Alternatives to Obamacare; Outlook for Maui’s Sugar Workers; Mandating Tax Return Disclosure for Presidential Candidates
Bill Requiring Presidential Candidates to Release Tax Returns: Rep Chris Lee
According to President-elect Trump, most Americans don’t care that he hasn’t released his tax returns; but according to a Pew Research Center poll they do - 60% of them. As the sparring continues, one Hawaii lawmaker wants to be sure this won’t be an issue next in four years. Representative Chris Lee announced this week he’ll introduce a bill to require future presidential candidates to release their tax returns, in order to be placed on the ballot in Hawaii. He says there are a few other states doing the same California, New York, Massachusetts and a few others. We talked after his announcement and I asked him whether this move is a long shot.
Intro Music: My Type by Saint Motel
Alternatives to Obamacare: John C. Goodman
As Congress sets up to repeal Obamacare, the big question is with will replace it. Economist John C Goodman is in Hawaii this week to talk about his proposal. When we spoke, I asked him if all the talk of repeal and replace without a solid replacement plan is setting up Republicans for failure.
Outro Music: Mr. Saturday Night by Nicki Bluhm and the Gamblers
Pianist Wu Han is a full-fledged ambassador of chamber music, expanding its worldwide audience through her performances with her husband, cellist David Finckel, and her work as co-Artistic Director of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. She’s in Hawaii for shows on two islands.
Intro Music: French Suite No. 5 for Solo Piano Performed by Wu Han
Outro Music: Piano Quintet No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 1: I. Allegro by Ernst von Dohnani, Shmuel Ashkenasi, Nobuko Imai, Trio Nota Bene
Civil Beat Reality Check: Death and Taxes
Death and taxes are unavoidable, but just how they happen could be a matter of choice in the next legislative session. Death with Dignity is again before lawmakers and tax changes. Civil Beat reporter Chad Blair has double reality check.
Outro Music: Open Your Eyes by STRFKR
Sugar Operators Support Task Force Initial Report: Keith Regan
A year ago, 675 Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar workers on Maui knew they would soon be out of work... Alexander and Baldwin, the parent of H C & S had announced they were shutting down sugar production by the end of 2016. The company also said it would help workers to explore what came next and the Maui Mayor’s office created the Sugar Operators Support Task Force. Now a year later, the task force has released its report on the status of the workers let go up to December first, but didn’t include the 346 workers discharged as of December 1st. Maui County Managing Director Keith Regan is the Chair of the Sugar Operators Support Task Force.
Outro Music: Night Train by Bruce CockburnTrumpeterChris Botti
It takes a lifetime of effort to make it look easy. That’s a mantra that could apply to any endeavor and it’s especially true of the trumpet, an especially demanding instrument. Trumpeters have to keep their chops up, and every day without practice, you get worse. Chris Botti labored for years, playing clubs, even playing Christmas carols on the street, before finding international fame. We talked about his journey.
Intro Music: Glad To Be Unhappy (feat. John Mayer) by Chris Botti
Outro Music: I've Got You Under My Skin (feat. Katharine McPhee) by Chris Botti
