Government is out to drain taxpayers’ cups and wallets

If you have a sweet tooth or you’re Scott Caan, you’re in trouble as we "flASHback" on the week’s news that amused and confused:

» Gov. Neil Abercrombie proposed a penny-per-ounce tax to consume sugared beverages, on top of the state’s 4 percent excise tax to buy the drinks and 1.5-cent fee to dispose of the cans. Next he wants a cut of the city’s sewer fees that tax us to shishi it out.

» Abercrombie is also pushing higher taxes on hotel rooms, land transfers and shopping bags, while legislators have proposed a bevy of gambling bills to generate tax revenue for the state. It’s what passes for competing ideas in our Capitol: taxes on gambling or gambling on taxes.

» Abercrombie’s budget director said the state doesn’t really need a 2 percent hotel room tax increase to balance this year’s budget, but the governor asked for it anyway to start a conversation. This sounds like a conversation best had with Ronaiah Tuiasosopo.

» State Senate President Donna Mercado Kimrestored daily prayers that were stopped in the Senatebecause of objections from atheists. To avoid separation of church and state issues, senators will hear prayers from lobbyists instead of clergy.

» Sen. Sam Slom, the only Republican in the upper chamber, countered Democratic gun control measures with a bill to allow people to openly carry firearms and use high-capacity ammo magazines. When you’re one against 24, going Rambo is the only viable option.

» Despite a disastrous 2012 general election that leftthousands of voters standing in line without ballots, the state Elections Commission said no staff will be fired or otherwise punished. That’s our state government: Not good enough is good enough.

» The Hawaii State Teachers Association doesn’t want student feedback or test scores included in evaluations that determine teacher pay. Teachers want to be graded on how much their union contributes to political campaigns.

» Congratulations to local actor and singer Jim Nabors, 82, who announced he got married in Seattle to longtime partner Stan Cadwallader. If you’re going to serve a life sentence, 82 is a fine age to start.

» NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who was unhappy with the poor play in previous Pro Bowls, commended his players for harder hitting this year. Unfortunately, it was in a bar before the game.

And the quote of the week … from "Hawaii Five-0" actor Scott Caan on his negative talk show comments about Hawaii: "Jokes are always a part of late-night talk shows, but I’m horrified if I hurt or offended anyone, as that was not my intention. I love Hawaii, I love the people of Hawaii and I apologize." Save those lines for when Wo Fat kills him off in the season finale.

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Reach David Shapiro at volcanicash@gmail.com or blog.volcanicash.net.