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Assistive technology
demo today at Capitol

Assistive technology means using both high-tech, such as computers, and low-tech, such as designs for better eating utensils to help persons with disabilities.

The Assistive Technology Resource Center of Hawaii will hold a demonstration of new technologies today at the state Capitol.

Gov. Ben Cayetano, Lt. Gov. Mazie Hirono and the state Legislature have been invited to attend the 9 a.m. briefing in the state Capitol auditorium.

GAMBLING TACTICS: Sen. Fred Hemmings is worried.

Gambling lobbyists, he says, are paying for a poll that directs respondents who favor gambling to call legislators in their district.

"Some callers seem confused when they are transferred to our office, because someone taking a survey had called at home and then patched them through to our office," Hemmings said.

"I wonder if these actions are indicative of the ethics and tactics of those who wish to profit with gambling in Hawaii, he said.

Other legislators have also complained about the tactic, used both here and on the mainland to focus attention on a special interest.

CHARITABLE POLITICOS: Last week, it was the House Democrats on the charity front as they worked at the IHS homeless shelter.

This week, the Republicans are earmarking a portion of funds raised at their Lincoln Day fund-raiser for local charities.

"Each time we host a fund-raiser, we like to give something back to the community," said Linda Lingle, GOP chairwoman.

This year, money went to Friends of Foster Kids, Construction Education Foundation -- Building Women Program; Reid J. Richard -- Bereavement Camp; Kalayaan Philippines-Hawaii International; and Sisters Offering Support.

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WINNERS . . .

House Republicans: They say they are 'totally vindicated' after focusing attention on a bill to raise the age of consent and punish adults who have sex with children 14 and 15 years old. The bill was scheduled for a floor vote this week.

Planned Parenthood: The group won in a turnaround vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee when the panel spiked a bill to force minors to tell their parents before getting an abortion. The committee originally voted to approve the bill, but last-minute testimony by Planned Parenthood switched the vote.

Sen. Colleen Hanabusa: Her attempt to revamp the state election office is paying off as she convinced two Senate committees to move the independent office back under supervision of the lieutenant governor's office.

. . . & LOSERS

Fish fanciers: The House Finance Committee made sashimi out of Gov. Ben Cayetano's idea for a world-class aquarium, saying the state just doesn't have the money.

Taxpayers: The Senate Ways and Means Committee gives back a little in the form of a $25 tax credit, but votes to take away a lot by canceling planned reduction of the state's top income tax rate from 8.25 percent to 7.5 percent. That cancellation, however, still needs a lot more approvals before taking effect.

HGEA: There's still no sign of a settlement between the state's biggest union -- the Hawaii Government Employees Association -- and Gov. Ben Cayetano. The union has paid for ads to lobby for the pay raise won last year in arbitration. Cayetano is equally insistent that the raise didn't pass the Legislature and is void.

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This feature by Richard Borreca runs
Mondays throughout the legislative session.

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