Coming Events

Advertiser Staff

BEST BETS

• State lawmakers will join the head of the Tax Foundation of Hawaii to "grade" the recently concluded legislative session at the annual "Legislative Report Card," sponsored by the Building Owners and Managers Association. What happened in the Legislature and how it affects business will be discussed and evaluated by a panel of guest speakers including Sens. Carol Fukunaga, Colleen Hanabusa, Donna Mercado Kim and Sam Slom; Rep. Galen Fox; and Lowell Kalapa, president of the Tax Foundation. The luncheon discussion is planned from 11:45 a.m., tomorrow in the Mauna Kea Ballroom of the Hawaii Prince Waikiki Hotel. Registration: 847-0143.

• An open house at the University of Hawai'i's downtown Pacific New Media state-of-the-art computer training facility will be offered noon to 3 p.m. Friday. The open house is designed to introduce the general public, business professionals, students and artists to the center's offerings such as screenwriting; film and video production; photography; digital media; and Web design. The center, in Suite 10 of Pioneer Plaza, 900 Fort St., was established to provide quality instruction and training in the fast-growing fields of film, video and digital media. The open house will offer an opportunity to check out the computer lab. Information: 586-3860.

TUESDAY

• "TAKING CHARGE," a free, live interactive broadcast featuring Mrs. Fields cookie founder Debbi Fields and focusing on some of the unique financial decisions women encounter, will be presented 12:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Edward Jones financial firm's offices in Suite 1080, Pacific Tower, 1001 Bishop St. (reservations: 533-4980); and 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at 320 Ward Ave., Suite 206. (reservations: 596-0076).

• The MINORITY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER OF HONOLULU will offer free weekly orientation sessions to minority business owners and prospective entrepreneurs. The sessions, scheduled 9 to 10:30 a.m. every Tuesday in the center's offices in Suite 2506 of the Executive Center, 1088 Bishop St., will offer advice on business startup, marketing plans, loans, employee handbooks and access to capital. Free. Reservations: 521-6221.

• A free COMPUTER BOOT CAMP is offered 3 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays to all small-business owners interested in using computer technology to improve and expand business operations and management. The program is sponsored by the Small Business Resource Center, in partnership with the Small Business Administration, the city Office of Economic Development, Hawai'i Small Business Development Center Network, Hawai'i Women's Business Center, and SCORE. The program is open to all clients of the center who have attended one of its orientations, offered 9 a.m. Tuesdays or 2 p.m. Thursdays at 1041-A Nu'uanu Ave. Attendees will have access to training videos and resource materials. Workshops and free counseling are also offered. Appointments: 522-8130.

THURSDAY

• Thursday is the reservations deadline for an upcoming discussion by new state labor director, Nelson Befitel, of changing priorities under his leadership. The presentation, "Balance the Needs of Labor and Industry, and Create Efficiencies to Streamline Efforts in Promoting Relations in Those Areas," is scheduled at the luncheon meeting May 21 of the local chapter of the INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS RESEARCH ASSOCIATION: from 11:30, at the Pakalana/Anthurium Rooms of the Ala Moana Hotel. Fee; nonmembers welcome. Reservations: Deborah Wong, 956-8132.

• The HONOLULU BUSINESS NETWORK, a networking opportunity for small-business owners and professionals, meets 12:01 to 1:15 p.m. Thursdays at Sansei Seafood Restaurant, Restaurant Row. Call: Tracy Nakashima, 525-6028.

FRIDAY

• Friday is the deadline to register for an upcoming workshop on the value to organizations and business of a concept called service learning: taking part in nonprofit programs and institutions that help people in need, tied to an educational or organizational curriculum. Participants in the discussion will include representatives of public service, and service learning programs, at Punahou School, the University of Hawai'i and Kapi'olani Community College. The discussion on "Service learning: What's In it for me?" sponsored by the Network of Volunteer Leaders, will be held noon to 1:30 p.m. May 21 at Chaminade University, in Eiben Hall of the Ching Conference Center. R.S.V.P. by Friday: Pauline Kawamata, 955-0100, #18.

• Friday is also the early (reduced fee) reservations deadline for an upcoming discussion by new director of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, Ted Liu, on how the state will follow through on promises to streamline procedures through business and tax regulatory reforms, and to better market local business opportunities. The discussion, "BRANDING HAWAI'I?" sponsored by the Hawaii Society of Corporate Planners, will be held from 11:30 a.m. sign-in, to 1:30 p.m., May 22 in the Mauna Kea Ballroom of the Hawaii Prince Waikiki Hotel. Fee; guests welcome. Information: 537-2356.

• Learning how to accurately and thoroughly screen prospective tenants and employees — including how to weed out terrorists and fugitives — will be the focus of an upcoming half-day seminar, sponsored by the Institute of Real Estate management, Hawai'i chapter. The program, 8 a.m. to noon May 21 in the Hibiscus Ballroom of the Ala Moana Hotel, will feature Robyn Guidara, director of training and development for First American Registry-Safe Rent, an information provider specializing in applicant screening. The session is especially intended for property managers, leasing agents, owners, and credit and collection personnel. Fee; nonmembers welcome. R.S.V.P. by Friday: 733-7060, #119.

SATURDAY

• "SPEND LESS TO BE DEBTLESS," a free, public financial education session on practical everyday tips on saving money, will be presented by the Hawaii State Federal Credit Union, 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday at its main branch in the fourth-floor multipurpose room at 560 Halekauwila St.

Also scheduled is a 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. session, "DON'T GET BURIED BY FUNERAL COSTS," at the same location. Registration: 587-2700.

• A "BASIC INVESTING" seminar will be offered by the Edward Jones financial firm 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 24 and 31, in Suite 304 at 1360 S. Beretania St.. Reservations: 543-6034. Also scheduled by Edward Jones today is a free workshop on LONG-TERM CARE AND RETIREMENT PLANNING, 10 to 11 a.m. in Suite 106 at Keolu Shopping Center, 1090 Keolu Drive. Reservations: 263-4784.

Business meetings of general interest are listed in the "Coming Events" column each Monday. Submit notices at least two weeks in advance. By fax: 525-6763. By mail: Coming Events, Business Section, The Honolulu Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802. By e-mail: business@honoluluadvertiser.com.