Akaka urges continuation
of national Postal ServiceU.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka urged a new presidential commission to continue the U.S. Postal Service's universal service at an affordable price.
President Bush established the Presidential Commission on the U.S. Postal Service last week to examine the agency's operational, structural and financial challenges and recommend legislative and administrative solutions that could include privatization.
The postal service has lost $6 billion since 1972 and was last reorganized in 1971.
"Attention must be given to providing the continuation of universal service, providing adequate funds for capital needs, and dealing with long-term liabilities while securing the retirement security of its employees," said Akaka, chairman of the Senate subcommittee on international security, proliferation and federal services.
The nine-member bipartisan commission's report is due July 31.
Harris taps new director
Mayor Jeremy Harris has appointed Eric Crispin as director of the city's Department of Planning & Permitting.Crispin served as the deputy director of the Department of Design & Construction, and he is replacing Randall Fujiki, who left the city in October to return to the private sector.
Matsunaga wants tax cut
A payroll tax exemption, creation of a research and development tax credit and extension of tax cuts for the middle class are part of the proposed congressional agenda for the economy announced by former state Sen. Matt Matsunaga.Matsunaga contends that the payroll tax exemption would give working families an immediate $1,500 tax cut, and the research tax credit would foster economic diversification and job creation.
He also proposes freezing cuts for the top-income taxpayers in order to extend tax cuts for the middle class, and he says that the earned income tax credit for those in the low-income bracket should be protected.
GOP hopeful gets support
Republican congressional candidate Kimo Kaloi says six members of Congress have endorsed his candidacy for the 2nd congressional seat left vacant by the death of U.S. Rep. Patsy Mink.Four of the congressmen signed a letter that said, "Your outstanding service as a professional staff member in the U.S. House of Representatives already revealed your dedication to public service," Kaloi said in a written statement.
Kaloi is the former director of native Hawaiian affairs for the House Resources Committee.
At total of 44 candidates are running in the special election scheduled for Jan. 4.
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