Honolulu Advertiser's On the Hot Seat-

[Hanabusa for Hawaii]

Now on the Hot Seat: Senate President Colleen Hanabusa takes your questions
January 22nd, 2009 by Jeanne Mariani-Belding

The economy is at the top of the list this legislative session, as lawmakers look for ways to cope with the economic downturn, staggering unemployment, foreclosures and more. Add to the mix the need to fix our ailing healthcare system and tackling some painful cuts on the education front, and the landscape looks bleak at best. And the senator, too, has floated a plan, as today’s paper notes, to possibly suspend the transit tax, which is sure to have an impact on federal dollars and the overall project.

Read more> Go to Hot Seat blog

[Hanabusa for Hawaii]

Thanks Leilani for your comments and information.

[L e i l a n i]

What about the ban on SB-79 (Pit bulls)??
Vote No to SB79 for Pit Bull Ban in Hawaii.

As a proud dog owner of a Pure Bred American Pit Bull Terrier, http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/americanpitbull.htm , I truly believe it needs to be emphasized that responsible dog ownership must be taken into account for the past dog attacks. And reading the articles of the two most recent dog attacks, both of them suggest that it was a mixed breed dog, which emphasised the dogs 'Pit Bull' breed.

http://www.starbulletin.com/news/hawaiinews/20081007_Dog_that_killed_infant_euthanized_by_request.html

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20090123/NEWS01/901230383

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20090127/NEWS01/901270351

You will notice that in all media articles the Pit Bull is the main point in focus in the attack, not the owner's responsibility or the fact that they are mixed breeds/mutts (which our own new president says he is). Its mis-informing the public and their opinion on this type of animal breed. The animal itself is not to blame for unresponsible owners. As a responsible owner, my dog is part of my family.

By legislature, government, and media to be able to put an outcast on this one type of breed is ironic and upsurd. For instance, we live in Hawaii, the melting pot for mixed heritage. Hawaiians, Whites, Hispanics, African Americans, Asians, etc., we all know what its like to experience racism, and a ban on one kind of dog because of its heritage and actions (by the owners) is certainly uncalled for, it should not even be in question. Instead of focusing on APBT's we should focus on leash laws, animal cruelty/abuse, and dog/animal owners. Any dog can be dangerous and its up to the responsible owner for how they are dealt with.

Do not follow the footsteps of our neighboring 'Mainland' laws, Focus on the Deed/Owners, instead of the breed/dog.

Here is a picture of what you would be banning and terminating - a family member, friend, companion, & provider of happiness.