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GOP urges
charter schools

REPUBLICANS in the state House say Hawaii flunked a major part of the educational reform test when it didn't push ahead aggressively with charter schools.

Charter schools, which let parents become involved in the management of the school, have been successful across the mainland but are barely moving in Hawaii, according to Rep. Bob McDermott.

The Foster Village Republican said the charter school movement has been successful because the schools offer parents and students more choices.

Lawmakers this session killed a bill that would have exempted charter schools from state collective bargaining laws. McDermott said that action stopped any chances for school reform this year.

LEGISLATIVE FEED:

Put breakfast for the Legislature tomorrow on the small-business tab.

The National Federation of Independent Business and the Hawaii Congress on Small Business will sponsor a breakfast for all 76 legislators at the Pacific Club.

Bette Taum, spokeswoman for the National Federation of Independent Business, says the meeting last year attracted 64 legislators.

Included in the breakfast agenda will be plans for the small business "adopt a legislator" program, to increase the lobbying effort for business in Hawaii.

WINNERS & LOSERS

Bill Bradley: Democratic candidate for president picks up the support of an unlikely coalition of 12 Democratic state senators, including Sens. Norman Mizuguchi and Colleen Hanabusa.

Marshall Ige: The state senator gets a fast response from public school officials after crusading for more stringent background checks for A-Plus workers.

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Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustees: Headed for the unemployment line after Gov. Ben Cayetano vows to replace them to comply with the U.S. Supreme Court decision that OHA elections violate the Constitution.

Bruce Anderson: The state health director sees his fluoridation bills extracted.

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