Last Month at the First Hawaiian Auto Show

The First Hawaiian Auto Show was a fun event as always and a perfect opportunity to shoot photos of cars and other vehicles. The slideshow some of the 2013 models that were on display at the auto show. Brands shown include Mercedes-Benz, Bentley, Lincoln, Ford, GM products, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Lexus, Toyota, Hyundai and more.

The slide show runs on flash and is not viewable with iOS devices. Sorry.

Blog Catch-Up Time - What Have I Been Doing?

As some (or many) of you know I work full time for State Senator Sam Slom. This year we have upped the frequency of blog posts to the Hawaii Senate Minority Blog. And for all practical purposes, I am the main writer, photographer, sometimes videographer and always maintainer of that blog.

Which meant that I have not had much time to post on this blog. Lately my music blog has gotten most of my attention, though I am trying to keep the Hawaii Radio and Television Guide website and blog updated as well as my little Macintosh blog.

My main interests in politics, media, music and photography continue. They just have not been manifested here.

Anyway, here are a few catch-up posts:

Senator Slom on HawaiiReporter.com. Here's my boss on the latest edition of Hawaii Reporter's News Behind the News.




Here are photos that I have taken at the Legislature and State Capitol this year:



More blog posts are coming next month. I promise.

Hawaii Political Platter

What's Up For 2013?

Unfortunately several taxes went up with the arrival of the new year. Bad way to start 2013.

The Hawaii State Legislature started on January 16. The Senate has a new Senate President... Donna Mercado Kim. There are 24 Democrats and 1 Republican in the Senate... just like it was in 2011 and 2012. Senator Kim stated in her opening day speech "I hope, first and foremost, that there will be NO new tax burdens thrust upon our citizens..."

At this early juncture one can remain hopeful.

On the other side, the State House of Representatives finally settled their leadership battle. Rep. Joe Souki from Maui emerged as the new speaker. I did not hear his speech, but based on past history I am sure he will be the champion of gambling, traffic cameras and more taxes. Hold on to your wallets!

Across the street at City Hall, a new mayor was put in. That person is former acting Mayor Kirk Caldwell who won the seat in a blistery election battle last fall where the evil forces of rail prevailed. Sad, but it looks like the damn thing will be built after all. Enough said.

The other day, close to 200 gun owners and second amendment supporters showed up for the Guns Across America rally at the State Capitol. The nation's gun rights (2nd Amendment) are at stake this year with the federal and several state governments going after lawful firearms owners.

Top Photo: Senate President Donna Mercado Kim. Below: Opening day at the Hawaii State Senate.





The Hawaii State Senate Chamber, opening day on January 16. Below: Protestors against the PLDC and GMO's were also out in force on opening day.







Gun owners were out in force on January 19 for a rally to preserve people's second amendment rights. Photos by Mel. More on Flickr.

Rep. Hanabusa on the O'Reilly Factor

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa comes up short on Fox News' O'Reilly Factor show regarding the previous Fox News report shown at this link.