Carroll talks about ethics and  nepotism in city and state government, and Governor Abercrombie's image and status in the State of Hawaii.

Have you seen the paintball facility at the end of the airport viaduct at Dillingham and Nimitz Highway?  Not only is it an eyesore, the person who leases the property, former Governor Ben Cayatano's son Brandon Cayatano,  has been delinquent in his lease payments for many years.  In 2007 he even wrote his excuses to the state on letterhead from Washington Place!  Brandon pays late,  bounces checks, gives excuses, and begs for forgiveness over and over again.   He is still allowed to lease state property even though other leases have been threatened for much less.    Is he getting special treatment?

Carroll gives several other examples of how nepotism and friendship works, including:   

Lt. Governor Brian Shatz's brother, Stephen, was appointed to head up  the Office of Strategic Reform and the "Race to the Top" program. The position was not competively filled, so, how do we know we have the right person?   Even though it received one of a few federal grants, so far the program is not working.   For example, it has not been redesigned to fit acceptable criteria including teacher evaluations based on student's progress. 

State Representative John Mizuno's wife was hired to run his state office.  Although the  state senate has laws against nepotism in its offices, our state representatives have proposed, but not passed similar ethics laws.   So, Mizuno is not doing anything wrong, but it sure appears to be unethical to the public.  

Calvin Say, Chairman of  our state representives and one of those responsible for the lack of ethic laws,  has filed an ammendment to his financial disclosure statement. 

Other examples are also provided.  Since our legislators can't seem to regulate themselves, Let's talk to them about passing laws they can follow.