Hawaii Public Educators

HSTA Leadership?

2011-08-19T16:03:00.000-07:00

Sesnita Moepono recusing herself from the Labor Board Hearing is one thing. Hearing her reason is another. It saddens me that the reason is attacks from HSTA members.

It brings up the fact that HSTA members and its leadership have no clue about politics. Over the past few years we have not had a qualified GRC specialist or a GRC chair that has any idea what to do. The leadership at HSTA has more invested in protecting their positions than in doing what is right for teachers.

Scarier yet we have leaders who do not learn from previous mistakes

Return

2011-07-28T22:32:00.001-07:00

Okay I have neglected the blog. I have been fighting a false charge and I have lost so I have free time and will concentrate on the blog.

Blueberries

2011-04-11T21:51:00.001-07:00

This is for all who teach or have taught and for all those who read the newspapers and wonder why big business thinks that it should run our schools...

THE BLUEBERRY STORY

A Businessman Learns a Lesson
by Jamie Robert Vollmer

"If I ran my business the way you people operate your schools, I wouldn't be in business very long!" I stood before an auditorium filled with outraged teachers who were becoming angrier by the minute. My speech had entirely consumed their precious 90 minutes of in-service. Their initial icy glares had turned to restless agitation. You could cut the hostility with a knife.

I represented a group of business people dedicated to improving public schools. I was an executive for an ice cream company that became famous in the middle 1980s when People Magazine chose our blueberry as the "Best Ice Cream in America."

I was convinced of two things. First, public schools needed to change; they were archaic selecting and sorting mechanisms designed for the industrial age and out of step with the needs of our emerging "knowledge society." Second, educators were a major part of the problem: they resisted change, hunkered down in their feathered nests, protected by tenure and shielded by a bureaucratic monopoly.

They needed to look to business. We knew how to produce quality. Zero defects! TQM! Continuous improvement! In retrospect, the speech was perfectly balanced equal parts ignorance and arrogance.

As soon as I finished, a woman's hand shot up. She appeared polite, pleasant - she was, in fact, a razor-edged, veteran, high school English teacher who had been waiting to unload.

She began quietly, "We are told, sir, that you manage a company that makes good ice cream."

I smugly replied, "Best ice cream in America, Ma'am."

"How nice," she said. "Is it rich and smooth?"

"Sixteen percent butterfat," I crowed.

"Premium ingredients?" she inquired.

"Super-premium! Nothing but triple A." I was on a roll. I never saw the next line coming.

"Mr. Vollmer," she said, leaning forward with a wicked eyebrow raised to the sky, "when you are standing on your receiving dock and you see an inferior shipment of blueberries arrive, what do you do?"

In the silence of that room, I could hear the trap snap. I was dead meat, but I wasn't going to lie. "I send them back."

"That's right!" she barked, "and we can never send back our blueberries. We take them big, small, rich, poor, gifted, exceptional, abused, frightened, confident, homeless, rude, and brilliant.
We take them all: GT, ADHD, ADD, SLD, EI, MMR, OHI, TBI, DD, Autistic, junior rheumatoid
arthritis, English as their second language, etc.
We take them all! Everyone!

And that, Mr. Vollmer, is why it's not a business. It's school!"

In an explosion, all 290 teachers, principals, bus drivers, aides, custodians and secretaries jumped to their feet and yelled, "Yeah! Blueberries! Blueberries!"

And so began my long transformation. Since then, I have visited hundreds of schools. I have learned that a school is not a business. Schools are unable to control the quality of their raw material, they are dependent upon the vagaries of politics for a reliable revenue stream, and they are constantly mauled by a howling horde of disparate, competing customer groups that would send the best CEO screaming into the night.

None of this negates the need for change. We must change what, when and how we teach to give all children maximum opportunity to thrive in a postindustrial society. But educators cannot do this alone; these changes can occur only with the understanding, trust, permission and active support of the surrounding community.

For the most important thing I have learned is that schools reflect the attitudes, beliefs and health of the communities they serve, and therefore, to improve public education means more than changing our schools, it means changing America.

Please forward THE BLUEBERRY STORY to teachers, parents, politicians and everyone interested in education.

Gubernatorial Debate

2010-10-22T23:17:00.000-07:00

Just finished watching the Gubernatorial Debate. For those that weren’t paying attention Aiona said that the budget includes furloughs.
He also wants a management audit of the DOE. He stated that comparing 1978 to now the amount of students are the same yet the budget doubled. According to the Grassroots Institute the cost of the 1978 Con Con was $2.5 million, which translates to $8.4 million dollars in 2008. I think the administration owes the DOE some cash!

US House CD1

2010-09-30T14:35:00.000-07:00

I guess I have to vote for Hanabusa. While I don't like her having Djou in congress is not productive.

A lesson in politics and recommendations.

2010-08-16T15:27:00.001-07:00

Making recommendations in an election is a tricky business. Do you choose a candidate that best articulates your beliefs or just pick a winner? Do we choose to be part of a candidates’ main support or be a bandwagon jumper? The main purpose of recommendations is to help a candidate get elected. This is in hopes that you will be able to gain access and articulate your position to gain their support. It is not so a candidate blindly supports your position.

As an example of this an elected official can vote for your position 100% of the time, yet be in the minority. They must also be able to support and present your positions so that your positions are passed. They must be willing to lobby others on your behalf.

A recommendation is not just a list of candidates but also comes with abilities and responsibilities. First it allows us to give money to candidates. Unfortunately in Hawaii, history has shown that most candidates that run out of money for media buys close to the election lose. Second it allows the candidate to use the HSTA logo on campaign materials. But most importantly it allows HSTA members to wear their shirts and actively campaign for the candidate.

If teachers want their voice to mean something they need to learn to deliver the vote for the recommended candidates. I firmly believe that when HSTA members start bloc voting they will begin to gain more political influence.

HSTA BOD and elections

2010-08-07T21:00:00.000-07:00

I attended the HSTA Board of Directors meeting today. It really astounds me how little the board knows about politics. They seem to have this belief that they have political power and can influence elections by withholding a recommendation.
It didn’t work before and it won’t work now. Teachers need to target a race and work hard for their candidate to win. There needs to be proof that teachers have the will to work hard for a candidate. When they do it will have an impact.
As an example if HSTA chooses to recommend Dwight Synan instead of Calvin Say. If HSTA then worked hard to campaign for the election of Dwight Synan. And finally if Dwight Synan won. That would prove that HSTA has the political strength to influence the legislature.
It proves nothing to withhold contributions and support.

Read This

2010-08-07T19:51:00.001-07:00

Read this

http://neatoday.org/2010/04/21/florida-teacher-issues-rallying-cry-for-respect-for-educators/

A Thought

2010-08-01T01:21:00.001-07:00

Watched Rep. Weiner from New York on the news and a replay on You Tube. He makes a point that using procedure to stall and then use it as an excuse or reason to vote no is cowardly.
It is a good point on how our leaders sometimes process or procedure to justify a vote. The House used this as a way to defeat the VEBA bill. Did they honestly vote against it because it was flawed or did they say it was flawed to give themselves protection?

Election 2010

2010-07-20T23:30:00.000-07:00

Okay the candidate filing deadline is over. Interesting things on the list:
Mazie Hirono is the only democrat running in CD2.
Larry Price is running for senate and house. But I don’t think it is that Larry Price.
For the Senate Shan Tsutsui, Sam Slom, Brian Taniguchi, Suzanne Chun-Oakland, Donna Kim, Glenn Wakai, and Jill Tokuda have no primary race.
In the House Mark Nakashima, Jerry Chang, Clifton Tsuji, Bob Herkes, Denny Coffman, Gil Keith-Agaran, Angus McKelvey, Kyle Yamashita, Mele Carroll, Mina Morita, Scott Nishimoto, Scott Saiki, Tom Brower, Corinne Ching, Karl Rhoads, John Mizuno, Mark Takai, Roy Takumi, Ryan Yamane, Marilyn Lee, Marcus Oshiro, Kymberly Pine, Jessica Wooley, and Chris Lee have no primary race.
Gene Ward, Barbara Marumoto, and Cynthia Thielen face no opposition. All are Rs.
For the Board of Education Ray Hart and Barry Wurst are running in Maui. Both were teachers. In Central Eileen Clarke faces no opposition. At large Kim Coco Iwamoto is running for reelection and Roger Takabayashi is also running.

Epiphany

2010-07-10T21:19:00.000-07:00

Okay I finally figured it out. Okay I actually found this out. HSTA is not a union. Hence many of their positions and dealings now make sense.
We really need to correct this immediately. We need to start acting like a union.
At the NEA I couldn’t believe some of the positions. From the resolutions committee “we worked hard on the resolutions” to the many who were more concerned of the costs.
Also I was not happy with the behavior of our delegation. Many who should consider returning their travel allowances.

Candidates Position

2010-07-10T21:11:00.000-07:00

Abercrombie Hanneman Aiona
Civil Unions Yes ??? No

Back to the Blog

2010-06-25T01:04:00.001-07:00

Okay I’m finally done with my masters program. So it is time to get back to the blog. As a start here are a few things I noticed.
Mufi is pushing his executive experience in his run for governor. Okay but the only other gov that had that experience was Lingle, not a good comparison. Plus I don’t like the tone of his commercials.
Sen. Sakamoto has good ads. It really represents to me a person that has concern. It really very well represents him.
I don’t really have a good answer for how we lost VEBA. I hear conflicting versions and will investigate this. I also would like to know why HGEA chose to oppose our extension?
It is really early in the campaign and I have posted an early recommendation list. Most are incumbents, not that I think they did a good job but I put them in a place keepers. There are a few incumbents I left off because they deserve it. I also did not list Hanabusa, I really am not sure.
I’m heading off to New Orleans for the NEA.
Been doing some reading “The Lost City of Z”, “A Bright Shining Lie” and “A Spark is Struck”. What I have learned is how history repeats itself. Will write further on these books later. Also a lot of what I learned from school. GCU, GCU, rah, rah, rah!

recommended list

2010-06-21T22:17:00.000-07:00

to clarify this is a working document. I will revise as the election season progresses. I have already eliminated a few incumbents and will probably eliminate more.

Recommended candidates as of 6/12

2010-06-13T21:46:00.000-07:00

Race Recommended Candidate Reason
US Senate Daniel Inouye Incumbent
US House District 1
US House District 2 Mazie Hirono Incumbent
Governor
Lt. Governor Norman Sakamoto
State Senate District 2 Russell Kokubun Incumbent
State Senate District 4 Shan Tsutsui Incumbent
State Senate District 7
State Senate District 8
State Senate District 9 Les Ihara Incumbent
State Senate District 10 Brian Taniguchi Incumbent
State Senate District 11 Carol Fukunaga Incumbent
State Senate District 13 Suzanne Chun Oakland Incumbent
State Senate District 14
State Senate District 15 Glenn Wakai
State Senate District 19 Mike Gabbard Incumbent
State Senate District 20 Will Espero Incumbent
State Senate District 22 Michael Magaoay
State Senate District 24 Jill Tokuda Incumbent
State Senate District 25
State House District 1 Mark Nakashima Incumbent
State House District 2 Jerry Chang Incumbent
State House District 3 Clifton Tsuji Incumbent
State House District 4 Faye Hanohano Incumbent
State House District 5 Bob Herkes Incumbent
State House District 6
State House District 7
State House District 8 Joe Souki Incumbent
State House District 9 Gilbert Keith-Agaran Incumbent
State House District 10 Angus McKelvey Incumbent
State House District 11 Joe Bertram Incumbent
State House District 12 Kyle Yamashita Incumbent
State House District 13 Mele Carroll Incumbent
State House District 14 Mina Morita Incumbent
State House District 15 James Tokioka Incumbent
State House District 16
State House District 17 Gene Ward Incumbent
State House District 18
State House District 19 Barbara Marumoto Incumbent
State House District 20 Calvin Say Incumbent
State House District 21 Scott Nishimoto Incumbent
State House District 22 Scott Saiki Incumbent
State House District 23 Tom Brower Incumbent
State House District 24 Isaac Choy Incumbent
State House District 25 Della Au Bellati Incumbent
State House District 26 Sylvia Luke Incumbent
State House District 27 Corinne Ching Incumbent
State House District 28
State House District 29 Joey Manahan Incumbent
State House District 30 John Mizuno Incumbent
State House District 31
State House District 32
State House District 33 Blake Oshiro Incumbent
State House District 34 Mark Takai Incumbent
State House District 35 Henry Aquino Incumbent
State House District 36 Roy Takumi Incumbent
State House District 37 Ryan Yamane Incumbent
State House District 38 Marilyn Lee Incumbent
State House District 39 Marcus Oshiro Incumbent
State House District 40 Sharon Har Incumbent
State House District 41
State House District 42
State House District 43 Kymberly Pine Incumbent
State House District 44 Karen Awana Incumbent
State House District 45 Maile Shimabukuro Incumbent
State House District 46
State House District 47 Jessica Wooley Incumbent
State House District 48 Ken Ito Incumbent
State House District 49 Pono Chong Incumbent
State House District 50 Cynthia Thielen Incumbent
State House District 51 Christopher Lee Incumbent
Board of Education at large Donna Ikeda Incumbent
Board of Education at large Kim Coco Iwamoto Incumbent
Board of Education at large Karen Knudsen Incumbent
Board of Education 4th Eilenn Clarke Incumbent
Board of Education 6th John Penebacker Incumbent
Board of Education 2nd Mary Cochran Incumbent

End of Furloughs?

2010-03-25T22:12:00.000-07:00

While I can applaud the efforts to end furloughs, what good does it do if the governor won’t release the funds?

I hope people can see what is going on. Pass a bill to allow an amendment for her to appoint the superintendent or she won’t release the money? Isn’t that extortion?

Asking the board to allow her to appoint the superintendent? Isn’t that circumventing the constitution?

What more does she have to do to prove she knows nothing about government?

Hopefully she can take some political science courses when she is out of office. Maui Community College is a good choice. She and her budget director needs some remedial work.

Sign the petition

2010-03-06T15:02:00.000-08:00

Please sign the petition to save the Hawaii County Band at

http://www.petition.fm/petitions/savetheband/

Regardless of where you live the county of Hawaii needs to know that people value live music. Many times people criticize the young for what they listen to but then do not offer alternatives to the child.

Hawaii County Band

2010-02-28T23:29:00.001-08:00

Dear Editor,

The news that the Hawaii County Band will not be funded should be viewed as a disgrace to the state of Hawaii as well as Hawaii County. It is unfortunate that the decision makers in government do not understand the importance of live music and fine arts.

Many adults and parents complain about the kinds of music children listen too. But by not funding live music groups such as the Hawaii County Band it shows that people really have no reason to complain. By not funding these alternative sources children will listen to what they hear on radio and television.

With the decline in education funding less school music groups will survive. With the budget priorities set by the counties the Hawaii County Band may be no more and questions are raised about the Royal Hawaiian Band. And who knows about the future of the Honolulu Symphony.

John Adams said, “I must study politics and war … My sons ought to study mathematics and philosophy, … in order to give their children a right to study painting, poetry, music, architecture, statuary, tapestry, and porcelain.” In @250 years it is amazing how backwards we have gone.

Egan Kawamoto
Ewa Beach

Another Letter

2010-02-18T11:21:00.001-08:00

Dear Editor,

As one of a group of people who try to take an interest in politics I have recently become disappointed with a few of the legislators. When emailing them some receive an automated reply that they are too busy and unable to respond. Or one representative that will only look at emails from his district. Legislators, especially those who chair committees, should not do this.
At election time many state that they will be open to the input of the public. It seems that many are beginning to use this as election rhetoric.

Egan Kawamoto
Ewa Beach
808-2929-4986

Lobby Day

2010-02-17T21:29:00.001-08:00

Rep. Sagum had a crazy idea about education according to Kauai team.
Sen. Kim did not have time to meet with us. In all my years in lobbying I think I met her once. Not very accessible.
Sen. Bunda as always very open. Yet some discussion was disturbing to me. Also some of it was not from him.
Rep. Magaoay was very busy. We were only able to say hi and bye.
Sen. Sakamoto I met informally on the lanai. Like always he impressed me with his knowledge of the problems. While I do not always agree he does have ideas that are debatable. Many just come up with whacko ideas.
Rep. Wakai sent a facebook message to say he supports VEBA.

VEBA

2010-02-17T09:00:00.000-08:00

My sample testimony

Dear Senator,

My name is Egan Kawamoto and I teach at Wheeler Middle School. Please hear bill SB2797. VEBA helps teachers and its sunset should not be based on a flawed report.

The auditor’s report is flawed.
1. The report says that the premiums paid by the state would decrease. History shows that this is not true. The cost to the state did not decrease and the premiums were higher than projected. When moved to the EUTF teachers faced significant increases in their costs as well as a decrease in their benefits.
2. The report states that the administrative costs were duplicated. When in fact those costs are set and will not be a savings but would be transferred to the EUTF.
3. The report fails to report that during those years the Department of Education (DOE) realized lower contribution rates for teachers (from March 1, 2006 through June 30, 2009, the employer contribution savings was $3,145,309.00). In addition, the State of Hawaii General Fund received experience refunds for teachers totaling $3,518,760.00. The DOE and the State of Hawaii realized a total savings of $6,664,069.00 from March 1 2006 through June 30, 2009. For Retirees, the State of Hawaii has essentially been at breakeven between contributions, costs, and refunds as compared to EUTF.

The EUTF is not well run.
1. The trustees have not met in January and February. Though the governor insists that this is due to the unions, I do not care who is responsible. A group responsible for the health plans for government workers should work smoothly.
2. They have misplaced @1500 enrollees. What will happen when there is a need to enroll @13,000 teachers?
3. The public unions are calling for a reorganization of the EUTF. I believe there are bills to that effect.

The EUTF does not operate proactively.
1. The cost of our health benefits will increase hence the cost to the state will also increase. This I feel is caused by the inability to actively negotiate with the providers. It is because of the VEBA trust that HMA/Summerlin is involved and HMSA changed their policy to allow more choice in the EUTF.
2. The cost of maintenance drugs is handled by an out of state entity. This causes a loss of revenue to the state and also does not support local businesses.
3. They should know that there has been no adverse selection since the law requires that all teachers in Bargaining Unit 5 must be enrolled in the VEBA plan as an employee.

While I have usually been swayed by the auditor’s reports this report leaves much to discuss. It basically asks you to make a decision based on a lack of information.

Sincerely,
Egan Kawamoto

Furloughs

2010-02-02T10:46:00.001-08:00

What happens when teachers return under the governor’s plan?
No library services. No access to computer labs. No office staff to handle early leaves and tardies. No health aide to handle sick students. No administrators on campus for discipline problems.

VEBA

2010-01-29T13:48:00.001-08:00

Sorry I took awhile to digest the VEBA letter from Marion Higa.
Her findings were that VEBA promotes adverse selection and increases premium costs, duplicates administrative costs and does not provide transparency.
It does promote adverse selection but that is because many retirees were afraid of the pilot nature of VEBA. I have talked to many retirees who have asked, “If the VEBA is made permanent will there be an enrollment period? By its nature the EUTF has increased premium costs. There cannot be competition if the amount of companies bidding is too few.
Duplicates administrative costs is true. Why it costs so much? I don’t know, but I believe it involves the bankruptcy that occurred.
VEBA is a trust under ERISA a federal program and as such the information is available for anyone to see. That the auditor was unable to obtain needed information must be explained to me.
There are a lot of questions but we should be allowed to respond. Also HSTA needs to act with a sense of urgency.

Central Chapter Elections

2010-01-28T09:38:00.001-08:00

I have decided to run for HSTA Central Chapter President. I believe that the leadership has stood together and has not represented the general membership. They have not asked the right questions and have been satisfied with poor explanations.

In the past year I have seen HSTA become an unhappy place. It needs to become a place that is open. It promotes itself as the most democratic union, yet has not demonstrated it. I want to change it. I believe I can change it.

Sports Commision

2010-01-27T21:58:00.000-08:00

Aiona proposes a sports commission to promote sports events in Hawaii. I was going to comment on the Advertiser website but after 8 hours no one has commented. He has not demonstrated knowledge of what leadership in government entails. A few years ago I heard him on the radio suggesting building a smaller stadium. But if the stadium is smaller, no Pro Bowl.

He also asked to the parties in the furlough issue to meet. But did he do anything except talk to the news media?

I wonder if he knows how to introduce a bill?

Let It Be

2009-12-29T15:07:00.001-08:00

Okay the governor has rejected the furlough compromise. It now becomes her problem. It was her staff that walked away from negotiations. Now she wants it her way? HSTA should let it be.

14%

2009-12-13T16:47:00.000-08:00

I hope that the people of Hawaii realize what the governor is doing. She is not negotiating in good faith with the HSTA. It is an egregious breach of conduct for the governor and her staff to speak to the media during these negotiations. Even going so far as her negotiators publishing an opinion piece on an alternate media site.

It seems deceitful to tell the people of Hawaii that the negotiation with the HSTA on furloughs is a simple task to accomplish. For her proposed solution it would be necessary to negate a contract that is currently in force. It would involve calling in the legislature and the cost that that entails. By the governor requesting a vote by HSTA members and addressing them and the public is a violation of HRS Chapter 89.

How can Eric Seitz be speaking to the media about the negotiations? Is he a party to the negotiations? If he is a party, why is he? He is not a party to the contract. Is he in the room? For that matter is the governor in the room? Is he now saying that the support staff involved with special needs students is no longer needed?

What should be happening is answering these questions. Will there be any unintended consequences? What about the requirements for compliance to NCLB? What about test scores? What about the schools under restructuring?

A few years ago the governor stated her staff had a hard time with the 5th grade HSA test. So here is a little math problem that has bothered me. If teachers give up 15 planning days and they are to replace the 15 furlough days. What then happens to the original planning days? Do teachers now teach on those days also for a total of 30 more days or do the furlough days simply be moved and you still have furlough days and teachers now have no planning time? Or do teachers now work 15 additional days for free?

But there is a simple solution furloughs go away. To rephrase Ronald Reagan; Governor restore the 14% budget restriction to education.

2009-12-09T01:14:00.000-08:00

I hope that the people of Hawaii realize what the governor is doing. She is not negotiating in good faith with the HSTA. It is an egregious breach of conduct for the governor and her staff to speak to the media during these negotiations. Even going so far as her negotiators publishing an opinion piece on an alternate media site.

It seems deceitful to tell the people of Hawaii that the negotiation with the HSTA on furloughs is a simple task to accomplish. For her proposed solution it would be necessary to negate a contract that is currently in force. It would involve calling in the legislature and the cost that that entails. By the governor requesting a vote by HSTA members and addressing them and the public is a violation of HRS Chapter 89.

How can Eric Seitz be speaking to the media about the negotiations? Is he a party to the negotiations? If he is a party, why is he? He is not a party to the contract. Is he in the room? For that matter is the governor in the room? Is he now saying that the support staff involved with special needs students is no longer needed?

What should be happening is answering these questions. Will there be any unintended consequences? What about the requirements for compliance to NCLB? What about test scores? What about the schools under restructuring?

A few years ago the governor stated her staff had a hard time with the 5th grade HSA test. So here is a little math problem that has bothered me. If teachers give up 15 planning days and they are to replace the 15 furlough days. What then happens to the original planning days? Do teachers now teach on those days also for a total of 30 more days or do the furlough days simply be moved and you still have furlough days and teachers now have no planning time? Or do teachers now work 15 additional days for free?

But there is a simple solution furloughs go away. To paraphrase Ronald Reagan; Governor restore the 14% budget restriction to education.

Rep Marcus Oshiro

2009-12-03T22:51:00.000-08:00

Watching Marcus on the Hot Seat. Will be printed Sunday Advertiser. Worth reading.

The governor is pointing fingers at the HSTA?

2009-12-03T17:18:00.001-08:00

A reminder is necessary that it was the governor who brought up furlough days. A reminder is necessary that it was the governor who restricted the funds to the DOE by 14% to equal furlough day savings. This should imply that she wanted furlough days. Her statement that she and the legislature have consensus on a solution ignores the fact that there is a contract that she agreed to, in force. She further ignores the fact that the employer requested those professional development days.

What are the consequences of asking teachers to give up their planning and professional development days? Will other state departments give up their planning days? Will the DOT, DOH, DAGS and B&F do their planning outside the workday? Will they give up their professional development and not be responsible for knowledge of new technology or research in their fields? Does the governor believe things can improve without planning or improving? Does her administration recommend not planning or improving? I believe that is how we got to where we are.

Entering the last year of her administration the governor’s recent scorecard is the recent audit of DBEDT, Furlough Fridays, state government layoffs, a projected tenfold increase in unemployment insurance taxes and the closing of 97 voting precincts. A proud set of accomplishments. Remember when pointing a finger at someone else there are three pointing back at you.

Does the governor know government?

2009-11-23T17:44:00.001-08:00

The governor displays a lack of knowledge on the process of government. She announces a solution to furloughs without acknowledging that the HSTA must look at it and give back further rights that they had bargained for. She neglects the fact that there is a contract that provides these rights in effect. She neglects the fact that HGEA has a contract that remains with furloughs and there is no contract with UPW. She neglects the fact that what she proposes does not solve the problem.

And how can a republican senator keep saying that the DOE has $2.7 billion when he should know that the governor has imposed spending restrictions. That portion of that amount is for debt service. That portion of that amount is for CIP projects. The DOE may have been allocated that amount but has never received it.

It seems that members of the republican party are more concerned with the governor’s office than public education. They are more concerned with announcing who is to blame if it fails than solving the problem. They are more concerned of finding fault with the HSTA, the BOE and the DOE than taking responsibility and solving the problem.

Egan Kawamoto

From the Advertiser

2009-10-21T15:42:00.001-07:00

Dear Editor,

It seems interesting how the public is reacting to furloughs in the department of education. The governor presented the issue of furloughs months ago. It was the primary reason for public worker contracts taking so long to be resolved. It was interesting that the state’s chief negotiator has said that furloughs were the product of the DOE, BOE and HSTA.

Public sentiment at the time backed furloughs. Furloughs were a requirement. The budget for education was restricted by an additional 14%. Which is the amount of furlough savings the governor demanded. While the teachers would like no furloughs it is unreasonable to ask them to work for less pay and less resources. At a time when the economy is weak and teachers are spending more of their personal income for supplies does less pay and less resources make sense?

Teachers have done more with less for years. Spending their own money, fundraising for necessities and getting very little respect.

If the governor is really concerned about the budget deficit do it like the teachers. I would suggest Portuguese Sausage, Chili or maybe Chicken.

Egan Kawamoto

Ewa Beach

808-292-4986

From the Advertiser

2009-10-21T15:42:00.000-07:00

Dear Editor,

Teachers have done more with less for years. Spending their own money, fundraising for necessities and getting very little respect.

If the governor is really concerned about the budget deficit do it like the teachers. I would suggest Portuguese Sausage, Chili or maybe Chicken.

Egan Kawamoto

Ewa Beach

808-292-4986

Furlough Fridays

2009-10-21T15:36:00.000-07:00

This will be the first Furlough Friday coming up. A few things you can do:

1. Don't spend money. Try not to spend money on Furlough Fridays. While the governor insists she needs to save money, wht she needs to do is build consumer confidence. Furloughs do the exact opposite.
2. Do not extend Wednesdays. You are not responsible for the furloughs. Your assistance to this only reinforces her position. You are overpaid!!!
3. Answer any questions about the furloughs by referring them to the governor. Remind people that that is what she wanted.

Dis n Dat

2009-09-22T22:17:00.000-07:00

I haven’ t posted for a while. Been doing other things. To catch-up.

Went to Vegas to see the UH game. Game okay. Video poker not so good. I’m still here so mega-bucks didn’t hit. Plenty of Hawaii folks were at the cashier’s window after the game. Lose game, beat spread.

Flying now is pretty interesting. It’s kind of like the “Beverly Hillbillies” all the people with their carryon and food. Made me crave some crawdads and possum.

The HSTA has a contract and it seems once again they are trying to pass it on fear. Telling the teacher that if they refuse the contract the next step is a strike. But is it a good deal? Only if the governor restores the funding that was cut to the DOE. The cuts to education are steep. And general funding is lower this year. It is difficult to have a good school system without funds.

I am against this new contract only for the fact that the people hurt most by this are the students and new teachers.

Kulani

2009-07-25T14:02:00.001-07:00

The recent announcement of the closing of Kulani Correctional Facility should serve as an example of how the governor has handled negotiations with the public unions. Layoff notices without talking to people, no discussions with the Hawaii mayor and information given to the news media before the people involved.
The budget and public union negotiations are two separate issues. The governor has used her public relations staff to fool the people into believing this is the same problem. The budget shortfall is not a consequence of public worker salaries. It is the result of the global economic situation. What the governor has chosen to do is instead of addressing the economic situation she is using the situation to attack public workers and unions.
Instead of putting forth a position that the people that we will survive this economic downturn. Instead of putting forth a plan to stimulate the economy. Instead of assuring the people that needed services will continue to be provided. She has chosen to use fear and threats to public worker unions to further her image and divert attention away from the lack of a plan to address the economy.

Egan Kawamoto
Ewa Beach
808-292-4986

????

2009-07-21T13:00:00.000-07:00

I was on the Political Action Committee during the 2002 and 2006 elections. During those days we were really taking a beating from some teachers who supported Lingle. Now I hope people understand what we were saying.
Some supported her because they were unhappy of the bureaucracy of the state and the DOE. But six years later little has changed. Why? It is not because of the democratic legislative majority. It is because she is unable to have a vision of Hawaii. While she talked of downsizing government she did nothing. While she talked of finding people willing to take a cut in pay to serve she gave them raises. Help education? She has done the most to hurt education by attacking teachers and cutting funding.
She has given us an administration that has made poor decisions. Has been losing cases in court. And is trying to govern with sound bites and public relations. Avoiding tough decisions and making minor ones seem important.
“ Don’t blame me, I voted for Lingle.” Now are you willing to accept the blame?

????

2009-07-10T17:03:00.001-07:00

While we are looking at what transpired with Judge Sakamoto’s ruling we have overlooked something. That the governor will further restrict funds allocated to education. Further cuts will come at the expense of elective classes.
It is unfortunate that because of the lack of funds many schools will make cuts under the theory of: Don’t test? Don’t teach.
Over the past six years the education system in Hawaii has been shortchanged. An $86.5 million cut by the legislature for the next two fiscal years. Another $80+ million cut that is required by the executive budget. And now we look at a further cut that will affect @ 9.8% of the DOE budget. These cuts will be devastating to elective classes such as band, chorus, orchestra, art classes and other arts classes and electives. Also in jeopardy will be co-curricular, extra –curricular and even athletics.
While federal funds for education are coming they are not without restrictions. It would cost $37 million just to meet the assurances for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Other funding has specific restrictions on what they may be used for.
State Fiscal Stabilization Fund should be used to assist those schools that do not qualify for Title I funding. Yet our governor has chosen destabilize and demoralize public education.

negotiatios

2009-07-10T13:46:00.000-07:00

In the negotiations with the public unions there seems to be some misunderstanding. For clarification it is not the public unions’ job to balance the budget. Their job is to protect their members and negotiate a contract. If their job is to balance the budget when was this constitutional change implemented?
Negotiate means to come to agreement through discussion. Yet the governor chooses not to discuss a resolution. How can you negotiate when your negotiator walks out?
As for the teachers’ drug testing. It cannot be implemented because it has been shown to be unconstitutional, as shown by decisions in other states. Or does she want it to go to court again like the furloughs and super ferry?
It seems that many do not seem to understand that instead of covering a shortfall by cutting services, the governor’s job is to boost the economy. The fewer dollars in circulation the longer the recession will last. Those in the private sector must realize that. As the take reductions their employer is also trying to open new revenue streams. Or are they just digging in and waiting it to pass by like our governor?
Other questions need to be answered by the governor. In awarding new contracts that will be open to bid, will the governor ask the contractors reduce their bid and pay their employees 5% less in wages? Did the governor look at overtime pay? What is her position on overtime pay? What about differentials? If an employee comes to work on their own time and is injured, will they be covered by workman’s comp? Has the governor looked at her personal staff to see if there is overstaffing? What about her household staff? Has the governor looked at what are the priorities?
Someone said, “Laying off people is difficult to do, but it is a necessary part of the strategy.” Okay governor, what is the strategy?

Letter to Editor

2009-06-25T16:06:00.000-07:00

Star Bulletin printed my letter asking for gov's resignation. And of course one of the first responses was calling me a "whinny, state or unionized employee." Go figure.
The gov still seems teflon and nothing sticks.

Lingle must resign

2009-06-13T15:26:00.001-07:00

Dear Editor,

I believe that Governor Lingle must resign. By reading the various forums on your web site it seems to me that she has done something that is unforgivable. She has turned the people of Hawaii against each other. People in Hawaii have assumed an attitude of us versus them. That what happens to us should happen to them. She has taken forums that were previously used for open discussion into forums of personal attacks. Personal attacks should not be the language of discussion or disagreements. It should be the job of the governor to unite the people of Hawaii.
There is a lot of misinformation around now and it seems that the governor is not willing to clarify any of it. That many people believe what she says makes more important that she be giving accurate and unbiased information.
But lastly to demand cuts in the education budget or to suggest using that money to balance the budget and then finding out that she has only applied for the funds now to me is inexcusable. We need a leader that unites us against the problems of society not one content with divisiveness.

Egan Kawamoto
Ewa Beach

808-292-4986

June 19

2009-06-06T14:44:00.001-07:00

It seems that people do not understand that state employees contribute to the economy. That some how unions are the cause of the recession. That the recession would not happen if we had let private businesses flourish. I propose that on June 19 all state, county and union workers not spend a dime. I would like to see what private business owners would do when their sales figures are lower than anticipated.
I chose June 19 because it is a payday and all merchants expect a bump in sales.

I am also thinking of a couple of things that I might do to combat these mistaken notions. Raise my state withholding will lower tax revenues and also put a few dollars in my pocket. Pay my bills as late as I can. This doesn’t work for credit cards but canceling cards by local banks might work. Put off purchasing anything as long as I can.

Also don’t listen to Perry and Price and KSSK. They have proven to be shills for the governor, anti-union and purveyors of propaganda. In their reporting they have “mislead” many on the positions of unions. I don’t eat at Shiro’s or L&L Drive In because they both are public supporters of the governor. I also don’t shop at WalMart or Sam’s Club. They are people who are anti union, have personnel policies that harm the safety of their workers and are a drain on the public health system wherever they go. They also are one of the largest contributors to pro education voucher groups.

June 19th, gas up your car a day early or later. Have breakfast at home or take a thermos of coffee with you. Fill a cooler with refreshments for the day. Take a home lunch with you. Have a family dinner at home. Plan your purchases. Plan your day. June 19th plan for it and do it. I will.

Letter to Editor

2009-05-30T19:22:00.000-07:00

wrote this. don't think they will publish. so..

Dear Editor,

I can agree with your editorial on 5/29. In this time of economic uncertainty strong leadership is needed. But you did not seem to include the governor. What is the role of state government in this? Across the board cuts is not leadership. Cutting payroll and health costs do not stimulate the economy. Digging in and not doing anything to generate income is not going to solve the problem.

In a letter that appeared from Kathleen Nullet, she is right that by cutting salaries and benefits to government workers it will only cut spending by that group. If furloughs or job cuts occur will the people of the state understand when things happen slower. It seems the mayors of Hawaii understand and are making do with what is being dealt to them.

As new money from the federal government comes down, if government workers are furloughed who will oversee the construction and contracts? Will we depend on the private sector to keep to all specifications of their contract? Will those receiving the contracts “share the pain” and work for less?

Yes leadership is needed. But not one who abdicates responsibility. Not one who attacks her employees. Not one who uses the media to as a bully’s pulpit

Egan Kawamoto

The governor, cyber bully?

2009-05-10T20:50:00.001-07:00

I was wondering about this. Would the governor qualify as a cyber bully by her actions? She seems to be bargaining in the media. In essence using the media to threaten public union employees of sanctions if their union doesn’t comply with her wishes. All we have ever gotten from this governor are threats. If you don’t do this, this is what will happen. Threats, threats, threats. I am tired of it. And I will not be bullied.
Now union employees are being told that the governor has not brought forth a proposal. Her budget strategy was to cut millions from the budget and tell the unions “that’s all folks”. Is that a leader or Bugs Bunny we have on the 5th floor? I hope it is very clear to all that this was an administration that spent more time looking good than leading.
It is easy to criticize the legislature’s actions. Raising taxes is not a good thing. Especially the tax on tobacco products (cigars). But what else can you do? You need to raise revenue. Her plan to lay off or furlough workers only reduces revenue. It may cause some workers to apply for assistance; it will lower income through tax revenues. She may be correct in saying you cannot tax your way out of a recession, but neither can you just lower people’s pay and benefits.
I believe the legislature did what they thought they had to do. The legislature did not allocate more money for health benefits so we will pay more for it. The legislature raised certain taxes that will cause us to pay more. The legislature created a budget that works now what will the governor do?

I feel like a mushroom

2009-05-08T15:25:00.000-07:00

I feel like a mushroom. Kept in the dark and fed poop. It seems the only information we get from the union lately is when they need help. Give us info.
I still don’t understand the MBC problem. The governance manual referred to in the new amendments doesn’t exist yet.
Now we are asking the leg to override the governor’s veto. Why? Because it will cost us money. The real reason should be that that is what is needed to balance the budget. While the governor insists that we cannot tax our way out of the recession, neither can we just cut services and get out of it. The president is correct in putting in a spending program as well as tax cuts.
But what is the governor’s plan? Does she have a plan? Seems only she knows it and shares it with the media. She hasn’t even brought anything to the negotiation table. I don’t understand why our union is not responding?

Grandstanding

2009-05-06T15:12:00.001-07:00

The public veto of the proposed tax hikes by the governor is plain grandstanding. Vetoing tax hikes is okay but what alternatives does she have? She hasn’t put an offer on the table to any of the public unions. She did not submit any plan to the legislature. If she has a plan to handle the shortfall let’s hear it. Her only plan that has been articulated (in the media) is share the pain.
It seems that it is the only thing she is looking at. But what pain? She and her appointees are taking a 5% cut. What isn’t said is they have already gotten a 9% cut. Which works out to a @3.5% raise. And in the papers she is asking for public workers to take a furlough that would amount to @12% cut. If this is sharing the pain I am willing to give more pain to the governor and her appointees.
And where is the LG? Is this problem too complex for him? Where is the leadership? Leadership is making hard decisions. After talking of a $2 billion shortfall why does it all hinge on a $278 million dollar takeaway? Show me the math.

Furlough's

2009-04-29T13:10:00.000-07:00

As for the governor’s furlough plan she expects workers to take a 9% pay loss while she is willing to takes 5%. But this is after her already gotten pay raise so her actual loss is closer to 3%.
I guess she wants a return to the plantation and the Big Five in Hawaii. I guess she wants an increase in the working homeless. I guess she wants to run a government like a business and let the hourly employees carry the burden.
People have forgotten that in Hawaii we have a middle class because of unions not in spite of them. And if you had a boss like the state has, one who relies on threats and ultimatums it would be bankrupt.
Maybe she wants the welfare rolls to grow?
What is she thinking?

More On By-Laws

2009-04-25T16:09:00.000-07:00

I’ve been looking at the changes fin the HSTA By-Laws. My problem with it is that it refers a lot to the “Governance Manual”. What is the “Governance Manual”? Is there a copy available to look at? I’ve looked on the web site but haven’t found it.
If I call HSTA will they give me one? Or will they refer me to the web site like the last time I asked a question?
Last time I asked for a form, I was told it was on the web site. After looking on the web site I couldn’t find it. Every call and email was answered, “it’s on the web site.” Finally after being a pest it seemed to miraculously appear on the web site.
I won’t look for it anymore but I think that it confirms a “no” vote.

The Budget?

2009-04-14T12:22:00.001-07:00

On KHON 2, the governor said, "To adopt a budget that doesn't realize some labor savings is really ignoring reality."

To that, HGEA Executive Director Randy Perreira said, "The governor is the very one who is out of touch with reality. The state clearly has a revenue problem, and the Lingle-Aiona administration has yet to present a sensible idea to move Hawaii forward and stimulate our economy. If the governor thinks that labor cuts alone can sustain a balanced budget through these rough years ahead, she has an unrealistic approach to manage our state finances."

I agree with Randy. The goal should be to stimulate the economy. Government’s role is to create spending. The federal government knows this and is trying to help. Okay I’m no economist but I do remember an econ prof at UH that said during a recession a theory was to input $X million into the economy and that would right it. Of course no one did that but it was a theory put forth by economists then. I think republicans agree that an input of cash into the economy is good but they want their friends (the rich) to have it.

Labor savings will decrease the tax revenues. Less pay equals less spending equals less GET income. Less pay equals less income tax.
Now the governor wants public unions employees to take a pay cut. What has she done during her term about the payroll? Gave principals a @21% raise. (Okay they did move to 12 month but there sure was no criticism about that) Gave UHPA a large long-term raise. (Okay they probably deserved it) Complained that her cabinet members needed a raise. Got a pay raise for her and her cabinet. The legislators got a 36% raise. Now she wants appointed officials to take a 5% pay cut. That would cut her pay to @$117,000. I’m not a math teacher (though I have played one in school) I would take a 5% pay cut after I got a 9% raise.

It really amazes me that when the governor ran for office she talked about the economy. How she would downsize government. Improve education. She has done none of the above. Create a business friendly environment? Ask the super ferry. NFL teams have a quality control coach. The governor needs one now to keep her various statements in sync.

Just Vote No!

2009-04-13T19:25:00.000-07:00

I have yet to hear anything about what occurred during the HSTA convention.
But what I have been told is if I don’t approve the by-law changes I can be sued. I think this is nonsense. It seems that in the last year everything is secret. Because it is confidential. Because it involves personnel. Because it involves possible legal action.
B!S!
As members we are entitled to the information. But when MBC declares bankruptcy, changes in staff and the fairy tale that we will be informed. Keep an eye on the web site for information. The web site changes like 4 times a year.
Wil Okabe is president. Uncontested. Okay I like Wil and hope he cleans it up. But how is it that so many potential candidates are not on the ballot. So many disqualified. I thought the president and executive director wanted us to return to our core services? Can’t even seem to run an election. Wil is walking into a big mess and I hope he is strong enough for the job.
I hope that if the by-law changes occur and changes to the Board of Directors occur, that all the directors have the dictates of conscience to resign and run again if they want it. This board should take the responsibility for their malfeasance in running the organization.

Stimulus, Budget and the governor

2009-03-26T21:30:00.001-07:00

Just were reading some of the comments on the Star-Bulletin and Advertiser web site. It seems that a lot of poorly informed folks out there. So to help them:
Should the governor use education stimulus funds to balance the budget? NO!!!
Should the governor cut wages and benefits? NO!!!
Should the DOE close out the year on May 6th? YESSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!
Okay no, not really. As for using the stimulus funds like she wants? It may be illegal. And it sure would make our jobs harder. Cut wages and benefits is a shortsighted idea. It would affect spending in the state cutting tax revenues even more. She seems willing to sacrifice the state to prove a democratic policy wrong.
As for a shortened school year, I’ve heard from principals that money is running out. Kawamura said that the administration would float the money, but who would believe them.

Education Budget

2009-03-25T15:41:00.001-07:00

The governor has announced using $192 million of the stimulus funds for education to balance the budget. It would seem on the surface that this is not legal. Not ethical. Not even would it pass the common sense test.
The money should be welcomed as a solution for addressing the budget deficit in education. But it seems that the governor is consistently punishing the education community for nonsupport during her campaigns. Teachers as well as the DOE administration are the targets.
Consistent under funding, constant criticism and violating teachers’ civil rights are the legacy of this governor. Greeting a private school team at the airport is commendable but not doing the same for the public school teams is wrong. I hope teachers now realize their error in supporting the governor. Every governor or candidate for governor has wanted to be the education governor. This is the education governor, the governor that has done all she can to damage the public education system.

Money,Money, Money

2009-03-19T14:19:00.001-07:00

Today’s Star Bulletin says that EUTF is short $27 million. There is a $29 million shortfall and the state wants employees to pay. The problem with the EUTF is that it was under funded by the start. The EUTF had to increase benefits to compete with HSTA’s VEBA trust. While it had a mechanism to increase funding it was too small in just the first year and needed adjustment.
Only HMSA and Kaiser were large enough to bid on the contract. Smaller unions could not offer an alternative to their members. When Summerlin came into Hawaii the EUTF trustees voted to extend HMSA’s contract rather than allowing Summerlin to bid. I think that the legislature’s intent was not fully thought out. They were really negotiating from weakness. Are the state and the trustees guilty of malfeasance?
MBC had to declare bankruptcy. They say that there was a change in tax laws and reporting income. Because they were unaware of this now MBC has a shortage. I’m sorry but I cannot accept this simple explanation. There is a lot of blame to go around. Who is guilty of malfeasance? MBC’s director, MBC’s board, HSTA’s executive director, HSTA’s executive officers, HSTA’s board of directors, HSTA’s fiscal staff?

Recovery and Reinvestment Act

2009-03-19T11:11:00.000-07:00

Went to the recovery.gov web site and got this information. In a news release dated 3/7/09 these are the amounts to be released within 30 - 45 days.

Title I Grants to Local education Agencies $33,174,368
Educational Technology Grants $3,209,375
IDEA Part B Grants to States $39,925,269
IDEA Part B Preschool Grants $1,061,069
IDEA Part C Grants for Infants and Children $2,139,843
Vocational Rehabilitation State Grants $2,249,150
Independent Living State Grants $242,193
Services for Older Individuals who are Blind $87,883
Federal Work Study $ 450,129
State Fiscal Stabilization Fund $192,178,168

Grand Total $274,718,167

Now what the governor and the legislature do? Who knows?

Merit Pay

2009-03-12T17:52:00.001-07:00

Merit pay is in the news again. And once again people are jumping on the bandwagon. What are the parameters for awarding merit pay? If reading scores go up does that mean all teachers receive the award or only language art teachers? What about the administrators that may have set up training and found the funds? What about the registrar that had to work the master schedules? What about the other teachers in the school who sacrificed funding to allow the LA teachers to raise the scores? What about the grade level teachers that don’t test?
It takes a village to raise a child. But it also takes a whole school effort to raise test scores.

Leadership

2009-03-05T09:22:00.000-08:00

As I was reading this morning's Star Bulletin a headline said "budget crisis tests leaders". Leadership being faced by crisis and how they respond is the true test of leadership. As the state and HSTA faces their crisis it is clear our leaders have failed the test.
The governor by not having a plan and the HSTA leadership for not fulfilling their fiduciary responsibility. The reasons for MBC to declare bankruptcy is clear. But the why remains unanswered. How did our leadership not know? Were they just too busy having fun in their own "private club"? In the past two years or so I have seen a change of culture at HSTA and it has not been for the better.

MBC

2009-03-03T13:04:00.000-08:00

MBC declared bankruptcy today.
I cannot understand why this occurred. But HSTA's explanation does not fly. Information was not given to members. I can understand the need for confidentiality but lieing to us is not right. I'm getting sick of it.

Dis and Dat

2009-02-28T18:39:00.001-08:00

Tuesday’s Advertiser has a picture of the Prez and the gov doing a shaka. The gov’s looked sad. So now we know who really is from Hawaii.
It’s kinda funny to me that HSTA is reorganizing to better serve its members. When they still haven’t figured out to keep their web site updated or the Advocate delivered on time.
It also seems that the only times it is mailed Roger’s or Mike’s picture is on it. And it comes off as a CYA document. (for you younger folks it means Cover Your A-- )
Sen. Inouye says over $200 million is coming in to Hawaii for education from the stimulus bill. I guess the governor should have went to the “met and greet” earlier. She might have been able to take credit for that too.
Palin had to reimburse the state of Alaska for some unnecessary travel by her family. Heck even I thought her daughter using the state plane to go to a concert was okay.
Please comment so I know what you think. Or email me at egan.kawamoto@gmail.com. If you want it posted let me know. You don’t even have to agree with me. In fact I may want to have disagreements more. Keeps my brain going. Thanks all.

Civil Unions or Same Sex Marriage

2009-02-26T15:00:00.000-08:00

Is there a difference between the two? I don’t know. Wikipedia has an informative article “Recognition of same-sex unions in Hawaii”. It briefly covers the background of same sex unions in Hawaii. There is also a link to the Dept. of Health about reciprocal beneficiary.
I don’t know if this is a good idea or not. It may become costly for employers. It may be a way to cover the uninsured or underinsured. But at what cost?
I must credit the senate committee for listening and Senator Bunda for his statement in Sunday’s paper. A lot of thought was put into this and hopefully both sides feel that they were heard. The senate has to do what it has to do.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recognition_of_same-sex_unions_in_Hawaii
http://hawaii.gov/health/vital-records/vital-records/reciprocal/index.html

HSTA or HTA

2009-02-26T14:03:00.000-08:00

I was just reading that Mike McCartney is scheduled to be named the head of the Hawaii Tourism Authority. What's up with that? What is happening at HSTA?
There is talk about returning to the basics. But that is not happening either.
I've been inactive for not even a year and it seems that things are out of control.
What is happening to the public unions. HGEA, HSTA and UPW. What's happening? i'm confused as well as disappointed.

Recalling Bills

2009-02-23T09:08:00.000-08:00

RECALLING BILLS

Under Article III, Section 12 of the state Constitution, state House and Senate leaders can recall bills from committee with a one-third vote. In the Senate, that means nine of 25 members. Here is the provision from the Constitution:

"Twenty days after a bill has been referred to a committee in either house, the bill may be recalled from such committee by the affirmative vote of one-third of the members to which such house is entitled."

From the Advertiser

LEG Bills

2009-02-22T14:11:00.000-08:00

Just some info I collected and would like to share. Red is that the bill was held by the committee. This is good but does not mean it is dead and will be around till next year.

1. HB 1714, Voluntary Unpaid Leave. Authorizes state employers to establish a voluntary unpaid leave program for state employees from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2011. (Wooley)

2. HB 1719, EUTF; Retirement Prior to Medicare Age; Suspended Coverage. Suspends state and county contributions to the EUTF for all state and county employee beneficiaries who retire after 7/1/09, regardless of date of hire and years of service, if the employee retires before the employee's Medicare retirement age. Resumes coverage after Medicare retirement age. Allows employee to retain health coverage through the EUTF by paying the respective state or county share of premiums until Medicare requirement age. (Say) HELD

3. HB 1721, EUTF, Health benefits plan design. Requires the board of trustees of the Hawaii employer-union health benefits trust fund to design and provide a health benefits plan for active employees and their dependent-beneficiaries that does not exceed a specified maximum projected cost. (Say)

4. HB 1722, EUTF, Health Benefits Plan. Requires from 7/1/09 until 6/30/2015, the employer-union trust fund to provide to active employees and their dependent-beneficiaries the minimum health benefits plan required under the Hawaii prepaid health care act. Does not affect retired employees and their dependent-beneficiaries. (Say)

5. HB 1723, EUTF; Voluntary Employees' Beneficiary Association trust; Employer Contributions. Makes employer contributions to the employer-union health benefits trust fund non- negotiable under collective bargaining. Establishes employer contributions for active public employees at 55 per cent of month cost of the health benefits plan, (Say)

6. HB 1725, EUTF, Exclusion of Prescription Drug Coverage. From 7/1/09 to 6/30/1015, (1) prohibits health benefits plan of the employer-union health benefits trust fund from providing prescription drug coverage; and (2) allows board of trustees to make prescription drug benefits available through drug coverage plans that are paid for entirely by employee-beneficiaries. (Say) HELD

7. HB 1726, EUTF, Group Life Insurance Prohibition. Prohibits the Hawaii employer-union health benefits trust fund from providing group life insurance benefits if any of the premiums are paid by the State or a county. Allows the trust fund to contract with a group life insurer to make available group life insurance benefits to employee-beneficiaries provided that none of the premiums are paid by the State or any county and the insurer pays a fee to the board of trustees. (Say) HELD

8. HB 1727, EUTF, Exclusion of Dental and Vision Coverage. Prohibits the health benefits plan of the employer-union health benefits trust fund from providing dental and vision coverage from 7/1/09 until 6/30/2015. Allows the board of trustees to make dental and vision benefits available to employee-beneficiaries at no cost to the employers. (Say) HELD

9. SB 642, Eliminates overtime for excluded civil service employees. (Hee)

HSTA

2009-02-22T13:51:00.000-08:00

I'm taking a little time to do a rant on HSTA and its leadership.
I got a note that I wasn't at institute day and I should contact my uniserv for info. Okay I didn't go. Maybe I should have gone. But sending me a note in December is a waste of money. Which leads to my second rant.
It justs takes too long for the membership to get info. When I was in Hana the Advocate was always a month behind. How do they choose what is mailed and what is passed out? The website doesn't turn over fast enough. My biggest gripe is when I wanted something on the Web Site I was told it was simple and it could be done. When it wasn't I was told it's because it was more difficult that they thought. When I requested an extra meeting one person said okay it could be done, then another said it couldn't. It was said I was told something earlier, yet I wasn't able to share the info with my committee because I hadn't had a meeting. Now the final rant.
This reorganizing of HSTA sure is secretive. There is a committee to do this but the outcome is already announced. It seems that the governor has influenced how HSTA is choosing to conduct their business. Creating the final report before the committee reports.
More and more I am hearing from teachers who have not felt supported by the union. The public believes that a union protects bad workers. In many cases our union is choosing to assist who they want. As the elections for our HSTA leaders approach please make a serious decision. Ask has our leadership worked in the best interests of teachers or themselves. Unfortunately I wonder.

EUTF

2009-02-15T17:41:00.000-08:00

It seems that speaker say has decided that state and county workers, for the good of the economy , should join the ranks of the working poor. Under the guise of balancing the budget he seems to think that letting large numbers of working people become destitute.
I hope this is a ploy and he is smarter than this. It is like the article I read from the Washington Post about how WalMart's health plan should serve as a model. Of course when you read the article it basically says that some WalMart employees are under the company plan but a lot are underpaid and receive government subsidized health insurance. So the plan the state is proposing is less people on EUTF but more with MedQuest or Cobra or whatever that program is.
Health coverage is the last place the state should cut. The majority of bankruptcies in the US is caused by catastrophic health. So all this will do will be to make the economy worst. Except if you work for HMSA.
An email that was forwarded to me asked "Where is Roger?" Probably on a trip.

House Bills

2009-02-13T17:33:00.000-08:00

Speaker Say has introduced a number of bills that are harmful to public worker benefits. It is interesting the amount of chatter I see on my email. It is interesting for two reasons 1) the amount of teachers who have suddenly become interested in bills at the legislature and 2) that the chatter from the HSTA leadership is non-existent.
I must be critical of HSTA because they do not seem to display a sense of urgency. As well as they seem to not be very open to the membership. The chapter and state elections are soon but it seems that the timeline is compressed as well as secretive. I am no longer active with the union (not by my choice) but I am glad that I am not a part of this fiasco.
For a union that bills itself as the largest democratic organization, the local HSTA is surely not displaying its democracy.

reconstituting schools

2009-02-08T13:02:00.000-08:00

The superintendent wants the power to reconstitute schools. In essence firing everybody and starting all over. What I have problems with:
1 If there is a school where they have not been successful for years, who would want to work there?
2 It seems that at a lot of those schools there is little, no or even detrimental leadership. And that is a position that was hired by the people who will do the hiring again.
3 After all these years of the DOE saying that NCLB is not working, why are they no proposing this devastating step?
Rep Takumi is right when saying sometimes teachers aren't successful because they aren't in a situation that fits them. I have to agree with this and also what happens to teachers who are used to having certain equipment but at their school they do not have access to it. I taught at Hana School for 4 years and there buying an overhead projector was considered a major purchase.
It seems that the DOE has to do a better job at recruiting principals, training principals and evaluating principals. the governor gave principals @ 20% in raises a few years ago. Saying that they must provide the leadership to improve our schools. So where is the leadership. I guess principals who fail can be like the governor that fails and blame the subordinates.
As for the word reconstitute, don't you do that to soup or shitake mushrooms?

Aloha

2009-02-07T18:59:00.000-08:00

I don't know how long I'll be doing this. I wanted a blog because I need to vent sometimes. Just some background, I was the Political Action Chair for Central Chapter. I was also the state PAC chair for a year. I was canned. I'm not sure why but I think it was because I did what I thought was right for the teachers I represented.
Anyway I will use this blog to address issues that I feel is important and give my opinions on it.
So for all who don't know Speaker Say has introduced a few bills that are punitive to state employees and retirees. I hope that he did this to begin a discussion but there is a need to protect our health benefits. You should know that the number one cause of bankruptcy is catastrophic health problems. This would also start a mass exodus of government employees, especially teachers.
The governor needs to begin showing some leadership. Her modus operandi of waiting things out and doing what the most people want is not going to work. She needs a plan and needs to step up and show some leadership. Also across the board cuts are an abdication of leadership. I wish I said that first.
I don't understand what is happening at HSTA. Getting rid of MBC may be a good idea but has not been done aboveboard. Why did info on elections come out so late? It seems very secretive now and it also seems that the Board is more loyal to the board than its constituents.
Any way thats all for now. I hope I can do this regularly.

Egan