Surf group honors Hemmings
as its Waterman of the Year

While Fred Hemmings (R, Waimanalo) may find himself swimming against the tide of a Democrat-controlled state Senate, his experience as a pioneer professional surfer has garnered him another award.

The Surf Industry Manufacturers Association has named Hemmings its 2002 Waterman of the Year and will present the award at its annual fund-raiser this summer at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort and Spa in Dana Point, Calif.

Hemmings, a successful competitive surfer who helped create various surf competitions in Hawaii, including the Pipeline Masters and the Triple Crown of Surfing, was inducted into the International Surfing Hall of Fame in 1991.

Dick Baker, president of the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association, said its board selects a Waterman of the Year based on who best epitomizes the spirit of surfing and its culture over time.

"Sen. Hemmings left an indelible mark on professional surfing, both as a competitor and organizer," Baker said. "He never wavered on his principles, and we are honored to have him represent SIMA as Waterman of the Year."

The association is the official working trade association of more than 700 surf industry suppliers. The nonprofit organization promotes awareness of the surf industry.

Neckties for cheer

Senate Transportation Chairman Cal Kawamoto (D, Waipahu) was invited to "tie" one on when his colleagues presented him with a collection of cartoon neckties last week as a way to poke fun at several of his bills that either passed or failed by a close floor vote so far this session in the 25-member Senate.

"I also want to assure the senator from God's country that these ties are not simply meant to allow his detractors to grab his neck in another fashion," Sen. Matt Matsunaga (D, Waialae) quipped. "But if they ever do get a hold of his neck, it will certainly be by a 13-12 vote."

Two bills eked by last week by such a margin -- one would prohibit teen drivers from late-night driving, while the other measure would raise the age of mandatory child-seat use from 4 to 8 years old.

Earlier in the session, a 12-12 vote killed two resolutions he drafted on the controversial traffic camera vans. And, last week, a bill he intended to improve pedestrian safety was trampled when 18 senators voted "no."

"Recently, like a Timex watch, he's been taking a lickin' here on the floor on various bills, but he keeps on tickin'," Sen. Avery Chumbley (D, East Maui) said.

Chumbley noted how Kawamoto, known for his eclectic ties, seems to be in his best spirits when he's wearing one of those ties. Kawamoto had on a Snoopy tie that day.

So Chumbley had Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Ben Villaflor bring out a coat hanger with several colorful ties, each with a different cartoon character, including Bugs Bunny, Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck.

"I think that he should wear the one that fits him the best, Dudley Do-Right," said Chumbley, referring to the animated Canadian Mountie.

Apply for ethics panel

The state Judicial Council is accepting applications for an anticipated vacancy on the state Ethics Commission due to the expiring term of a current commission member. The successful applicant will be eligible for a four-year term.

Nominees must be U.S. citizens, residents of Hawaii, and may not hold any other public office or take an active part in political management or political campaigns.

The Ethics Commission is responsible for investigating complaints, providing advisory opinions and enforcing decisions issued by the commission. The commission regulates the ethics of all legislators, registered lobbyists and state employees except judges, who are governed by the Commission on Judicial Conduct.

The application is available from the Judiciary Web site at www.state.hi.us/jud or at the Public Affairs Office, 417 S. King St. (Ali'iolani Hale), Room 206-C, Honolulu 96813.

Applicants must submit the application along with a resume and three letters of recommendation attesting to the applicant's character and integrity.

The application packet should be submitted no later than the close of business April 1 to Judicial Council, Hawaii Supreme Court, 417 S. King St., 2nd Floor, Honolulu 96813-2902.

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