results for the American People, Congresswoman Hirono continues to cater to the ultra-liberal wing of the Democratic Party. We hope that Congresswoman-elect Hanabusa does not follow her lead and will instead call upon Congresswoman Hirono to end her opposition on this critical compromise and join the rest of Hawaii's delegation in supporting President Obama."
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Thursday, December 9, 2010 |
|
US House Democratic Caucus: “F*** the President …. We can’t trust him…. Just say no!”
By Selected News Articles @ 3:08 PM :: 6494 Views :: National News, Ethics
|
The frustration with President Barack Obama over his tax cut compromise was palpable and even profane at Thursday’s House Democratic Caucus meeting.
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Thursday, December 9, 2010 |
|
Hawaii: 147K on Food Stamps, up 15.7%
By Selected News Articles @ 2:28 PM :: 7503 Views :: Energy, Environment, National News, Ethics
|
More people tapped food stamps to pay for groceries in September as the recession and lackluster recovery have prompted more Americans to turn to government safety net programs to make ends meet.
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Thursday, December 9, 2010 |
|
EIS Begins for Undersea Power Cable Project
By News Release @ 2:04 PM :: 11777 Views :: Kauai County, DHHL, Maui County, Education K-12, Energy, Environment
|
The PEIS will examine the program-level impacts of the development of up to 400 megawatts (MW) of wind energy on Maui County, the transmission of the energy to Oahu via an undersea cable, and the integration of that energy into Oahu’s electrical grid.
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Thursday, December 9, 2010 |
|
Rally for Imprisoned Noble Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo
By Heritage Foundation @ 1:40 PM :: 7666 Views :: World News, Family
|
The Norwegian Nobel Committee is set to award the Nobel Peace Prize this Friday to author and 1989 Tiananmen protest participant Liu Xiaobo. But Liu will not attend. He is currently serving an 11-year sentence for co-authoring the Charter 08 manifesto calling for protection of human rights, comprehensive political reforms, and a democratic government in China.
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, December 8, 2010 |
|
|
Wednesday, December 8, 2010 |
|
Abercrombie nominates Tam DLNR Deputy Director
By News Release @ 6:25 PM :: 7252 Views :: Energy, Environment
|
Tam, 62, a lawyer who specializes in water, natural resources and land use law with Alston, Hunt, Floyd & Ing, will serve as Deputy Director of Water. He joins Interim Chairman William J. Aila and First Deputy Director Guy Kaulukukui as the team leading DLNR.
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, December 8, 2010 |
|
Progressives denounce Obama: “What happened to the man?”
By Selected News Articles @ 5:58 PM :: 8464 Views :: Energy, Environment, National News, Ethics
|
Thanks to the deal to extend the Bush tax cuts, the Manoa-Liberal-in-Chief is now being rejected even by his own Party. Will Obama be the Democrats’ Presidential candidate in 2012? Will he even run? And how would the crushing and absolute rejection of Obama by his own Party affect voter turnout by Democrats in Hawaii?
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, December 8, 2010 |
|
Judge Samuel P King remembered
By Selected News Articles @ 1:53 PM :: 7400 Views :: Energy, Environment
|
"There were lots of things that people thought were wrong with Bishop Estate -- how they (the trustees) were selected, how they behaved, what they were doing with their investments, how they were handling education," he said in 1998.
"But as (former Hawaii Gov. Benjamin) Cayetano put it (after he ordered a state investigation), everybody figured, 'Well, if the Hawaiians themselves who are involved aren't upset, who are we to upset them?'
"The difference this time is that the Hawaiians got upset first. And actually that's why I'm in it, as a part-Hawaiian and as having been aware of all these things before."
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, December 8, 2010 |
|
US Civil Rights Commission warns against Akaka Bill Sneak Attack
By News Release @ 12:46 PM :: 8454 Views :: Energy, Environment, National News, Ethics
|
We understand that there is a possibility that the new and significantly revised version of the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act will be tacked onto the spending bill in the next week or so. We hope that this does not happen. A bill as important as this deserves careful consideration. It would be a matter for concern if it were to be made law without a hearing on its new provisions.
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, December 7, 2010 |
|
Abercrombie: Release fulfills agreement, does not end teacher furloughs
By News Release @ 6:47 PM :: 7011 Views :: Energy, Environment
|
The release fulfills the agreement reached to restore 17 instructional days for teachers. This does not bring an end to teacher furloughs on non-instructional days.
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, December 7, 2010 |
|
Djou applauds tax compromise
By Rep Charles Djou @ 6:19 PM :: 11076 Views :: Maui County, Education K-12, Energy, Environment, National News, Ethics
|
“I applaud President Obama's compromise with the Republican leadership on taxes. Congress has dragged its feet for too long on this issue. I repeatedly stated my support for what is now the Obama compromise during the campaign and hope the Democrat leadership will finally agree.”
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, December 7, 2010 |
|
Abercrombie’s first-day furlough fakery
By Andrew Walden @ 6:11 PM :: 10702 Views :: Energy, Environment
|
It was all fake and it cost the General Fund $10M dollars. Governor Neil Abercrombie’s “first gubernatorial action” to abolish furloughs did no such thing. In fact Abercrombie’s release undid parts of a May 25 agreement between Governor Lingle and the BoE/DoE/HSTA which DID abolish instructional day furloughs. But politicians and every single media outlet in Hawaii went along with the scam.
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, December 7, 2010 |
|
Meth Project Named Third Most Effective Philanthropy In the World
By News Release @ 1:37 PM :: 7869 Views :: Energy, Environment, National News, Ethics
|
The Meth Project has been named the third most effective philanthropy in the world by Barron’s magazine, one of the country’s premier business and financial publications. The announcement was made in the magazine’s cover story this week, “The 25 Best Givers.” This is the second year in a row the Meth Project has been named to the Barron’s list; it was ranked number five in 2009.
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, December 7, 2010 |
|
Freeze Taxes, Freeze Spending, and Go Home
By Heritage Foundation @ 11:01 AM :: 3810 Views :: National News, Ethics
|
The President defended this compromise by finally stating the obvious: "Make no mistake: Allowing taxes to go up on all Americans would have raised taxes by $3,000 for a typical American family. And that could cost our economy well over a million jobs." It's great that a leader of the progressive movement is willing to recognize the link between higher taxes and lost jobs.
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Monday, December 6, 2010 |
|
Rep. Ward: If DoE won’t ban nepotism, insist on WASC Accreditation
By News Release @ 7:59 PM :: 8296 Views :: Maui County, Education K-12, Energy, Environment
|
"The charter school accreditation process involves using national standards and best practices to improve the management, policies, and procedures, including anti-nepotism practices in our charter schools," Rep. Gene Ward stated.
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
Monday, December 6, 2010 |
|
GOP: “Hawaii can count on us to keep a watchful eye”
By News Release @ 7:55 PM :: 5787 Views :: Energy, Environment
|
"Today the talk ends and the work begins. We will hold the Governor accountable for these commitments. The people of Hawaii can count on us to keep a watchful eye and if necessary provide reminders from time to time on what was said and what gets done."
|
Read
More.. |
|
|
|
|
|