A Conservative Estimate reflects Rick Hamada’s views on social and political issues facing the state of Hawaii, and the nation. Rick Hamada is the host of Hawaii's morning drive talk show, "The Rick Hamada Program" on News Radio 830 KHVH, a Clear Channel station.
Below are the last 10 columns written by Rick Hamada
The Class Act Of Ed McMahon
Wednesday - July 01, 2009
By Rick Hamada
I asked for one Christmas present a couple of years ago and my mom obliged.
Furloughs: The Guv vs. Dems And Unions
Wednesday - June 24, 2009
By Rick Hamada
The dust-up between the Lingle administration and organized labor is no big surprise.
Cycle Helmets, Rail And A Lincoln Note
Wednesday - June 17, 2009
By Rick Hamada
Despite a spate of fatal motorcycle accidents, we should not succumb to the knee-jerk reaction to mandate riders wear helmets. Not only should it be a personal choice to wear or not wear a helmet, but the headwear can serve as an impediment to some riders.
Read Column>>Lingle, The Budget, Spending And Family
Wednesday - June 10, 2009
By Rick Hamada
Gov. Linda Lingle demonstrated precise and responsible leadership with her recent announcement of state employee furloughs to battle an unprecedented budget crisis.
Tourism’s Future: Economic Issue
Wednesday - June 03, 2009
By Rick Hamada
There is no denying that tourism is our state’s No. 1 industry. We all know that. But what we don’t know is how to extricate ourselves from the downward spiral we find ourselves in. I won’t belabor the point by citing the supporting statistical data that painfully shows just how bad things are.
Read Column>>The Budget, Tax And More Taxes
Wednesday - May 20, 2009
By Rick Hamada
The recently completed legislative session will be known for emotional debate on social issues, political gamesmanship and unequivocal support for government unions. Oh, by the way, we’re mired in the worst economic situation we’ve seen in ages and your lawmakers increased taxes and fees.
Read Column>>Legislature Is Coming For Your Wallet Again
Wednesday - May 13, 2009
By Rick Hamada
Senate President Colleen Hanabusa and state Sen. Sam Slom may not agree on everything, but they do represent an ideal to which the rest of our local government should aspire.
Tourism Tax Will Hurt More Than Swine Flu
Wednesday - May 06, 2009
By Rick Hamada
The 2 percent increase of the Transient Accommodations Tax by the Democratic-controlled Legislature is one of the most reckless and inexplicable moves in recent history.
A Run On Guns, Congrats Miss CA
Wednesday - April 29, 2009
By Rick Hamada
A recent report on the upswing of gun sales in Hawaii may contain some alarming statistics. According to the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, there were 16,641 gun registrations in 2008, reflecting a 23 percent increase from the year before.
Rallying Against Overtaxation
Wednesday - April 22, 2009
By Rick Hamada
I wish I could say that recent tax protests around the nation and here in Hawaii will signal a definitive change in the way our government views taxing and spending. But as noble an effort as we have seen, the arrogance of the Democrat majority at the federal and state levels will not be assuaged by the voices of outrage and discontent.
