• Working people deserve more support • Swim went over just splashingly Working people deserve more support If an employee in the state of Hawaii works 20 or more hours a week for four consecutive weeks, the employer is required by law to offer a basic health
• Working people deserve more support • Swim went over just splashingly
Working people deserve more support
If an employee in the state of Hawaii works 20 or more hours a week for four consecutive weeks, the employer is required by law to offer a basic health insurance plan for 1.5 percent of the employee’s gross pay. I am writing this letter to go on the record to let all TGI readers know that restaurant owners islandwide are stomping on this law and on workers’ rights with impunity. Within the last month, I have been bullied by yet another business owner (with multiple locations) who demanded my signature on an official state document stating that my religion prevents me from seeing a doctor or taking medication, instead relying on only prayer and spirituality for my health.
This is the fourth time this tactic has been used against me. Upon my refusal to sign, my work hours were drastically reduced and, after my resignation, my final paycheck was withheld until a complaint to the state labor board. During this election season, is there a candidate who will step up against this injustice (Dylan Hooser perhaps)?
If a county worker or hotel employee was subjected to this type of discrimination, lawsuits would abound. I am sickened by “job creators” who break the law on the backs of their own employees to line their own pockets. Furthermore, I can think of few industries where the good health of workers is more important than food-service jobs. Let’s enforce laws already on the books and stand up for working people!
Shannon Jones
Kapaa
Swim went over just splashingly
The eighth annual Hanalei Bay Swim Challenge held July 26 was a screaming success. All the work that went into marketing the event early through our website, fliers, email campaigns and advertising really helped to generate a much broader interest in the swim. This year we emphasized early registration by capitalizing on our fabulous donation from the St. Regis Princeville and utilized Facebook to create an Internet buzz about our event. The financial support through donations from individuals as well as our rainbow, coral, aloha and ohana sponors increased as they have all taken notice that our swim is truly becoming a signature event.
Building on the three principles of promoting a healthy lifestyle, water safety and friendly competition through swimming, allowed us to attract more local keiki and adult residents in addition to a growing number of visitors. The slogan that Barbara and Dick Smith first created is as true today as it was at their first event: “It is the only race of its kind on Kauai.”
This year’s goal of 300 swimmers was surpassed, yet the check-in and registration on race day of over 80 new participants ran smoothly and without issue. This was the direct result of the organizational planning that had begun months earlier, which included meetings where the swim caps and T-shirts were bagged and marked for each swimmer. All the tents went up quickly on Friday evening following a layout that had been strategically planned with traffic patterns in mind. The breakdown of the tents and cleanup of the beach immediately followed the conclusion of the race with the same efficiency as the setup. Our Namolokama and Swim Challenge logo gear sales was the hot item of the day as even spectators were seen wearing the shirts up and down the beach.
Even though the swim had many moving elements each and every segment came off in a very timely manner. The “day of race” registration closed on time, the two keiki swims started as planned as well as both long distance races. The swimmers were able to receive their times within minutes of completing the race.
An event of this caliber simply could not have taken place without the help of our club members, their family and community volunteers. For those of you that made the time, offered your support and understood the kuleana to our Swim Challenge, your actions are much appreciated and will go a long way in preserving the culture of Hawaiian Outrigger Paddling and the future of the Namolokama Canoe Club.
Mahalo Nui Loa,
Kawika Dela Sierra, race director
Jim Costello, organization director
Gregg Kravitz, marketing director
