VEBA

Sorry I took awhile to digest the VEBA letter from Marion Higa.
Her findings were that VEBA promotes adverse selection and increases premium costs, duplicates administrative costs and does not provide transparency.
It does promote adverse selection but that is because many retirees were afraid of the pilot nature of VEBA. I have talked to many retirees who have asked, “If the VEBA is made permanent will there be an enrollment period? By its nature the EUTF has increased premium costs. There cannot be competition if the amount of companies bidding is too few.
Duplicates administrative costs is true. Why it costs so much? I don’t know, but I believe it involves the bankruptcy that occurred.
VEBA is a trust under ERISA a federal program and as such the information is available for anyone to see. That the auditor was unable to obtain needed information must be explained to me.
There are a lot of questions but we should be allowed to respond. Also HSTA needs to act with a sense of urgency.

Central Chapter Elections

I have decided to run for HSTA Central Chapter President. I believe that the leadership has stood together and has not represented the general membership. They have not asked the right questions and have been satisfied with poor explanations.

In the past year I have seen HSTA become an unhappy place. It needs to become a place that is open. It promotes itself as the most democratic union, yet has not demonstrated it. I want to change it. I believe I can change it.

Sports Commision

Aiona proposes a sports commission to promote sports events in Hawaii. I was going to comment on the Advertiser website but after 8 hours no one has commented. He has not demonstrated knowledge of what leadership in government entails. A few years ago I heard him on the radio suggesting building a smaller stadium. But if the stadium is smaller, no Pro Bowl.

He also asked to the parties in the furlough issue to meet. But did he do anything except talk to the news media?

I wonder if he knows how to introduce a bill?