Pono Press June 2013 | Page 5

LOCAL ISSUES

A TEA Party Perspective of the HRP State Convention

by Tim Means

I caught the early flight to Honolulu on the morning of May 18th and found my way over the Ko ’ olau Mountains to the Ko ’ olau Conference Center in time for the opening remarks by the Republican Party Chair , David Chang . The theme of the day was “ Unity ” but I am pretty sure it should have been “ Participation ”. The Party Rules allow over 2000 delegates and alternates … there were 176 in attendance . Maui had only 5 delegates , and many districts from the Neighbor Islands had none . The morning slate of speakers were those running for leadership positions , most of whom were on a

by News Release from House Republican Caucus May 2 , 2013

The 2013 legislative session that came to a close today gives fiscal conservatives much to be encouraged by . The final state budget that passed this week spends about $ 253 million less in general funds over the next two fiscal years than Governor Abercrombie requested . Both the Senate and the House of Representatives approved it unanimously . Moreover , many of the worst bills that would have hurt local businesses and families failed to pass this year . Some of the tax and fee increases that died were as follows :

� General excise tax

� Barrel tax

� Conveyance tax pre-selected slate of candidates that ultimately were elected . There were also reports from the State Legislature delegations , National Committee , and Youth and College groups . In the end , only 3 state leadership positions were challenged and all challengers were defeated . The highlight of the day was the Keynote speaker , former Lieutenant Governor Duke Aiona . His message of unity was summed up in the quote “ I think we all got to remember that the first step on the way to victory is to recognize who the enemy is !” As to his potential for running for Governor again , he would not say he would ,

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Tobacco tax Internet sales tax Sugary beverages fee Glass container fee Single-use checkout bag fee Electronic waste fee

State budget specifics :

� Cuts government bloat by eliminating unfilled department positions

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Requires departments to justify funding for each new position Makes smart investments that strengthen Hawaii ’ s bond rating and lower long-term borrowing costs Addresses unfunded liabilities by requiring the public sector to contribute money annually , beginning with $ 217 million this fiscal biennium

Pono Press , June 2013 , Page 5 however he would not rule it out either . From the tone of his speech , I would not be surprised to see him run in 2014 in a rematch with Abercrombie . One of the reasons I attended was to size up the condition of the Republican Party in Hawaii . Attendance was 176 , 50 % plus 1 in that group was 89 . 89 ! It wouldn ’ t take a overwhelming effort to recruit 89 plus conservative ( i . e ., aligned with TEA Party principles ) delegates to the 2015 Republican State Convention and try a TEA Party Conservative version in the State of Hawaii in the 2016 election cycle .. just sayin ’...

House GOP : ‘ Legislature Closes Fiscally Conservative Session ’

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Fully recapitalizes the Rainy Day and Hurricane Relief funds with $ 50 million and $ 160 million , respectively , after the previous Legislature raided these reserves in 2011 Most importantly , the budget maintains fiscal restraint – despite a strengthening economy and increasingly optimistic Council on Revenues projections – due to concerns about federal sequestration effects and other economic uncertainties both nationally and globally . The budget that was crafted through meticulous negotiations moves Hawaii forward by reducing wasteful expenditures and investing wisely in our future .

-Rep . Aaron Ling Johanson Minority Leader -Rep . Beth Fukumoto Minority Floor Leader