Economy headlines
Chamber’s biz forum

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By Lyn Danninger
ldanninger@starbulletin.com

Put politicians and business leaders in the same room and the economy is bound to be the No. 1 topic of conversation.

At a forum last night, business representatives asked lawmakers what they planned to do for a short-term stimulus to the state economy. Legislators, in turn, said they want to emphasize business partnerships, but also have to temper spending in light of upcoming budget shortfalls.

"I'm interested in the prospects for growth and what (lawmakers) envision is going to happen," said John Simon, corporate services manager for Crown Relocation. "In our industry, if the state does well, we do well."

The forum at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii and the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, drew members of the chamber and its 20 affiliated chambers. Senate President Robert Bunda, House Majority Leader Marcus Oshiro and House Minority Leader Galen Fox also attended.

Ernest Nishizaki, general manager of support services for Starwood Hotels & Resorts, was concerned about maintaining adequate funding for tourism.

"It's important I understand their position and how they'll support us and work together," Nishizaki said.

Greater partnership between government and the business community in various areas was one way the legislators said the state's economic prospects would improve.

"We should be listening to you," Fox said. "What works is business taking the lead and we'll be happy to follow along."

But Bunda (D, Wahiawa) said the big obstacle to overcome this session will be balancing the state's budget.

"We're shy about $150 million this fiscal year and about $168 million next year," he said. "Then there's a $600 million backlog of school maintenance projects and next year's state collective bargaining agreements. So the bottom line is how do you balance the budget?"

Other areas of ongoing focus for Bunda this session will include improving the Hawaii Tourism Authority in light of a recent state audit that criticized the authority's management.

For Oshiro, key focus areas will be education, controlling government costs while not raising taxes or fees and trying to establish a special commission to look at various services the community is willing to pay for and support.

Oshiro (D, Wahiawa) talked about looking at the cost of health insurance and possible regulatory oversight of health insurers as well as gas and energy costs.

Fox (R, Waikiki) favored tax cuts as a way to stimulate the economy.

"You have to put money in the hands of consumers, put money in working people's hands and cut taxes that effect people like on food, medical services and rent," he said.