FCC finally looks into Hee’s firm

It’s better late than never. The Federal Communications Commission has launched an investigation into the finances of Sandwich Isles Communications and its parent company, Waimana Enterprises, following the tax fraud conviction of its founder, Albert Hee.

And Hawaii’s consumer advocate, Jeff Ono, has recommended that the state Public Utilities Commission delay ruling on whether to recertify Sandwich Isles and Pa Makani, an affliate. Recertification is required in order to receive federal subsidies — $242 million of which has been funneled to Sandwich Isles since 2003. The deadline for certfying Sandwich Isles is Oct. 1.

The FCC in 2013 slashed the subsidies of Sandwich Isles, which provides telecommunications service to Hawaiian Homelands, when it concluded some of the company’s expenses were “grossly excessive and unreasonable.” However, it was the Internal Revenue Service that brought to light Hee’s failure to report as income millions of dollars that he used from Waimana for personal expenses, including $92,000 for massages.

Nature wins on Ka Iwi Coast

Congratulations to conservationists who won a 40-year battle to protect the Ka Iwi Coast by raising $500,000 needed to complete a $4 million deal to purchase two parcels totaling 182 acres. The purchase ensures that no development will take place along the land between Hawaii Kai Golf Course and Makapuu as well as 7 miles of coastline from Portlock to Waimanalo, including the Ka Iwi Scenic Shoreline. An impressive feat, indeed.