Sen. Tsutsui chat
Sen. Shan Tsutsui, co-chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, is today’s chat guest. The chat begins at approximately 1 p.m. He welcomes your questions. Please join us.
Tsutsui (right)
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Sen. Shan Tsutsui, co-chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, is today’s chat guest. The chat begins at approximately 1 p.m. He welcomes your questions. Please join us.
Tsutsui (right)
Senator Tsutsui,
What is a Bolo Tie
Shan,
I call it SJSU 34, UH 6.
What say you?
Senator Tsutsui,
What’s going on with Cooke field?
From bighilofan2
Hi everyone! Thanks for joining me today.
In light of the Govenor’s prediction of lower revenues, what kind of cuts can we expect for UH athletics in general and football specifically?
Jayson,
Its a tie that I don’t use.
Shan,
I call it SJSU 34, UH 6.
What say you?
UH 41, SJSU 20
Hi Duffler-
Thanks for the question. As you know, the State appropriated $1.225 million for the project which was supplemented by a $5 million donation by the Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation. The Governor released the funds in August 2008 and its currently going through the bid process. I am hopeful that the Legislature will add additional $3.75 million for this project next Legislative session.
Sen Tsutsui,
As I recall, the losing bidders have filed complaints and this has delayed the project. When or what is the timeline now to complete the project?
Are there any concerns, with the state of the economy, that UH athletics will be operating in the red? Even if they budget well, the reality is that travel costs and the impact of lower attendance is going to cause more financial hurdles for UH to fund athletics. Will the Legislature get involved to assist the University whether it be for education or athletics?
Hi Duffler-
Thanks again for the question. In light of the Governor’s prediction of lower revenue, I hope that there will be no additional cuts to the UH athletic program. The University also has the ability to supplement its operating budget with tuition funds. In light of the current economic state, I hopeful that we can increase the amount of repair and maintenance projects to both the upper and lower Manoa campus.
Is Rep. Sharon Har on your committee? If so, are you looking forward to working with her again if she wins re-election?
Sen. Tsutsui,
Where can I find detailed records of how taxpayer money in Honolulu County is spent each fiscal year? Is it available online? Do these records include the pay of State and C&C Workers? Just curious…
Sen. Tsutsui,
Aloha and good afternoon.
In reference to the Clarence TC Ching Complex, I believe that it was quoted that around 9 million dollars would be needed in order to make it the facility that many at UH and the Clarence TC Ching Foundation hoped it would be.
You had mentioned that it is your hope that another 3 million or so would be granted towards the project.
Is it safe for the public to assume that the funds to cover the balance needed to fully complete the entire complex is being seriously looked at by the committee?
Or should we assume that UH plans to seek the funds through individual donors or other corporate donors?
Duffler-
Yes, two of the losing bidders filed protests with UH regarding the awarding of the resurfacing contract for Ching Athletic Complex. Currently, one of those bidders has withdrawn their protest. I don’t the exact date of completion but I expect the project to continue to move forward. I’m hopeful that construction will begin be completed by end of the year.
With all this talk about the projected economy by Governor Lingle, what does the Legislature plan to do in the upcoming sessions regarding revenue raising measures? More taxes? NO!!!!
Mufi or Ann?
Rob25-
Hi Rob25, thanks for the question. All state agencies are experiencing the same problems with higher energy, fuel, and travel cost. The Legislature will have to look at the overall State budget and try to minimize the impact that it has on current programs. It will probably mean that we won’t be looking at any new programs anytime soon. We work with the University of Hawaii system administrators to deal with the many challenges that lie ahead.
when JV sports was threatening to get cut, alot of people (me included)were saying that we should be doing the opposite and putting more money into high school sports. w/ the tough economic times, i doubt it could happen, but any possibility of this happening in the near future.
oh yeah, who you got georgia or alabama, and thanks so much for your time.
Kekoa
Thanks for joining us this afternoon. Representative Har is not the the Senate Ways & Means Committee, however I do work with her on many issues and look forward to working with her if she wins her re-election in November.
Ikaika Imua!
Jack Flash-
Thanks for the question. Budget information should be on the City & County of Honolulu website. I know that Maui County has this information online. Your area councilmember might also have that information.
As a side note, the football players have Leila typing for them! 🙂
I am glad they labeled the picture, for a minute there I thought you were the guy on the left…
Senator Tsutsui, would you happen to know what the maintenance cost of the Capitol’s “pond” is?
Hi Kazz-
Thanks for joining us today. After talking with UH Athletic Director Jim Donovan, my understanding is that the $5 million donation by the Ching foundation was provided with the understanding that there would be matching funds. I believe in these tough economic times we must leverage private donations as much as possible. The state should seriously consider the additional $3.75 million necessary to complete the project to show the private sector that the state is committed to the UH Athletic program.
Sen Tsutsui ~
In light of the Ching field fiasco, what steps can we take to make sure this doesn’t happen again? UH should never be held hostage by a disgruntled bidder. I felt that the man (or woman) in charge should’ve stepped up and challenged that bidder. How come that didn’t happen? Who was responsible for looking after our interest?
BTW, thanks for coming on the WB and taking our questions.
I know all the Departments are planning for 10, 15 and 20 percent cuts. Any idea on how deep the cuts are going to have to be to meet a balanced budget?
Does the University have to make similar cuts and pass it along to the individual departments to look at areas where cuts can be made?
Hi Homey 5-
I don’t think that raising taxes in a slowing economy is the right thing to do. We will be focusing on reducing expenses while bring greater efficiencies to government.
homey 5-
Great Question!!! Unfortunately I live on Maui so I’ll leave that up to you.
I’m curious to know that too. I see workers in there sweeping aimlessly at the algae everyday. Doesn’t look like they’re doing much.
When you were attending UH, who were the football players and was the student attendance at games better or worse compared to today?
da princess’ classmate-
I don’t forsee increasing any budget in the near future however I think JV sports are a critical component to the overall educational experience for our students.
In regards to Georgia/Alabama pick, I still have negative feelings about Georgia due to the Sugarbowl outcome. Go Bama!!!
has the 4 day work week affected the bottom line enough to make a significant difference or is it too early to tell.
Hi Senator, just curious if you have any opinions about a recent rumor around campus:
The grad students who work for the school as teachers and researchers have been talking about unionizing.
Are you for or against this?
duffler-
I guess they’re on the A team and I’m still second-string.
Instead of looking at cuts here and there the State Executive and Legislative branches should look at innovative ways to stimulate the economy. What steps are being done to do this? All I hear is fiscal responsibility, budget cuts, tough times…Where’s the leadership that expands boundaries and creates vision for a better future? Sheesh, now I sound like a politician.
homey 5-
I don’t know offhand what the cost is, but I do know its way too much.
Who’s duffler? 🙂
HOMEY FOR GOVERNOR!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
DPK,
The Princess would have never made a typo like that! 🙂
Maybe duffus!
Kekoa-
I agree that no one should ever be held hostage although this is part of the bidding process. After a bid is awarded, bidders have the option to file a protest. UH reviewed those protests and denied both protest. The project is currently moving forward.
Senator
Any plans for running for President one day? Maybe Vice President…
Rob25-
Thanks Rob. As mentioned before, the Unversity of Hawaii system also uses tuition fees to supplement its operating budget. That’s a big difference between UH and other state departments. I’m hopeful that other departments may be required to take cuts of up to 10 percent, the UH system can make up the difference through its other revenue sources.
What made you become a politician?
BTW, thank you Senator Tsutsui for taking the time to come here and answer our questions. And thank you for supporting UH Athletics!!!
GO WARRIORS!
Senator Tsutsui,
Thank you for joining us today. I realize this question is related to issues outside of your area of responsiblity, but I’m just wondering what your thoughts are regarding Honolulu’s Rail Project. While I think the idea is a good one, I’m worried that a possible recession may make funding that project more difficult than was previously planned. What are your thoughts on the Rail issue?
duffler-
When I was at UH I always sat in the super-rooter section so it always seemed really full. I still remember standing for the entire game when UH beat BYU the day Ty Detmer became the Heisman trophy winner and got CRUSHED by us. Go Bows!!!
da princess’ classmate-
Currently only one department is experimenting with the four day workweek. I expect during this upcoming legislative session, we will get an update.
Ummm, Senator, it’s GO WARRIORS! 😆
UHstudent-
I haven’t heard of the rumor, but individual rights is very important.
I say we take the algae from the capitol pond, turn it into biomass fuel to supply all the capitol’s electricity.
That’s a great “green” idea.
homey 5, sounds like you would be a great candidate for mayor. Have you ever considered it? I certainly agree that we should look at ways to stimulate the economy and increase revenues. As the construction industry continues to slow, projects including those on the lower campus on Manoa would continue to provide jobs and make the much needed improvements to those facilities. In addition, we should continue to nurture industries that provide high-paying jobs.
Seeing that the Federal Government wants to bailout major players in the financial field, in hindsight do you think the State should have “assisted” Aloha Airlines? It seems that the passing of Aloha Airlines has affected the State’s economy.
Jayson-
No. My family and my office manger would be extremely upset if they had to move Washington, D.C. Plus, local issues are my main interest and are very important to me.
Senator Tsutsui ~
Yes, I know the bidding process ran it’s course, but in this case someone should have identified the protest as frivilous and denied it immediately. Precious time was and still is wasted, and time is money we all know is in short supply.
duffer-
Thanks again. I’ve always felt that being part of the solution and getting involved is critical in any community you live in. I’ve been blessed to have had the privilege to make positive changes for the last six years.
Why is it that people like Mr. Sadowski can sit on a board and propose rules that benefits his company or others?
Da Punchbowl Kid-
Thanks again for joining us this afternoon. I think everyone on Oahu would agree that traffic is getting worse every year. The proposed rail project is one possible solution. The City & County of Honolulu has thoroughly deliberated and the residents will be able to vote on this measure in November. Please Vote!
homey 5-
A reduction of air capacity certainly affects everyone in an island state. I for one would have hoped the government and Aloha Airlines could have worked better together so a different outcome could have been achieved.
Sen. Tsutsui: In your Committee Capacity, is there time spent on creative solutions or are you primarily a “reaction and response” group? If it is the former, can you share with us if there has been some thinking regarding UH Athletics going “to the next level”?
Thanks everyone for joining us today and fielding some great questions. Unfortunately I have to head out. I look forward to joining you again sometime in the future and hope to see all of you at some of the games. Don’t forget to express your opinions in the voting booth on November 4th (or earlier by absentee ballots). Mahalo again and GO WARRIORS!!!
*The Tsaikos all stand and politely clap for the Senator.*
Thanks for joining us today Senator, best of luck in all future endeavors.
Kapolei was/is touted as the second city. Why didn’t the State move it’s offices there? Seems to me the State missed out on a great opportunity. For one it would have alleviated traffic. And if I recall correctly they were offered a good deal for the land for new State buildings. The current downtown leases would have been eliminated and the current State building could have been rented or leased out to private companies or better yet converted to affordable housing.
Damn! Missed my last question!!!! Oh well…
THANK YOU SENATOR!
Take it easy Senator, you the man!
HI XLIZ!!!
Since the Senator has left the building I will answer your #62.
LizKauai [Believer] –
Thanks for joining us this afternoon. We as a group in the Legislature work within boundaries. We have controlling resources and plan each session to reach certain goals. We decide our future based on past actions and precedent. We wait for relevant data before we make important decisions and measure our performance against set guidelines.
Okay, back to napping.
*DPK notes that Homey is so good at “politi-speak” it’s downright scary.*
before I fall asleep I’d like to also point out that it is pretty nifty that the background in the Senators picture looks like it’s in motion.
Hey Homey, before ya go, what did ya think of my idea for all that perfectly good algae they’re throwin’ away down at the capitol?
Hello constituent DPK!!!
I was actually having a proxy type my questions while I was watching “The Shawshank Redemption”.
DPK – There’s not enough algae, if they are going to use the pond then they should farm blue-green algae or spirulina (sp?) and create a food supplement for the Capitol workers or the homeless. 😆
Homey:
Re: Background.
That’s the Speed Racer effect.
I guess with the new sparkplugs, you think you are Speed Racer now??!!??
ST – Now I’m impressed with your camera!
Re: the Pond
I think they should just fill in the damn thing and make it a grass lawn. I know it is supposed to represent the ocean but what a waste of time and money maintaining it.
Stretch – hey! replacing worn out spark plugs with brand new ones is good for at least 2 tenths off your 1/4 mile time!
Hey gang…whew..busy…Stretch…talk to me sometime about the pond. I have a great idea on how to maintain it without filling it in….
They could get the Boise people to come here and put in blue turf.
I can see it now:
“Where’s the leadership that expands boundaries and creates vision for a better future?”
“Homey, Hawaii’s first ‘Green Governor'”.
Governor Homey sez: “Let them eat algae!”
😆 😆 😆
Funny how James wasn’t here. He musta been hiding, pretending to be busy.
Where you was James? Changing spark plugs?
kden you lunch crowd take this. had for lunch thelma special, sari-sari, chicken papaya and salit. kinda full now so shuffling out. hope my snoring no bodda the oddah guys trying to listen to the speaker.
Should I go buy the Clorox or you gonna do it??
OK, new, new post up.
Who’s the guy on the left?
Stretch-
LMAO!!! That’s exactly what I was thinking.
sorry not monitoring but back to regualr self.
koakane – Thelma’s sounds good right now. I could go for some fried pork with extra onions and a bottle of Steinlager Pure. I never tried Steinlager Pure but it sounds like it tastes good.
Homey ~ #65 is a good point, homes. There were many state and city employees who lived in central Oahu and east Oahu who objected to the move because they would become the commuters.
I say it would have balanced the commute traffic in both directions. The winner would be the folks who moved out here early…NOT!
The good news is, it is slowly taking shape as the city employees reach retirement age the new hires are coming from out of the Wahiawa, Mililani, Waipio and Leeward Coast areas.
CHINGY?!?!? What are you doin’ in the pic?
Wow, thanks for the answer xs-homey! Impressive!
alabama state government jobs
Did you hear about the guy who finally figured out women? He died laughing before he could tell anybody…
assisted living apartments
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