SBH News + Views June 13

Father’s Day. Sunday is Father’s Day.  The stores won’t be as jammed, restaurants not as crowded and stores won’t rack up the sales recorded on Mother’s Day, but it is still important. Celebrate or remember your Dad. The Hawaii Kai Lions will hold their annual Pancake Breakfast at Kaiser High from 6 – 10 am.  It is a wonderful community event and I’ll be there.

Lingle All The Time. U.S. Senate candidate Linda Lingle made local and national headlines this week by having her own cable 24/7 tv channel (Oceanic 110). You can find out everything about the Lingle candidacy. Maybe other candidates will follow: Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, who won’t debate Ed Case, could have a channel where she debates herself and tells the story for at least the 250th time of her Mother in Japan escaping from her abusive Father (but nothing about finances, foreign policy or economics);  Mayor Peter Carlisle could have a 1-hr daily program and not tell anything; Managing Director Doug Chin could take the other 23 hours and let us know how he is really running the City; The Democrat Party could list their 1,350 rules they use to keep people from becoming or running as a Democrat. The list goes on (your suggestions?) and is endless. Set your DVR.

Meet the Candidates. Today, the Kailua Chamber of Commerce is hosting a “Meet the Candidates” event featuring Windward candidates. It will be held at the Windward Community College campus at 5:30 pm. RSVP to: https://www.facebook.com/events/316514291766391/

Religious Rally June 30. A Rally For Religious Liberty will be held Saturday, June 30, at the State Capitol, from 1 to 4 p.m.  Live Music and good speeches about religious liberty.  Everyone welcome.  Co-sponsored by Hawaii Family Forum, Hawaii Family Advocates and the Catholic Church in Hawaii.
Bing 5-0. The new Bing search engine social media site has a terrific commercial out all about finding and booking activities in Hawaii. I saw it five times on AMC Sunday. It is very ell done and a big boost for Hawaii.

Semper Fi.  The Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) Semper Fit division welcomes both military members and the public to MCB Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay for the Runaway Run 5K.
The Runway Run takes place on Independence Day, Wednesday July 4 at 6:30 a.m. aboard MCB Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay. This run challenges participants to rise early and enjoy a brisk 5K starting at Hangar 104, along the MCAS flight line with views of the majestic Koolau Mountains. Cost to participate is $25 or $30 if registering after June 26. Online registration is available until June 29, 4:00 p.m. Registration will also be accepted at the Semper Fit Center, MCB Hawaii, and onsite on race day.

For more information, please contact the Semper Fit Varsity Sports Coordinator at (808) 254-7590.

Matson Cuts Costs.  Matson is decreasing Fuel Surcharge by 3.5 Percentage Points for Hawaii, Guam/CNMI and Micronesia Services. As a result of recent declines in bunker fuel prices, Matson announced Monday that it is decreasing its fuel related surcharge by 3.5 percentage points, from 45.5% to 42% for its Hawaii service, and from 42% to 38.5% for its Guam/CNMI and Micronesia services, effective this Sunday, June 17, 2012.

Matson’s last adjustment to its Hawaii service fuel surcharge was an increase of five percentage points, effective February 26, 2012.  That adjustment followed three consecutive decreases in 2011.  As a result of significant increases in freight volume for Matson’s Guam and Micronesia services following the departure of a competitor from the trade late last year, fuel costs per container did not necessitate an upward adjustment in 2012.  This is the fourth consecutive decrease for Matson’s Guam and Micronesia services.

Territorial Takeover?  The Honolulu Star Advertiser reported over the weekend that Territorial Savings Bank, Hawaii’s 5gth largest bank, may be ripe for a financial takeover. It is just conjecture currently, but the little bank has big deposits and a solid reputation in the community.

Randy Roth at SUNRISE. “Broken Trust” co-author, UH law school professor and rail opponent plaintiff, Randy Roth, will keynote the next SBH Sunrise Networking Breakfast in the Pineapple Room, Macy’s Ala Moana, Thursday, June 28. Call Darlyn at SBH for details and reservations (396-1724).

Happy Birthday, Milton! On Tuesday evening, July 31, SBH will join the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii (GRIH) and Hawaii Reporter to co-sponsor a 100th birthday tribute to Nobel Economist Milton Friedman. It recognizes the centennial birth of one of the greatest free market economists.

The public, educators and students are all welcome.

The Grassroot Institute annually sponsors a recognition for Friedman. Previously, these events have been luncheons. This special dinner event reflects the special nature of this year’s event. Having a buffet at Camp Smith—with its spectacular panorama views of Honolulu and awesome sunset— is icing on the cake.

Make your reservations early and be sure to bring a guest or two. Contact GRIH at 591-9193.

No Fireworks? The announcement earlier that Kailua, after 63 years, would not be able to put on its annual July 4 fireworks display after its parade was a real blow.  The economy and the cost of the display are the culprits. The 5-year old Maunalua Bay Foundation Independence Day is struggling also. Maunalua Communities Foundation is one of 40 organizations to receive a 2012 City-Hawaii Tourism Authority grant to promote its Independence Day at Maunalua Bay Festival. However, the event still needs to raise $50,000 in order to present the annual community celebration of friends, family and freedom at Maunalua Bay Beach Park. Sponsorships are still available and range from $1,500 to $10,000 and include company logo on poster, Web site and all event promotional materials, plus hanging of banner at event. The community supports the event with their dollars in amounts from $20 to $2,000. For more information, call 2012 Event Chair Dianne Glei, 224-8357.

UAL Flies to DC.  Last week we reported on Hawaiian Airlines’ new direct Honolulu – NYC daily flight. United has now added a direct Honolulu to Washington, D.C. flight.  This is terrific for Hawaii—and the East Coast. Meanwhile, Alaska Airlines also announced it will begin direct Kona – Anchorage service in November.

Rail Funding Cut. The House Transportation Committee last Friday cut $150 million from the $250 million Senator Dan Inouye wanted to go for the Honolulu rail. It is all still subject to political wrangling but it is becoming clearer every day the rail—despite the single ugly pillar erected in Kapolei—continues to slide.

Tune In Hawaii Reporter. Go to www. HawaiiReporter.com for the real investigative news. HR, founded by Malia Zimmerman, continues to break major investigative stories that most of the media won’t touch. Tune in to KHVH every week day now at 7:05 am to hear Malia’s report.

Become an SBH Member. Is YOUR business a member of SBH?  No? Lots of benefits. Strong networking organization.  Call Darlyn today (808-396-1724) or go online to http://www.smartbusinesshawaii.com.

Want more local business information? Please visit the several SBH websites at: http://www.smartbusinesshawaii.com, http://www.educate808.com and http://www.sbhfoundation.org.

Celebrating a business milestone? Your business press releases are welcome in the weekly SBH News & Views E-News which reaches more than 10,000 business owners and government leaders in Hawaii.

What? Not receiving your copy? Send PR, additional requests and email address to