State Senate Honors Small Business Winners

The State Senate honored the 2011 Small Business Administration’s Small Business Persons of the Year during a floor presentation held yesterday morning. Senators Kim, Shimabukuro, Nishihara (on far the far right) and I (on the near left) posed for pictures with honorees Alan Okami, Eddie Flores (his wife Elaine standing in), and Henry Cashen. A complete list of Small Business Administration honorees is posted at the Smart Business Hawaii website: http://www.smartbusinesshawaii.com. A total of 12 business people were honored on March 28.

Budget is Focus Near Legislature’s End

By State Senator Sam Slom
As published in the Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Report, March 29, 2011.

With only 21 days left to go in the 2011 Legislative Session, the Senate has to tackle the reality of the State’s $21 billion, 2-year budget (HB 200). The picture is not pretty as Senators will have to decide whether or not to cut programs, positions and more, raid special funds or entertain the possibility of raising taxes.

The anticipated shortfall in this year’s budget is projected to be $1.3 billion plus. I am willing to tackle the tough task of budget cuts but as I have stated many times, I am opposed to raising any and all taxes as well as raiding special funds. I have opposed the creation of special funds because the legislature always turns to them for additional funding when the general budget is short.

The Senate Minority Caucus will be coming up with an alternate budget that will make deep cuts to several programs and departments without raising taxes or raiding special funds.

Like many businesses and individuals, the state will need to prioritize its budget items and dispose of those things that are not needed.

Niu Valley Middle School Principal Recognized

Niu Valley Middle School Principal Justin Mew was honored in the State Senate today for being named the 2010 MetLife/NASSP Hawaii Middle School Principal of the Year. He has been a principal at Niu Valley since 2006. Miu established Niu Valley as the first school to offer the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, an accelerated curriculum where students learn to be come critical and reflective thinkers.

Senate Minority Report – March 22, 2011

Senator Slom held his 5th scheduled news conference today. Discussion focused on the budget, PUC Commissioner and taxes.