Monthly Archives: August 2004

Today, I attended the Waikele Concert in the Park event. I made a short speech and walked around passing out my campaign materials. Some of the residents called out my name and approached me. I will be working on some issues brought up by one of my constituents. It was nice seeing people I have met through work or on the campaign trail.

Later, as I was putting up some of my signs, a constituent stopped her van and hugged me. I worked on some care home issues that she was involved with. Moments like that really touch me.

This past Wednesday, Stacey convinced some of my friends and I to go to dinner at Sasabune because I was successful in passing two bills in my freshman term. I tried to resist because it was not one of the three goals I stated at the beginning of the year. Now, come to think of it, I never expected to appropriate millions of dollars to uplift Waipahu, or pass bills when I first stepped into my office still potent with wet paint everywhere and furniture wrapped in plastic. With ideas, work, and people skills, I was able to accomplish a lot as a twenty-nine year-old politician.

There are so many more goals I want to achieve for Hawaii such as incentives to diversify our economy, incentives to encourage exporting products and services out of Hawaii, reducing the cost of health insurance, comprehensive recycling, building a science and technology public magnet school, creating an honor code in public schools, making a program to encourage parental involvement in their children's education, raising funds for classroom supplies, building a new sports stadium, job creation incentives, constructing a mass transit system, and supporting programs to reduce crimes, especially sexual assault and domestic violence. Just thinking of all these goals makes me energized.

Stacey and my friends are such go-getters. Their energy keeps me positive with that “keep trying hard” mentality. I have learned how positve energy between government, business, and community can produce awesome results. There is great potential for Hawaii!

Governor Lingle’s essay in the Insight section of last Sunday’s Star-Bulletin contained a good deal of misleading information. She (or her staff) got a little carried away in an attempt to make Democrats look like the bad guys. The public deserves to know the truth, so let’s look at some things the governor didn’t tell us in her essay.

By Senator Brian Taniguchi (Ways & Means Chair) & Representative Dwight Takamine (Finance Chair)

>> The governor said: “On June 30, 2002, six months before I came into office, our state recorded a general fund deficit of $215 million at the end of the fiscal year. One year later, we had cut that deficit to just $16 million.”

What she didn’t say: The governor failed to mention that fiscal year 2002 included Sept. 11, 2001, the day terrorists hijacked four U.S. airliners and slammed them into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a Pennsylvania field. That event crippled Hawaii’s economy, causing a dramatic drop in tax revenues and the subsequent deficit. The recovery we’ve seen since then is due in large part to the emergency measures enacted during the Special Session of 2001 and Regular Session of 2002 (prior to Governor Lingle assuming office).

>> The governor said: “Hawaii has experienced a dramatic economic turn-around … We leapfrogged from 29th place in economic momentum to eighth place between June 2001 and June 2004, according to Governing Magazine.”

What she didn’t say: Despite the effects of 9/11, Hawaii’s economic momentum actually went from 29th place in June 2001 to second in June 2003 (a timeframe that included 18 months of the Cayetano administration and only the first six months of Governor Lingle’s tenure). Under Governor Lingle’s administration, from June 2003 to June 2004, Hawaii’s ranking actually dropped from second to eighth. (Source: Governing Magazine: Sourcebook 2003 and 2004)

>> The governor said: “In fiscal year 2006, we will face an estimated deficit of $197 million because of massive increases in debt service brought on by previous debt restructuring plans, increased contributions to the state retirement system and increases in employee wages.”

What she didn’t say: The state’s past debt restructuring took advantage of incredibly low interest rates and was done by jurisdictions across the country to reduce costs. In fact, the Lingle administration initiated a large debt restructuring a year ago for the same reason. The governor knows that doing so pushes debt service obligations into the future, yet she did it, too.

In addition, the increased contributions to the retirement system are a direct result of two major factors — investment performance and an increase in wages. The stock market went through several years of poor performance, which no one could control, and the Legislature does not control the pay raises negotiated by the governor. To blame Democratic lawmakers for these factors is simply misleading.

>> The governor said: “The Democrats who want me to open the spending floodgates are the same legislators who have raided $156 million from the Highway Fund since 1996. Our state receives a four-to-one federal match on highway funds, so we lost $624 million.”

What she didn’t say: In the last two years the governor herself has requested the Legislature’s agreement to transfer more than $55 million from various special funds to the general fund. With regard to the highway fund, however, state law says the highway fund can never go below 135 percent of what the Department of Transportation says it needs for highway construction and maintenance in a given year. The 35 percent cushion was put there to assure the state would always be able to meet unforeseen needs. Money may be taken from the highway fund only when the fund exceeds 135 percent of anticipated needs. And the four-to-one federal match only applies to money that is actually spent. So money that sits idle in the highway fund does not get matched.

>> The governor said: “The Democrats reinstated binding arbitration that brought about pay increases we couldn’t afford.”

What she didn’t say: There were four union agreements budgeted in the 2004 session — HSTA, UHPA, UPW and HGEA. The arbitrated HGEA contract the governor keeps complaining about actually had the lowest per capita cost of the four. The other three contracts were negotiated by the administration, and they give employees in those unions higher average raises than the HGEA workers got. The only reason the HGEA contract looks so large is that it covers more employees than the other three unions combined.

>> The governor said: “The Legislature is not required to adopt a balanced budget … They opposed my call for a constitutional amendment that would have required the Legislature to submit a balanced budget.”

What she didn’t say: The governor knows the Hawaii Constitution already requires a balanced budget. In fact, the only time spending is allowed to exceed revenues is “when the governor publicly declares the public health, safety or welfare is threatened as provided by law.” Otherwise, the governor and Legislature are jointly responsible for balancing the budget. Attorney General opinion 97-1 states that even though the express words “balanced budget” are not found in the state Constitution or the statutes, a balanced budget is required both in preparation and execution.

>> The governor said: “When we do have to cut funds, we aggressively seek other revenue sources, as was the case when we located untapped federal monies for culture and the arts.”

What she didn’t say: Before and during the last legislative session the Legislature’s Ice Task Force and House Finance Committee asked about using these very same “untapped” federal dollars in the fight against ice. We were told by the Department of Human Services that they were not available. Yet the money became available when the governor needed a way to fund the culture and arts budgets she had cut.

>> The governor said: “We fixed Act 221 technology tax credit program and extended it for five years.”

What she didn’t say: Act 221 (now Act 215) was originally conceived by Democrats and has received national recognition for its innovative approach to growing our high-tech industry. However, it needed to be modified and strengthened before anyone would agree to extending it. The Legislature and the administration worked jointly to make Act 215 an even better product than Act 221 was.

>> The governor said: “We established a one-call center where contractors can learn the location of underground utilities before they start digging.”

What she didn’t say: This legislation was actually introduced by Rep. Ken Hiraki, a Democrat, on behalf of a public/private group that had been working on the issue for a number of years.

>> The governor said: “The majority blocked other pro-business measures (including) a nine-point plan for workers’ compensation reform.”

What she didn’t say: The workers compensation package submitted by the Lingle administration was heavily weighted toward employers and against employees. It would have taken legitimate benefits away from workers. For her part, the governor vetoed a measure to address fraud by worker’s comp insurers, providers and employers. There was nothing for honest companies to fear in the legislation, yet the governor felt compelled to veto it. For a workers’ comp system to work well, it needs to assure that all parties play by the rules and are treated fairly.

>> The governor said: “We released $18.5 million to upgrade the Waimanalo Waste-water Treatment Plant to stop sewerage from flowing to the ocean.”

What she didn’t say: The money would not have been in the final version of the budget for the governor to release had Rep. Tommy Waters, a Democrat representing Waimanalo, not actively supported the appropriation. The budget process is always one of weighing competing priorities, and we know first-hand the role that Waters played in assuring the Waimanalo wastewater appropriation was in the final draft of the budget.

We could go on, but that’s enough.

The governor also took shots at the Legislature’s work on education reform and illegal drugs. However, had the Legislature not acted firmly on both issues this past session, we’d have been left with nothing. That’s what the governor’s vetoes would have meant for education and the fight against ice — status quo. Without the passage of the Legislature’s majority package we’d have no education reform, fewer tools to battle ice and no discounted prescription drug plan.

The Legislature truly would like to have a better working relationship with the governor and her administration. Frank exchanges of views are good when the parties are intent on achieving what is best for the community.

We believe that’s what the public wants and expects from its elected officials. We all know there is an election right around the corner, but the public interest would be better served if we had less spinning of information, more openness, greater trust and less political posturing on all sides.

Last night I attended the candidates’ rally sponsored by the Waipahu Neighborhood Board. Nine of my friends and family attended. I spoke on economic development, education, government efficiency, my respect of past leaders, and waipahu appropriations.

There was a voting, and my opponent Rito Saniatan (former Democrat turned Republican) and I tied with 62 votes each. In 2002, I came in last out of three candidates. The fourth candidate did not participate.

I have a lot of respect for anyone who runs for office. It is mentally and physically challenging. Exercising and meditation are great ways to stabilize the 101 things going through a candidate’s head.

A question I get asked a lot is “How do I like politics?” On a good day I would say, “I love politics. My first love was soccer and my second love is politics.” Other times, I would explain, “Politics is fun, but it is also very stressful.” Then on my bad days, I would comment, “I don’t know how long more I want to be in this.”

What keeps me going in politics is my passion to create ideas for the people of Hawaii. I see myself as an advocate for people from all walks of life. I have learned to be strong.

I remember when I was younger watching the news on television, and a lady was practically yelling into the ear of U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye. The senator calmly nodded and did not get angry. I was impressed.

Likewise, when I was a kid, I recall when my late Grandpa Tadao Sakai took my cousins and I to McDonald’s. Because we were taking awhile to order, the worker started yelling at my grandpa. My grandpa looked at the worker, turned to us calmly, and asked us what we wanted to order. This lesson stayed with me forever. Grandpa Sakai was the kindest person I have ever known, and I don’t think I will ever meet another person like him.

The behavior of these two great role models showed me that “power” is controlling your emotions and carrying yourself with honor. My mother gave me my middle name “Riki,” which means power in Japanese (the kanji for “Riki” is “chikara”).

We are all responsible for our actions. I believe in the following teaching of accountability:

1. Right View: Believe in the law of cause and effect and not to be deceived by appearances and desires.
2. Right Thought: The resolution not to cherish desires, not to be greedy, not to be angry, and not to do any harmful deed.
3. Right Speech: The avoidance of lying words, idle words, abusive words, and double tongues.
4. Right Behavior: Not to destroy any life or steal.
5. Right Livelihood: Avoid any life that would bring shame.
6. Right Effort: Try to do one’s best diligently toward the right direction.
7. Right Mindfulness: Maintain a pure and thoughtful mind.
8. Right Concentration: Keep the mind right and tranquil for its concentration, seeking to realize the mind’s pure essence.

Aloha! I am Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu and I represent District 41, which encompasses Waikele, Royal Kunia, Village Park, and Waipahu. I am running for re-election for this district and humbly ask for your support.

As a freshman Democrat, I introduced legislation to strengthen technology, encourage businesses to locate in economically depressed areas, lower the cost of health insurance, create a science and technology magnet school, and improve the efficiency of our tourism marketing contracts. In 2004, I was successful in passing two of my bills into law. One of my bills mandates an ethics training for elected and appointed state officials, and the other protects consumers and business from fraudulent Ni'ihau shell product sales. Further, I was able to secure nearly $32 million for projects in the Waipahu area. Despite being in my first term, I believe I was successful as a legislator because I bring fresh ideas to the table, analyze issues with an open mind, and work well with people.

If re-elected, I would like to work on a number of my goals for Hawaii. I dream of making Hawaii a global economic power in technology, biotechnology, science, e-commerce, film, digital media, and alternative energy, which will benefit everyone. Businesses will be able to expand and diversify. With more businesses around, entrepreneurs will have a lot of fun creating new services and products. Skilled workers will be able to find jobs in Hawaii instead of leaving for the mainland United States. Labor will have more jobs in service, transporting goods, and building and maintaining infrastructure. With more money coming into Hawaii, more revenues will be collected by the state. As a result, social and community programs combating drugs, domestic violence, sexual assault, and crime will be positively impacted. The knowledge-based economy will be a wonderful addition to our tourism, military, and agriculture industries. This dream inspires me to keep working hard step by step. If island nations such as Japan and Taiwan can do it, so can Hawaii!

In regards to education, I want to have science, technology, art, and business programs emphasized in public schools. We need to begin training our children to be innovative and creative from an early age. Parents' participation in their children's education will be crucial.

Further, I want to see Hawaii with a comprehensive recycling program where everyone participates. I will look to see if Hawaii can have a state-of-the-art facility to turn trash into re-usable material and convert processing energy into electricity. Technology will play a key role in recycling.

Finally, I would like to see a modern mass transit system on Oahu that blends nicely with our city and environment. This transportation system will stop at major locations throughout the island.

Once again, my name is Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu and I would be honored to get your support in my re-election for State House District 41, which includes Waikele, Royal Kunia, Village Park, and Waipahu. Aloha!

I dream of making Hawaii a global economic power in technology, biotechnology, science, e-commerce, film, digital media, and alternative energy, which will benefit everyone. Businesses will be able to expand and diversify. With more businesses around, entrepreneurs will have a lot of fun creating new services and products. Skilled workers will be able to find jobs in Hawaii instead of leaving for the mainland United States. Labor will have more jobs in service, transporting goods, and building and maintaining infrastructure. With more money coming into Hawaii, more revenues will be collected by the state. As a result, social and community programs combatting drugs, domestic violence, sexual assault, and crime will be positively impacted. The knowledge-based economy will be a wonderful addition to our tourism, military, and agriculture industries. This dream inspires me to keep working hard step by step. If island nations such as Japan and Taiwan can do it, so can Hawaii!

In addition, I want to see Hawaii with a comprehensive recycling program where everyone partcipates. Every government building, transportation facility, college, private business, home, townhouse community trash location, and apartment building will have containers for “bottles and cans,” “burnables,” and “others.” I will look to see if Hawaii can have a state-of-the-art facility to turn trash into re-usable material and convert processing energy into electricity. Technology will play a key role in recycling.

In regards to education, I want to have science, technology, art, and business programs emphasized in public schools. We need to begin training our children to be innovative and creative from an early age. Parents’ participation in their children’s education will be crucial.

I would like to see a modern mass transit system on Oahu that blends nicely with our city and environment. This system will stop at major locations throughout the island.

I hope a strong economy and education, and increased parental involvement in their children’s lives will have a direct correlation in reducing crime? If so, that would top off my dream.

When I first ran for State Representative of District 41: Waikele, Royal Kunia, Village Park, and Waipahu, at 27 years old, I got support from friends and family. I wasn't endorsed by any major businesses, unions, or political action committees. In fact, a good number of them were against me.

As a moderate freshman Democrat, I introduced legislation to strengthen technology, lower the cost of health insurance for small businesses, mandate ethics training for elected and appointed state officials, and protect consumers and business from fraudulent Ni'ihau shell product sales. I am able to work with a wide range of people and organizations. I believe my ideas, fair approach to policy-making, and honest passion on certain issues have won respect from supporters as well as opponents. As a result, in addition to friends and family, I have received support from small businesses, big businesses, unions, law firms, professional organizations, women activists, farmers, developers, and new friends. To get the support of organizations so contrasting shows my desire to bring people together.

I love creating new laws. I enjoy brainstorming and analyzing issues. I am currently working on several bills for next year regarding education, business, health insurance, recycling, and Aloha Stadium. In the last two years, I have gained valuable knowledge, experience, and friendship to make an impact on state policy.