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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Thursday, June 19, 2008

BUSINESS BRIEFS
Isles' 'lawsuit climate' ranked 45th

Advertiser Staff

Hawai'i ranked near the bottom in a survey in which attorneys were asked to rank all the states on their "lawsuit climates."

According to Lawsuit Climate 2008, Hawai'i got an overall score of 51.5 and ranked 45th on the list. That compares with a ranking of 42nd in 2007 and 46th in 2006.

The state's lowest ranking was for judges' competence, where it ranked 46th. And its best measure was for juries' predictability, with a ranking of 35th.

About 950 senior attorneys were surveyed by phone from Dec. 18 to March 19 by Harris Interactive Inc., on behalf of the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform.


UPW OKS RANDOM DRUG TESTING

The United Public Workers union and Kaua'i County officials have signed an agreement that will allow random alcohol and controlled-substance testing of UPW workers.

The agreement will permit the county to conduct "random and reasonable-suspicion" alcohol and drug testing of about 300 UPW workers on the island. Under a previous agreement between the union and county, only employees with commercial driver's licenses were subject to federal laws regarding drug testing.

In April 2007, nearly 95 percent of UPW's membership statewide voted in favor of implementing a drug-testing program. Each county was responsible for developing its own supplemental program.

Kaua'i County spokesman Gary Heu praised the union for its "willingness to help keep the county's work environment safe and drug free."

Dayton Nakanelua, UPW state director, said the agreement "reflects the concern of our members for workplace safety and helping those with alcohol and drug problems."

Training sessions are planned to inform employees about the provisions of the agreement and procedures that will be used in the program.


CANADIAN CONSUL TO SPEAK ON TRADE

Canadian Consul General Marc LePage will talk about U.S.-Canada trade opportunities at a Hawai'i Global Links Forum next month sponsored by the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, in partnership with the Pacific and Asian Affairs Council.

The forum will run from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. July 1 in the first- floor conference room of the Hawai'i State Art Museum. LePage will present an overview of the Canadian economy and discuss trade relations between Canada and Hawai'i.

"Canada has become an increasingly important visitor segment for Hawai'i, and significant trade opportunities have opened up between Hawai'i and Canada, especially with the strengthening of the Canadian dollar," said DBEDT Director Theodore E. Liu. "Hawai'i business interests should take a hard look at the opportunities in Canada."


TRAVEL ASSOCIATION FORUM IS JULY 2

Development of Hawai'i's visitor industry workforce will be discussed at a meeting of the Pacific Asia Travel Association Hawai'i Chapter from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. July 2 at the Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki.

The group says a qualified and skilled workforce is key as the industry prepares for an influx of visitors from China and South Korea.

Cost per person is $35 for PATA members and $40 for guests or nonmembers. Reservations are being accepted at procom@hawaii.rr.com or at 621-2482, ext. 3. Deadline for reservations is June 27.