FEATURE
CArloTA Ader: The pulse of hAWAii filipino ChroniCle
OPEN FORUM
iT’s TiMe To GeT serious ABouT MAkinG hAWAii AffordABle DECEMBER 7, 2024
AS I SEE IT JessiCA CAlozA: i WAnT The VoiCe of My CoMMuniTy To Be heArd
PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
The World Cries, hope AnsWers
Publisher & Executive Editor
In the recent “Hawaii Affordability Survey” researchers found a starting 70% of 1,500 local workers interviewed are either planning to move away or considering it. Just last year alone, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, Hawaii had a net loss of almost 4,300 people -- our friends, family and neighbors. Cumulatively over decades, we’re looking at tens of thousands of Hawaii residents who’ve already left the state. The reason for many of them leaving has to do with the high cost of living.
In 2024, adding to Hawaii’s inflation woes -- which is higher here than in most parts of the mainland -- is the skyrocketing homeowner’s insurance that has risen by 50% for many single-family homes and as high as over 1,000% for some condos and townhouses. This came as a surprise for many Hawaii property owners who found themselves sticker shocked over their newly adjusted bills.
Remember, this is not an option to carry homeowner insurance or not to purchase it. Anyone with a mortgage requires that homeowners carry adequate property insurance to cover the value of their home to be rebuilt in the case of a fire or other disaster.
In the case of condo and townhouse owners, the situation is more dire because insurers of their buildings have raised rates so high that some buildings are not able to afford 100% coverage. Building associations have been forced to raise their association-maintenance fees to close the gap in the buildings newly adjusted insurance rates. Therefore, condo-townhouse owners have been hard hit with sudden fee hikes anywhere from a few additional hundreds to over a thousand dollars per month. Yes, that’s per month. Tens of thousands of Hawaii residents living on a fixed budget find themselves unable to absorb such prices. Some are planning to sell and move off the island. Others need to take out personal loans.
Over the past year, Hawaii condo associations have seen one-year premium increases of 300% to 600%, which is four to seven times the previous cost, says Elaine Panlilio, AOAO Group Unit manager at Atlas Insurance Agency. A few buildings are looking at increases of 10 to 14 times the amount of the previous year’s bill.
Only three insurers are offering master policies for condominiums, which cover often limited coverage, which means in addition to raised association-maintenance fees, some condo owners must purchase additional insurance to meet mortgage requirements, or their condo association must purchase additional insurance to close the gap, in what’s called surplus lines of insurance, which tends to be higher than the master policy premiums.
Realizing the widespread problem, Gov Josh Green and the State Legislature proposed to restart the state-managed Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund and expand it to allow condos to get coverage, but House Bill 2686 failed to make it out of conference committee in the last days of the session.
The state must also contend with the risk of insurers pulling out of Hawaii. In preparation for a potential decline in
on page 2)
Real estate is always a topic of great interest in Hawaii. When is the best time to buy or sell, how expensive are homes and condos and what is the current interest rate – are some of the common questions locals and investors want to know.
For our cover story this issue, associate editor Edwin Quinabo reports on all these areas, as well as the homeowner’s insurance and maintenance fee crisis. Property owners, particularly Hawaii residents of condos and townhouses, have seen skyrocket hikes in their association’s maintenance fees due to their building’s insurance rising cost. Many have reported rates going from about $500 a month to a whopping $1,000, which poses great financial strain as Hawaii is already an expensive place to live. Real estate experts say there is widespread concern among Hawaii homeowners and lenders over this new development which could increasingly impact the local real estate market. A few Filipino experts in real estate chime in on the current real estate market as well as the homeowner’s insurance hike crisis.
Related to the high cost of living in Hawaii, we have an Open Forum by Keli’I Akina “It’s Time to Get Serious About Making Hawaii Affordable,” in which he goes over the “Hawai‘i Affordability Survey.” Some of the findings are disturbing, including that 70% of 1,500 local workers interviewed are either planning to move away or considering it.
And one of those destinations is the state of California, which brings us to a feature of Jessica Caloza, the first Filipino elected to California’s 52nd Assembly (which is their State Legislature) this past General Election. HFC columnist Elpidio Estioko interviewed the California representative whose district has over half a million people (equivalent to about half of Oahu) spread out over several Los Angeles neighborhoods. Congratulations to Jessica Caloza.
For our feature this issue, HFC editorial assistant Jim Bea Sampaga interviewed Carlota Ader, a long-time columnist of the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle whose columns have included the popular Community Parade and Chronicle Pulse. She’s also interviewed many Philippines dignitaries. “Being with the Chronicle has really enriched my life. It’s been a pleasure to meet people from all walks of life and backgrounds these past 31 years. Not only am I knowledgeable but also a better person,” Ader said
Also in this issue, HFC columnist Dr. Arcelita Imasa contributes “Hawai’i Workers and the Community Had a Lot to Celebrate this Year!” HFC columnist Rose Cruz Churma does a book review on “Lost Graves, Found Lives.” We hope you enjoy these as well as our other columns and news.
Lastly, this week marked the First Advent of Four marking the arrival of Jesus Christ. The Christmas season has officially begun. We wish you all a joyous holiday season. Remember for your convenience, HFC can be accessed for free on our website. For your advertising needs, contact us at: filipinochronicle@gmail.com. Until the next issue, Aloha and Mabuhay!
Charlie Y. Sonido, M.D.
Publisher & Managing Editor
Chona A. Montesines-Sonido
Associate Editors
Edwin QuinaboDennis Galolo
Contributing
Editor
Belinda Aquino, Ph.D.
Design Junggoi Peralta
Photography
Tim Llena
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Lilia Capalad
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Jim Bea Sampaga
Columnists
Carlota Hufana Ader
Rose Cruz Churma
Elpidio R. Estioko
Willie Espero
Emil Guillermo
Gary Hooser
Arcelita Imasa, M.D.
Seneca Moraleda-Puguan
J.P. Orias
Charlie Sonido, M.D.
Emmanuel S. Tipon, Esq.
Contributing Writers
Clement Bautista
Edna Bautista, Ed.D.
Teresita Bernales, Ed.D.
Sheryll Bonilla, Esq.
Dr. Dylan Bothamley
Serafin Colmenares Jr., Ph.D.
Linda Dela Cruz
Carolyn Weygan-Hildebrand
Amelia Jacang, M.D.
Caroline Julian
Max Levin
Raymond Ll. Liongson, Ph.D.
Federico Magdalena, Ph.D.
Matthew Mettias
Maita Millalos
Paul Melvin Palalay, M.D.
Renelaine Bontol-Pfister
Seneca Moraleda-Puguan
Jay Valdez, Psy.D.
Amado Yoro
Philippine Correspondent:
Greg Garcia
Neighbor Island Correspondents:
Big Island (Hilo and Kona)
Grace LarsonDitas Udani
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Maui
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Chona A. Montesines-Sonido
Account Executives
Carlota Hufana Ader
JP Orias
President-elect Donald Trump during his election bid vowed to cap credit card intertest rates at around 10%. Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders and Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren have said they support Trump’s proposal and are ready to work with him.
“While working Americans catch up, we’re going to put a temporary cap on credit card interest rates. We’re going to cap it at around 10%. We can’t let them make 25 and 30%,” Trump said.
Sanders, a long-time advocate for financial reform, said he also wants to cap credit card interest rates at 10%, a measure he argues is long overdue to protect consumers from predatory lending practices.
Warren, who is well-position to work on Trump’s proposal as the incoming top Democrat on the Senate Banking Committee, told reporters she sees this as an opportunity to work with Trump. “Bring it on,” she said.
Trump’s administration, according to insiders, is reportedly open to work with Sanders as part of a broader effort to address economic
the availability of insurance within the Hawaii market, discussions are ongoing to expand the Hawaii Property Insurance Association (HPIA) and its capacity to take on new business. The Hawaii Insurance Division also continues to actively work with insurers to maintain availability of coverage and affordable options in compliance with statutory mandates.
Nationally, the reinsurance market has already been going up the past several years, but the situation has been exacerbated in part due to the Lahaina wildfires that has insurers reevaluating their risk exposure and affordability to offer coverage. Some insurers have already stopped offering coverage and others hiked their rates.
Experts in the insurance industry are already saying the elevated rates will be here to stay as long as risk
grievances among workingand middle-class voters.
Trump: make good on your campaign promise, it could save Americans thousands each year
Trump’s proposal is much welcomed to millions of Americans who are struggling to make payments on high credit card interest rates. Americans are holding Trump on his words and expecting that he makes good on his proposal, and that it doesn’t just end up in the dustbin of election empty-promises.
Trump ran on a populist platform to help raise some of the economic burdens and grievances among working- and middle-class voters. Keeping this campaign promise will show how sincere he is to this sector of Americans who voted for him.
Take a look at how this could help: the average American has racked up $6,500 in credit card debt, according to Experian data from the third quarter of last year. This means they’re paying $116 a month in interest rate payments at May’s average rate of 21.5%. But if interest rates were capped at 10%, they’d pay $54 a month in interest rate payments.
remains. In other words, for rates to go back down, there cannot be catastrophic disasters like the Lahaina wildfires happening for a while. The Maui wildfires caused an estimated $5.5 billion in damage to Lahaina and Kula. But even in the absence of weather-related calamities in Hawaii, this might not be enough for rates to come back down because climate-related disasters are occurring throughout the U.S. impacting the cost of insurance nationally.
The global reinsurance market experienced over $100 billion in losses for the fourth consecutive year in a row, and due to the increase in worldwide climate events, reinsurance rates nationwide have increased as much as 50 percent per year in recent years, and these increased costs have largely been passed on to policyholders.
For millions of Americans, a 10% cap on credit card interest rate could translate to thousands of dollars in savings each year, which could be bigger than any tax break or tax credit the government offers – this is how monumental this proposal is, if passed. And it doesn’t cost the government a single cent.
Credit card debt is a widespread problem in the U.S. that often can lead to poor credit scores and even bankruptcy. Typically, people complain of high interest rates that can hover as high as 30%. The average credit card interest rate is 21.51% as of May 2024, according to the Federal Reserve.
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York reported a $27 billion surge in credit card balances in the second quarter of 2024, pushing the total outstanding balance to $1.14 trillion.
It’s a big business for banks. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau estimates that, each year, Americans pay a whopping $120 billion in credit card interest and fees.
For those underestimating the effects of climate change, clearly, we see it to be a massive problem that not only hurts the communities devasted by natural disasters, but in this case, property owners, as well as renters who also could see rental hikes due to rising insurance costs.
It is a troubling situation for many who already struggle to keep up with the state’s high cost of living. The insurance hikes are a crisis that we’re only seeing unfold in the beginning stages. How will it impact the local real estate market? How will it influence more Hawaii workers to leave the state, and thus, the Hawaii economy itself?
The Hawaii State Legislature must revisit this issue in 2025 and make finding alternative solutions a priority.
While its clear how Americans clearly stand to benefit from an interest rate reduction, banks are already spinning the proposal as an impossible feat to pass Congress, that it could not pass legal muster or that it is counterproductive and could hurt lower income Americans.
Peter Schiff, chief economist and global strategist at Euro Pacific Asset Management, warned that the 10% interest rate cap would “destroy the entire industry.” “Trump just proposed his own version of price controls… Millions of Americans would lose their credit cards,” Schiff wrote on X.
“Government-imposed price controls on credit card interest rates would harm all cardholders, especially the lowest income Americans who these measures are intended to help,” an insider from the Consumer Banking Association told the New York Post. “This will result in credit cards only being given to consumers who have high income and credit scores who post little risk to card issuers.”
While data shows credit is getting harder to come by, there is no direct correlation of it being linked to interest rates and it’s doubtful that banks will want to lose any business because there is little added risk for banks to
offer lower interest rates than their current rates. Furthermore, consumer advocates say that banks are making billions in profits each year and lowering interest rates will only cut into how much profit they would be making annually and not result in losses.
It’s smoke and mirrors –this argument against lowering interest rates to 10%. Americans are tired of exploitation and unfairness by major financial institutions that will charge high interest rates off credit card draws then at the same time, hand out super low interest rates on savings deposits, of which they use Americans’ money to make investments.
If enacted, a 10% cap on credit card interest rates would represent one of the most significant consumer protection measures in recent history. It would also be a victory for bipartisanship in Congress. The hope is that Trump will have the desire and fortitude to pressure conservatives within his own party to go against the Bank lobby that’s against this proposal. This same challenge applies to Sen Warren to rally Democrats to come on board.
This is a rare opportunity for these leaders, as well as both political parties and independents, to side with the American people. Call your congressional representatives and say that you support a 10% cap on credit card interest rates.
By Edwin Quinabo
Whether you’re an investor, first-time buyer or bought and sold real estate for the tenth time, the process of buying or selling real estate comes with stress and uncertainty. Anticipating when stubbornly high mortgage rates will come down and guessing when available inventory in the real estate market will peak are answers all buyers want to know. But interest rates are still hovering on the higher side close to 7% and inventory in Hawaii experienced only a marginal uptick, some areas better than others.
These conditions in Hawaii’s real estate market rendered flat and steady changes from the previous year, experts say. Navigating through the rest of the year and at least through the first quarter of 2025, could be more of the same as mortgage rates are expected to be choppy. Real estate analysts say the real estate market is still settling in from the disruptions caused by the pandemic. However, in 2025 there should be a slow but modest pace of homes sales rising, according to Zillow.
Changes in the real estate market will depend on economic factors such as a strong economy and employment changes that could impact both buyer’s confidence and ability to make purchases, expert say. There is consensus, however, that the limited land availability in Hawaii makes it unique and will keep demand robust so that any chance for a dramatic drop or market crash is low regardless of any potential economic downturns ahead.
In the latest data of October 2024 from the Honolulu Board of Realtors, the median price for single-family homes remained unchanged at $1.1 million from the previous year; condominium prices climbed slightly to 1.9% to $525,000 from the same time in 2023. Sales for single-family homes and condos have gone up. There were 791 single-family homes and 2,035 condos available for sale at the end of
October, an increase of 20 percent and 50 percent, respectively, from last year.
“With an uptick in sales across both single-family homes and condos, coupled with stable median prices, O‘ahu’s housing market shows resilience entering the fourth quarter,” Honolulu Board of Realtors President Fran Gendrano said. “With increased inventory and new listings, prospective buyers have more flexibility to find the home that best fits their needs.”
Such conditions could be characterized as a buyer’s market.
To buy or sell now versus next year
Chona Montesines-Sonido, Real Estate Agent, Ilar Homes LLC, said “If you have a significant amount of cash or are cash-rich, now could be a good time to invest in real estate, as prices have decreased or remained stable, depending in the area of interest. Currently, it is still a buyers’ market. Interest rates are holding steady on the higher side, which may not be attractive to homebuyers. This rate is relatively high, especially for investors who need to finance a large portion of the property’s price through loans from financial institutions. I recommend waiting until next year to see if interest rates have decreased for firsttime homebuyers who may need more for a down payment.”
According to Locations Market Report October 2024, there are signs of moving to a seller’s market territory. “The median Days on Market in October was 17 days for homes and 26 days for condos. Market times were shorter compared to a month ago, in contrast to the typical trend. Also, competitive pressures continued in October 2024, with one in three single-family homes and one in five condos sold were bid-up over the asking price—a 7-month high for condos and a 13-month high for homes.”
Experts say to get a more precise assessment, prospective buyers and sellers should look at inventory and prices by neighborhood. For example,
parts of Honolulu might be a buyer’s market with lower prices and larger inventory, but other parts of Oahu could be a seller’s market with higher prices and less inventory.
For example, in the same Locations report it showed mixed results, “At the local market level, most single-family home markets in town have seen price increases of around 5% over the past 12 months. Notably, home prices in the Hawaii Kai and Manoa markets rose by 12 percent and 10 percent, respectively, while prices remained flat in the Waialae-Kahala and Kaimuki markets. Home prices were also up 9% in Pearl City-Aiea, but have fallen in outlying markets, down 2% in the North Shore and Makakilo markets, and down 1% in Leeward Oahu.
“Condo prices have been mostly flat in west and central Honolulu, with the exception of the Ala Moana-Kakaako and Waikiki markets, up 10% and 5%, respectively, over the past 12 months. The Kailua and Kaneohe condo markets also saw price increases of 5-6%. Condo prices dropped by 6% in Leeward Oahu, and 3-5% in East Honolulu, stretching from Kapiolani to Hawaii Kai,” the report said.
Roland Casamina, President and CEO of House of Finance, Inc., said “I always tell clients if you find a house you really like, then offer to buy, don’t wait because the property may not be there. If the interest rates are too high for now, you can always refinance later
(continue
(Hawaii Real Estate ....from page 4) to a lower rate, if the interest rates go down.” He adds, “The advantage if you wait to close at in 2025 versus closing your purchase at the end of 2024 is the tax deduction: a) the “points”- or the loan origination fee when you closed the loan; b) the property tax, and c) the interest paid till the end of the 2024.”
Is it a good time to sell your property? Casamina said, “It seems the properties are not moving as fast. Therefore, selling the properties now would make sense. Unless there are capital gain considerations it may be better to wait till 2025 versus closing now. Paying later is always better. Consulting with your tax preparer would be best to determine your options. Also, your realtor would know if this option were even available to you.”
Montesines-Sonido said, “Motivated sellers who are eager to sell their property can still successfully close a sale before the end of the year. To increase their chances, sellers should consider offering incentives or concessions to attract potential buyers. If they are unwilling to provide these incentives, they will need to set a fair asking price, lower it, or propose an irresistible deal to entice buyers.”
John Gephart, residential broker/The Park on Keeaumoku Sales Consultant at Coldwell
2024 saw the price of insurance in Hawaii rising to skyrocketing rates due to global disasters, including the recent Maui wildfires. Rates for hurricane insurance and regular homeowner policies in Hawaii were already on the rise as insurers had to pay more in the global reinsurance market, but with the Maui wildfire last summer, some companies say they are having to charge more because of greater exposure and that Hawaii is now seen as a wildfire state, at least temporarily.
The Hawaii Condominium Associations say
Banker Realty, said “typically, there are less buyers in December due to the holidays, so there is less competition. A lot of buyers decide to wait until after the new year, so you may find yourself competing with other buyers for a desirable home. Is it a buyers’ market? In some cases, like condominiums and townhomes, yes. If you are looking for a single-family home that is move-in ready in a good neighborhood, it is still a seller’s market, and you may find yourself competing for the home with 2-3 other buyers.”
He adds, “Thankfully in Hawaii we are not affected by the winter season, so there is never a ‘bad’ time to sell. There may be fewer buyers out there, but if you list your property in December and it is priced right, you will be able to sell it. Regarding if it is a sellers’ market, the answer is yes and no depending on what type of property it is (single family or condo), where it is located (neighborhood), and condition.”
Judith V Ilar of Ilar Homes LLC believes there is no good time or bad time to make a real estate transaction. “If the buyer has the means to purchase and can comfortably make the monthly payments, then I don’t see any reason why they should not transact.”
Chief Sales Officer for Locations
Chad Takesue said, “The Oahu real estate market saw strong sales activity in October 2024, bucking typical seasonal trends. Both home and con-
the price of master insurance policies increased by 300% or more in one year, some buildings seeing premiums increase by as high as 9001,300%.
As a result, some buildings associations have been forced to raise their maintenance fees by hundreds of dollars that have some unit owners in a financial bind which could lead to some of them needing to sell.
To worsen matters, some condo associations are now carrying master insurance policies that provide less than 100% replacement coverage, not enough funds to rebuild, which means individual unit owners must purchase additional insurance on their own if they carry a mortgage. Lenders require that
“If you have a significant amount of cash or are cash-rich, now could be a good time to invest in real estate, as prices have decreased or remained stable, depending in the area of interest. Currently, it is still a buyers’ market. Interest rates are holding steady on the higher side, which may not be attractive to homebuyers. This rate is relatively high, especially for investors who need to finance a large portion of the property’s price through loans from financial institutions. I recommend waiting until next year to see if interest rates have decreased for first-time homebuyers who may need more for a down payment. Motivated sellers who are eager to sell their property can still successfully close a sale before the end of the year. To increase their chances, sellers should consider offering incentives or concessions to attract potential buyers. If they are unwilling to provide these incentives, they will need to set a fair asking price, lower it, or propose an irresistible deal to entice buyers.”
– Chona Montesines-Sonido Real Estate Agent, Ilar.Homes LLC
do sales increased month-over-month and yearover-year, while market times dropped from the previous month and the percentage of sales bid up over the asking price rose to a 13-month high for homes.” He adds, “heading into the end of the year, we expect to see continued strong demand; however, we’ll be watching the market’s reactions to the larger economic and geopolitical climate.”
their mortgage holders have enough homeowner’s insurance to pay for a complete rebuild of your home in the event of a fire, storm, or other covered damage. For new buyers, this is an additional cost to even get a loan in the first place.
Mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, both of which purchase mortgages from banks and other lenders, require coverage of 100% of a building’s insurable value, which is why many banks won’t lend on units with less than 100% coverage.
Casamina said, “If a condo project does not have replacement costs, many lenders do not lend on the project. Because FNMA/ FHLMC do not purchase the loans. Those lenders who lend on it would
want a much larger down payment and higher interest rate.”
Sue Savio, president of Insurance Associates in Honolulu, said it’s creating a domino effect with condo owners, buyers, sellers and lenders all feeling the impact.
“It’s financially a serious concern,” says Savio, who estimates about 400 buildings are carrying less than 100% coverage. “I think it’s probably worse than ever.”
Experts say this situation could last for years and it could deepen its impact on Hawaii’s real estate market.
Mortgage experts anticipate home sales to drop in those 400 buildings not carrying 100% replacement coverage. This could lessen the pool of potential buyers in the condo and townhouse market.
This past legislative session, the Hawaii Legislature attempted to bring relief to the condo insurance problem with a bill that aimed to revive the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund that would allow condos to get coverage. But that bill failed to pass in the last days of the session. It is likely to be brought up again in 2025.
Richard Asuncion and his wife Mely, Pearl City, said his children have moved to the mainland and they already have families there. Richard and Kelly have been thinking about downsizing, selling their home to move into a condo in town. “When I’ve been reading that condo and townhouse owners are be-
By Will Espero
he race for president of the United States has ended, and Donald Trump has won with a majority of the popular vote. He claims to have a mandate, but honestly, our country is more or less split 50/50 on the choice to govern us.
TIt was a tough, brutal campaign on both sides with enormous sums of money involved, name-calling, celebrities, dark rhetoric, and a billionaire or two actively involved.
I was surprised by the results, but upon post-election evaluation, Kamala Harris had an uphill climb despite the excitement and enthusiasm her candidacy brought to the Democratic Party.
Had President Biden decided not to run for a
second term, a spirited primary to select the Democratic nominee for president would have been intense and engaging. What we ended with was a shortened time frame to fully convince the voters of their choices.
The way Biden was forced out after a terrible debate against Trump left the Democratic party handicapped with about 100 days to campaign compared to Trump who had been campaigning for years. Massive donations were raised by the Harris/Walz team, but it wasn’t enough to stop the red wave that hit many battleground states.
Trump won, and in a White House meeting, Biden assured Trump of a non-violent smooth transition of power, something Trump failed to do when he lost to Biden in 2020. The contrast is remarkable.
Trump wasted no time in creating controversy with several questionable
1. Position : DRIVER
2. Duties
• Assist the Consul General in Honolulu with diplomatic, consular, and other official duties.
• Operate mission vehicles safely and in compliance with local law and regulations regarding vehicle maintenance and operation.
• Perform routine maintenance on mission vehicles.
• Keep the mission vehicles neat and clean.
• Undertake additional tasks as directed by the Consulate General Office.
3. Qualifications
• Eligible to work in the United States (U.S. Citizen / Green Card Holder)
• Driving experience in the U.S., preferably in Hawaii
• Proficiency in English
4. Employment Benefits
• Wage: $2,500 per month. (Monthly Gross Income)
• Additional overtime pay will be provided for commuting support to and from the Consul General’s residence. (90 minutes per day, equivalent to $800 per month)
• Bonus: Equivalent to one month’s basic pay, awarded annually.
• Medical insurance with employer portion of 98.5% (employee portion will be 1.5%)
picks to be in his cabinet choosing loyalty over qualifications. Matt Gaetz was a lightning rod and the laser focus on him brought a swell of chaos and opposition due to a House Ethics report about compromising sexual exploits and unfavorable actions.
Gaetz has since stepped away from the attorney general appointment, and I can’t help but wonder if it was all a show or set-up to hide the damaging ethics report from the general public.
Gaetz can still work for Trump in a position that does not need Senate approval, and I guess this is what might happen.
• Holidays : Every Sat, Sun / Korean National Holiday (4 days a year) / U.S. Federal Holidays
• Severance Pay : Employee who has successfully worked for at least one year / one month average wage will be calculated per year
5. Employment Conditions
• Expected start date : January 2025 (subject to change)
6. How to Apply
• Email your application and resume to consulatehi@mofa.or.kr with the subject line “Application for Driver Position – [Your Name] – [Your Contact Information].”
• Include a criminal background check, and documents verifying your education and employment history as listed in your resume.
• Submit applications by Friday, December 5th, 2024(HST).
7. Additional Notes
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
• Candidates who do not meet the requirements will not be considered.
• Interviews will be conducted at Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Honolulu in December 2024 (subject to change).
• Inquires will only be via email.
en in combat and LGBTQ people in the military.
An allegation of sexual misconduct has also come back to haunt Hegseth, a Fox News host with no experience that would make him a candidate for Secretary of Defense.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health has alarmed many. His anti-vaccination positions, anti-fluoride concerns, and war of words against the Food and Drug Administration have not helped his cause and stature.
Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence has many scratching their heads. Although Gabbard served in the Hawaii National Guard and is in the Army Reserves, she has very little experience working with any intelligence agencies.
and qualified to serve on Trump’s cabinet.
How the U.S. Senate handles these nominees will determine the fate of many bills and issues in the next four years.
Will Trump play hardball to get his way or will he work with or compromise with our U.S. senators since only 53 of 100 senators are Republican?
If Trump expects to get a lot done in his final four years, he must show Congress he can dialog, listen, and adjust if necessary. A slim majority in the House of Representatives will also affect his positions and posturing.
For illegal Filipino immigrants in Hawaii, time might be running out in a Trump presidency.
Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense has made many in the military pause due to his stance against wom-
Some believe she is a Russian asset based on her words and actions supportive of Russia. She secretly met with Syria’s leader, Bashar Hassan, outraging many of her colleagues in Congress and DC, and Gabbard called Edward Snowden, now living in Russia, a whistleblower against the USA.
These are just a few of Trump’s controversial picks, and it will be up to the U.S. Senate to determine if they are worthy
(COVER STORY: Hawaii Real Estate ....from page 5)
ing hit with higher maintenance fees or special fees, I am having second thoughts of downsizing. If it happens, maybe moving to the mainland is an option to be closer to our kids and where it is more affordable. There’s no security if prices can go up in a year by hundreds of dollars. I’ve read people with maintenance fees of $500 have it go up to $1,000. That kind of price hike is too much for retired people on a fixed income. And who knows how much more it could go up.
“The purpose of downsizing is to enable us to have more retirement income. Hawaii’s maintenance fees have been going up but steadily. That slow pace was reassuring. But now, unfortunately, it’s not,” said Asuncion.
“This new development is sad for Hawaii locals because again we see more of us being forced to leave the
Filipino Ambassador Jose Manual Ramualdez has suggested undocumented Filipino immigrants voluntarily go home so there might be a chance to return to the USA one day.
Those caught hiding and sent back are not expected to have a chance of returning due to their illegal status.
Trump has made it clear that he will begin the process of removing undocumented residents from our borders, and this campaign promise will be a high priority.
How it affects our econ-
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islands because of cost. We often talk about providing affordable housing. It looks like even people with homes are not safe. Our Hawaii lawmakers have got to fix this situation and offer an alternative to buy insurance through the state, at least until homeowners insurance prices stabilize or go down some,” he said.
Asuncion blames the insurance companies. “I don’t believe many of these giant insurance companies do not have enough in reserves to cover a greater share for the time being. It’s their fault for not putting more aside adequate funds for the reserves instead of paying off their stockholders. Now Hawaii homeowners must carry an extra financial burden that many of us cannot afford. We’re getting ripped off. I’ve never filed a claim as a homeowner in my entire life. I think
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By Emil Guillermo
Men as well as women can be susceptible to rape. So when rape becomes a central issue in a confirmation hearing, it’s a serious matter.
To me, the lesson for Matt Gaetz and even Pete Hegseth–the Trump bro nominees with sex on their resume–is simple.
Whenever rape comes up, it’s ultimately disqualifying for anyone in public life.
If you don’t think so, just look at the stats at the end of this column.
Of course, the accused don’t take rape seriously. They look to avoid justice. Or pay off the victims.
Unfortunately, it satisfies the perps more than the victims.
If Gaetz wanted to feel good about his situation, all he needed to do was look at President Trump.
Too easy?
Then I hope he was watching November 21’s Thursday Night Football game on Amazon.
Thursday night’s rape history coincidence
On Thursday, November 21, the Cleveland Browns, one of the worst teams this season, upset the favored Pittsburgh Steelers in a messy game in the snow.
Emerging from it all was the Browns quarterback, Jameis Winston, good enough to put the Browns on his back and will them to victory.
Charissa Thompson, who made the news last year for admitting she made things up as a sideline reporter, fawned over Winston in the post-game. “You’re the best,” she proclaimed again and again. She even had Winston
doing snow angels on the field.
And all I could think of was this is the formerly disgraced Jameis Winston who was accused of rape while a star player at Florida State in 2012, and the subject of a New York Times investigation on how the local police and the school never took the case seriously.
Winston, of course, denied any wrongdoing but settled with the victim, Erica Kinsman, a former student at Florida State for an undisclosed amount. Kinsman sued Florida State and received a settlement for nearly a million dollars. Kinsman has been outspoken on the matter and is in the documentary, “The Hunting Ground.”
And now more than a decade after the initial indiscretion, Winston gives hope to Gaetz, on the same day he “withdraws.” It may even give hope to Hegseth.
Trump bros believe there is life after rape in America.
But maybe there shouldn’t be.
These days, Winston is no pariah. The former Heisman winner will always be a sports hero. He got to win a meaningless football game on Amazon and get praised to death by an admitted liar.
So the chances are good even Gaetz will be back.
This is why it’s essential that the Ethics Committee report – featuring women who testified under oath that they witnessed Gaetz having sex with a 17-yearold at least once – must be released to the public.
It’s also important that the Senate fully investigate the Hegseth matter. The details of the Monterey, Calif. police report are out.
Hegseth claims it was consensual sex with a married GOP operative.
The report said the woman said, “No,” multiple times. What did she mean? The woman has been silenced because Hegseth had her sign a non-disclosure agreement.
Right out of the Trump playbook.
Rape is meaningless to men to whom “No” does not mean no.
Bro world values Trump rape
Of course, the bros are just following the leader. Trump was found liable for sexual assault in the E.Jean Carroll case.
Trump bros say, “How bad can it be when Trump’s now the president of everything?!”
He’s a bad moral example, period.
Women who voted for the man who took away your federal right to reproductive freedom should consider what he thinks about guys like Gaetz, who didn’t admit to any wrongdoing.
He merely admitted to being “a distraction.”
Trump would say on social media in response: “Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do.”
That’s what you have to be scared about.
He’s only going away temporarily. He has a “wonderful future.”
If he watched fellow Floridian Jameis Winston praised in victory on Thursday night, Gaetz knows, it’s not just the Trump bros,
but most of America, that doesn’t take rape very seriously.
And they should.
Trump isn’t mourning the loss of Gaetz. Acting swiftly and politically, he put up a woman to replace Gaetz, fellow Floridian Pam Bondi. She was an ardent 2020 election denier. Is she a rape denier? She was the Florida attorney general during the Jameis Winston case.
Now she’s Trump’s pick.
The stats are pretty surprising when you look at the total numbers but then look at the “rate of rape” in the U.S., according to rape statistics from the World Population Review.
Alaska is the worst with a 148.7 rating, or 148.7 rapes per 100,000 people. So the total number of rapes is relatively low at 1,088. But when comparing to other states, you see how Alaska is actually worse than the biggest states out there.
Hawaii for example is mid-pack among all states with a 54 rapes per 100,000 rate, or 765 rapes.
After Hawaii comes Texas, with a rape rate of 51 (rapes per 100,000).
But a big state like Texas has 14,824 rapes. Nearly 15,000 rapes, the most in the country.
California is next at 14,799 rapes, but it’s larger so the rapes per 100,000 are only 37.5.
Ranking the states gives you a sense. But one rape is too many in 2024. And no matter where you are in the nation, not even in Hawaii, we are so far from that.
As the report cites: In the United States, about 43.6% of women and 24.8% of men experienced
some form of sexual violence in their lifetime, according to the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS).
About 21.3% of women surveyed reported completed or attempted rape at some point in their lives, with 1.2% reporting completed or attempted rape in the 12 months preceding the survey.
About 2.6% of men reported experiencing completed or attempted rape at some point in their lives.
About 81.3% of female victims and 70.8% of male victims experienced their first completed or attempted rape before the age of 25.
Think of all that as the Pete Hegseth confirmation evolves, or as Gaetz tries to hide the details of his past. Or as the president-elect tries to shrug it off as a nothing burger.
NOTE: To all the readers of the Filipino Chronicle, I am so grateful for you checking out my columns through the years in this space. Despite the politics of the day, we still have much for which to be thankful. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
EMIL GUILLERMO is a journalist and commentator. His talk show is on www.amok. com.
By Jim Bea Sampaga
Three decades ago in 1993, Carlota Ader called an acquaintance, Dr. Charlie Sonido, asking him if she could join his new ethnic newspaper set to launch that same year.
“I called Dr. Sonido and asked if I could join his staff. I thought that my experience at the other newspaper would be an asset to his new newspaper,” Ader said.
Aside from her editorial and journalism experience at another newspaper, she also has a rich background during her college years when she served as an editor and writer at Far Eastern University’s student newspaper in the Philippines.
The then-45-year-old Ader officially joined Sonido’s newspaper, Hawaii Filipino Chronicle (HFC),
as part of its founding staff members in 1993.
She knew all the staff members: from the writers, columnists, editors, and of course the publishers, Dr. Sonido and his wife Chona Montesines-Sonido.
“Ms. Ader has been one of the most loyal and consistent staff members of the Chronicle. She was there from the beginning and continues to work and represent us in many ways,” Dr. Sonido said.
“She is the face of the paper in the community, doing interviews with Filipino politicians, entertainers, or ordinary people. She is the steady pulse of the community. The paper is very lucky to have her.”
Indeed, Ader, who is now 76, is the pulse of the Filipino community and HFC.
For the past three de-
cades, she has covered numerous interesting stories and community events relevant to the Filipino community in Hawaii. When asked about her memorable HFC assignment, Ader named a few.
“Among them were meetings with various dignitaries like former Philippine presidents Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Joseph Estrada, Benigno Aquino III, and Rodrigo Duterte; former Hawaii governor Ben Cayetano and local government officials, while covering
political debates and social events,” she shared.
HFC’s longest-running columns, Community Parade/Pictorials, highlight the vibrant celebrations and events happening in the Filipino community. In another column called Chronicle Pulse, HFC taps into the Filipino community to learn about their opinions on various topics.
These two columns are gracefully covered by Ader, who’s very enthusiastic about the community.
“Most, if not all, Filipino organizations have their own social events, community service projects, and gatherings of all types. I get to meet all of them, not just Ilocanos but Visayans, everyone!” shared Ader.
“This also includes birthday parties, anniversaries, weddings… you name it. People like to see themselves in our Community Parade. Old and young alike, from all different backgrounds, it has been
a pleasure to be a part of those very special events.”
Publisher Montesines-Sonido expressed her gratitude to have Ader on the HFC team.
“We are truly fortunate to have Carlota as a cherished member of the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle team! Through [the Community Parade/Pictorials] column, Carlota illuminates various events within the vibrant Filipino community, capturing the essence of our culture and celebrations. Recently, she embraced a new role with enthusiasm doing the Chronicle Pulse, where she continues to thrive and showcase her passion for meeting and interviewing people,” she shared.
“In her professional journey, Carlota conducts insightful interviews with esteemed dignitaries and government officials from the Philippines, expertly delving into topics that mat-
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ter to our community. Furthermore, she serves as the Chronicle’s representative at prestigious events and activities held at the Philippine Consulate, embodying our commitment to connecting with key figures and fostering relationships.”
For associate editor Edwin Quinabo, Ader is HFC’s representative in the community.
“Carlota is a dedicated and long-time HFC columnist. She had two popular columns over the years –the Community Parade and Chronicle Pulse, which assignments required that she attend various community events,” he said.
“In doing so, she served as HFC’s liaison to segments of the Filipino community. Carlota also was the go-to person who interviewed visiting Philippine dignitaries and attended functions at the Consulate General of the Philippines in Honolulu.”
For the past three decades, Ader has been the face of HFC as she goes
to various events and interviews various people to cover them for the newspaper. As Montesines-Sonido and Quinabo said, she is the representation of HFC and the Filipino community.
Ader reflects on her journey with HFC as the newspaper also helped her in her professional and charitable efforts.
“Being with the Chronicle has really enriched my life. It’s been a pleasure to meet people from all walks of life and backgrounds these past 32 years. Not only am I knowledgeable but also a better person,” she shared.
“I think that our paper is widely read. At times, if one of our issues doesn’t have one of my articles, people will call and ask why. My exposure to the Chronicle also helps me with my community service projects locally and overseas like the Philippines and Vietnam.”
Beyond HFC and Hawaii, Ader continues to support the Philippines in
any way that she can. She helped numerous schools, hospitals and churches in the Philippines through donation drives. She also established a scholarship foundation in honor of her father, Johnny Hufana. The Johnny Hufana Scholarship Fund has supported college students in both Hawaii and the Philippines with many graduates from Education, Liberal Arts, Engineering and Nursing programs. She also donated air conditioning units to the San Fernando City Health Center in Ilocos. Her family donated land to support the basketball and volleyball courts of a school in the Philippines. In Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, Ader donated 250 uniforms for the Department of Social Welfare. Ader also sent 10 big balikbayan boxes filled with bed sheets and pillowcases for the local provincial hospital. Moreover, Ader’s charitable and professional efforts earned her awards in various fields.
“Last year, I received an award from the Department of Education in San Fernando City, Philippines for renovating the school clinic with chairs, beds and curtains, and donating additional emergency apparatus for students to use such as height/weight scales, and emergency kits,” she shared.
She was named the Top Senior Medical Technologist of the Year by the International Association of Top Professionals in 2017.
The 2021 Gawad Amerika Awards named Ader as the Gawad Amerika Health Care Hero of the Year for her efforts during the pandemic. Ader hired and trained local laboratory employees to test for the virus at a COVID-19 testing wagon at the Honolulu airport. The event was held in Hollywood, California.
“Some of the proceeds from the event funded the medical mission of Sirmata Vision. The president is my brother-in-law, Dr. Danilo Ablan. I was a part of this group so we worked hard for its success,” Ader shared.
In 2018, Philippine media company ABSCBN’s musical variety show ASAP did a show at Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, marking the show’s first visit to Hawaii.
“Through my exposure with HFC and as the CEO and president of the Johnny Hufana Scholarship Foundation and with the support of the Philippine social welfare program Bantay Bata, the president of ABS-CBN and I circulated a letter of invitation for the ASAP show to visit Hawaii,” she shared. “Proceeds were also donated to the typhoon/disaster vic(continue on page 13)
Ader helped bring memorable events and notable people from the Philippines to Hawaii. In 2002, she helped bring Manny Pacquiao for an exhibition bout against Jesus Salud at Blaisdell Arena which led to funds that supported a medical mission.
By Elpidio R. Estioko
essica Caloza, the first Filipino elected to California’s 52nd Assembly District, promised to bring the voice of her community to Sacramento.
JCaloza won in the November 5 General Election, the first Filipino to win a seat in California’s State Assembly (52nd district, a big district), defeating her fellow Democrat Franky Carrillo, after running a well-oiled campaign which catapulted her to winning the Assembly seat.
A women’s rights advisor, she will now represent a district that encompasses East L.A. and parts of Glendale, as well as several Los Angeles neighborhoods, including El Sereno, Lincoln Heights, Highland Park, Eagle Rock and Echo Park.
The district, previously represented by Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo who didn’t run for re-election, has a population of more than half a million people, 57% Latino, according to 2020 Census data.
In a series of email exchanges, Caloza confirmed:
“I was born in Quezon
City, Philippines, and I am a proud Filipina-American. I’m the youngest of six and my parents, Gigi and Jesse, moved our family to Eagle Rock when I was a young girl. My mom is from Quezon City and my dad is from Pangasinan. He is Ilocano.”
As to her education, she said: “I went to college at the University of California, San Diego, and double majored in Political Science/International Relations and Ethnic Studies.”
When asked about her priorities as a duly elected CA representative, she said, “I’ve dedicated my entire life to public service because I believe in the power of government and how it can transform lives when it works. As an Assemblymember, my priority will be enacting policies that lower the cost of living and improve the quality of life for all of our working families, including building more affordable housing, creating good-paying jobs, supporting small businesses, taking bold action on the climate, and ensuring healthcare for all.”
Caloza is a first-time candidate and a first-generation immigrant. Prior to her election to the CA
Assembly, she was deputy chief of staff at the California Department of Justice, where she focused on crime reduction and environmental protection.
She also served as an L.A. Public Works Commissioner in the U.S. Department of Education under the Obama administration and has secured resources for underfunded schools, expanded union jobs, and ensured equal pay for women.
Caloza, a proud immigrant and the daughter of working-class parents, ran for Assembly to fight for all working families.
In the Assembly, Caloza will invest in public education, support small businesses, protect a woman’s right to choose, reduce the cost of living, and take bold action on the climate crisis.
She has a very simple yet very meaningful philosophy in life.
“My philosophy in life is to treat others like how you would treat your family. My family, especially my parents, is my North Star,” she said.
When asked why she ran, Jessica said, “My family is my inspiration--because of them, especially my mom and dad, I’ve dedicated my life to public service because we need to do more to serve our community and ensure every voice
ing solutions on our most important issues—tackling the cost of living, building more affordable housing, creating good-paying jobs, protecting our environment, expanding healthcare for all, and investing in our public schools.”
For her final note, Caloza expressed:
is heard, seen, valued, and cared for”
She further explained, “I’ve had the privilege of working for President Barack Obama, Mayor Eric Garcetti, and Attorney General Rob Bonta and my experience serving at the federal, state, and local levels of government is what will make me effective and ready to serve my community from day one.”
During the exchange of emails, I mentioned there are many challenges ahead of her.
“The State of California is facing a budget deficit and I’m ready to tackle and fight to ensure our most critical services are protected, especially when it comes to issues impacting women, children, seniors, and families,” she addressed.
When asked about her message to her constituents, Caloza thanked the voters for their trust.
“I’m deeply honored and grateful for the outpouring of support—thank you to the voters of Assembly District 52 for placing their trust in me to serve in Sacramento,” she said.
“From East L.A. to Northeast L.A. to Glendale, I am committed to serving the needs of all of our diverse communities and more importantly, I am committed to deliver-
“Lastly, I want to thank every single person who’s been part of our special journey running for office—thank you to all of our volunteers, supporters, and staff for their hard work, dedication, and heart for service. Together, we were able to build a diverse coalition and win. I hope to carry this momentum into the legislature because our campaign for Assembly is not about one of us, it’s about all of us.”
In another California news, Ysabel Jurado won as the first Filipino elected member of the Los Angeles City Council. Her campaign was efficiently orchestrated by her campaign manager Naomi Villagomez Roochnik and her campaign scheduler Milagros Montalvo. Jurado became the Los Angeles City Councilmember for District 14, pulling a surprising upset against incumbent Kevin de León.
Jurado said in her victory statement: “This win is not mine—it belongs to our community. It was the community that came together to knock over 83,000 doors; it was the community that mobilized into a thousand-plus army of volunteers; it was the community that wrote and sent over 8,000 postcards.”
Go ladies, you have a lot of work ahead but with your talents and expertise, you will surely succeed!
Mabuhay!
ELPIDIO R. ESTIOKO was a veteran journalist in the Philippines and a multi-awarded journalist here in the US. For feedbacks, comments… please email the author at estiokoelpidio@gmail.com
By Keli’i Akina
Hawaii might be paradise, but it’s no stranger to population loss.
Tallying up total comings and goings through births, deaths, and migration, the state’s overall population has been declining for years. In fiscal 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, Hawaii had a net loss of almost 4,300 people -our friends, family and neighbors.
But you probably already knew about that.
What you might not be aware of yet is that Hawaii’s continuous exodus could get a whole lot worse.
That sobering reality is laid out for all to see in the recently released “Hawai‘i Affordability Sur-
vey” commissioned by the Holomua Collective, which is a local nonprofit organization that, like the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, seeks to foster a flourishing local economy where we all can live and prosper.
Specifically, the survey revealed that 70% of 1,500 local workers interviewed are either planning to move away or considering it.
That means more than two-thirds of us who still live in Hawaii are thinking about leaving.
Your favorite doctors and dentists, grocery store cashiers, librarians, teachers, hairdressers and mail carriers — most of them have probably wondered whether they can continue to afford living here. You probably have too.
Can you imagine the damage that kind of sweeping exodus would do to our economy?
That’s what’s at stake. And that’s what our lawmakers need to keep in mind as they prepare to convene in January for their next legislative session.
People are leaving like crazy, and for our state’s economy, our government finances and even ourselves, it’s time to get serious about making our islands an affordable place for people to live and do business.
Thankfully, our legislators and governor earlier this year pushed through the largest income tax reduction in state history. They need to take more brave, bold action like that — and to fiercely protect the benefits of that historic move by opposing tax hikes, reducing
government spending and sticking to balanced budgets.
Gov. Green also signed bills earlier this year that will help ease Hawaii’s housing crisis, including one that requires the counties to allow at least two accessory dwelling units per residential lot.
We need to see more momentum on that front too, especially as survey respondents identified housing as having the biggest impact on their finances, with more than half saying their living costs amount to more than 30% of their income.
In order to make a meaningful difference in our housing stock, lawmakers need to continue to embrace the policies detailed in Grassroot’s recent studies “How to facilitate more homebuilding in Hawaii” and “Seven
low-cost ways to speed up permitting in Hawaii” to make it easier to build homes of all kinds.
Our state legislators can also increase job opportunities by lifting some of the regulations that make it difficult to conduct business in Hawaii, and by reconsidering occupational licensure laws that make it unnecessarily difficult to enter particular trades or professions.
The “Hawai‘i Affordability Survey” results feel like a sobering call to action. Our family and friends are clearly counting on us to make a difference in their lives. More than two-thirds of them might be planning to leave, but it doesn’t mean they want to.
KELI‘I AKINA is president and CEO of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii.
MANILA, Philippines — Various sectoral groups, including families of extrajudicial killing victims, filed an impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday, December 2, at the House of Representatives.
Rep. Perci Cendaña (Akbayan Partylist) endorsed the complaint. He said in an ambush interview that the complaint cited “betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, and other high crimes” as grounds for impeachment.
In a statement, Cendaña described the filing and endorsement of an impeachment complaint as “historic” and a pivotal moment in the Filipino’s demand for
accountability. Still, he said this is just the “first step” in achieving justice.
“Panahon na para isara ng taumbayan ang bangungot na dulot ni Sara (It is time for the people to put an end to the nightmare caused by Sara),” Cendaña said.
“I stand in full support of the brave citizens calling for Duterte to answer for her blatant violations of the Constitution, egregious corruption, and complicity in mass murder,” he added.
Among those who filed include Tindig Pilipinas; Magdalo and Mamamayang Liberal party-lists; priest and Program Paghilom founder Flavie Villanueva; members of the Catholic Church; and other civil society groups.
Once an impeachment complaint is filed, it must be endorsed by a House lawmaker for deliberation by the lower chamber. The Constitution requires at least a one-third vote of all House members for the impeachment trial to proceed in the Senate.
VP Sara under investigation
Duterte’s offices, the Office of the Vice President
(OVP) and previously the Department of Education (DepEd), have been under investigation by the House good government committee for their alleged misuse of P612.5 million confidential funds since September 18.
Some committee members, including Rep. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro (Batangas, 2nd District) and committee chair Rep. Joel Chua (Manila, 3rd District), have mentioned possible reasons for filing charges against Duterte, regardless of whether an impeachment complaint is pursued.
Similar to the grounds outlined in Monday’s impeachment complaint, Chua previously said that charges of graft, corruption, and betrayal of public trust could justify an impeachment given the “red flags” observed in the handling of confidential funds.
Meanwhile, Luistro said it could also serve as grounds for malversation, where a public officer in control of public funds is found to have misused them, either intentionally or through negligence. With these findings, Cendaña said Duterte has abused her power and misused the people’s taxes, committing plunder — actions that make her “deserving” of impeachment.
The opposition lawmaker said holding the vice president accountable is tied to the call for accountability from her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, for the extrajudicial killings in his violent drug war, which the International Criminal Court estimates caused 12,000 to 30,000 deaths. (www.philstar. com)
By Rose Cruz Churma
his book is a combination of several biographies centered on two families from the province of Pampanga, the Abad-Santos and del Rosario families, and the story of the book’s primary author, Agapito Labalan del Rosario.
TInterspersed throughout are family photographs, letters, and various artifacts that support the narratives compiled in the book, where some are based on personal conversations with family members who lived through the times described in the book.
As noted in the foreword: “…it brings to light heretofore unknown details about very important Kapangpangans, among them Vicente Abad-Santos, Agapito Abad-Santos del Rosario and Pedro Abad-Santos…It covers political history in Pampanga, family history, biography, and even cultural history.”
The publication is comprised of two distinct parts.
Book 1 titled “Lost Graves” consists of several biographies with Chapter 2 devoted to Pedro Basco Abad-Santos and written by “guest” author Rosario Cruz Lucero.
The rest of the biographies were written by the primary author, Agapito Labalan del Rosario, while Book 2 “Found Lives” contains the author’s extensive memoir.
This book includes the first full biography of Pedro Abad Santos, founder of the Philippine socialist
movement.
Born in 1876 in San Fernando, Pampanga, he was in high school at Letran Manila when his father, Vicente Abad-Santos died in 1893 at the hands of the Spanish guardia civil.
After high school, he obtained his bachelor’s degree from Letran and enrolled at the University of Santo Tomas to study medicine as his father had wished.
Three years after his father’s death, the Katipunan was discovered and by the time the first Philippine Republic was declared in 1898, he was a komandante.
He would be recruited again—this time to fight in the Philippine-American War in 1899.
In 1903, the US colonial government declared a general amnesty to resistance fighters, and Don Perico, as he was called by family and friends, walked out of Old Bilibid and resumed his schooling—but not in medicine.
He witnessed the continued abuse of tenants by the land-owning class and shifted his learning to law.
By nature a free thinker and having experienced his country’s turbulent years as well as the structured style of college life, he designed his own curriculum.
His choice of content was eclectic. He read the subject matter in different languages—the bible in Greek, Das Capital in German, the Daily Worker in English and various law books in Latin, Spanish and Russian.
His crusade for equality covered not only race and social class but also gender.
In his spare time, he published a local paper called La Publicidad
He passed the Philippine Bar in 1907, four years after he was freed from Old Bilibid, and was appointed Justice of the Peace in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Ironically, during the two years he was a public servant, Don Perico inadvertently found himself being the pillar of a justice system that, by its nature, perpetuated injustice within Pampanga’s economic system.
In 1910, he was elected to the Municipal Council, and now could offer his legal services pro bono to protect the rights of workers and peasants—and the cases comprised a third of his caseload—supported by two-thirds of his clients from friends in high places.
His law office was a nipa hut on the grounds of the Abad-Santos ancestral home—to ensure that his peasant clients were not intimidated to seek his help.
In 1916, he was elected to the Legislature as the representative of Pampanga—the first time that the Philippines had a bicameral national assembly.
During his term in the Legislature, he would support two bills that championed women: divorce on the grounds of not just the wife’s but also the husband’s adultery, and women’s right to vote.
In 1922, he was part of the second Independence Mission to Washington DC—to seek independence for the Philippines. Upon his return home, he also returned to private practice and became the workers’ and peasants’ legal counsel.
Because of his familiarity with the workers’ psyche, he advised them that if they acted individually and separately, they would inevitably be defeated by the state machinery.
He felt that the peasants’ chances of gaining concessions would increase if they could draw strength from one another and use their collective voice to demand their rights.
By 1929, he founded a workers union called Aguman ding Maldang Talapagobra (Kapangpangan for League of Poor Workers) or AMT and encouraged the peasants to be more militant, well-organized, and able to articulate their demands and grievances.
He read widely, especially Marxist books, and chose ideas that could best be applied to local conditions and formed his own indigenous theory of socialism and published his theories in Socialism Today, a monthly journal.
In 1931, the Communist Party (CP) of the Philippines was declared illegal and its leaders were sent to jail. Meanwhile, the AMT evolved into the Socialist Party (SP) and continued the CP’s function of representing the working class—but was more discreet than the CP leadership and avoided jail time.
As the SP established itself politically, its mass base became stronger under the AMT, whose 70,000 members were spread in the contiguous provinces of Pampanga, Nueva Ecija,
all the way down south to Batangas.
In the May 5, 1935 edition of The Tribune, his first public activity as a leader of workers and peasants was duly noted. About 3,000 members of the SP marched to San Fernando, Pampanga’s capital to celebrate Labor Day, where he delivered a speech.
Among his party co-founders and loyal cadres were Vivencio Cuyugan, Luis Taruc, Casto Alejandrino and Agapito del Rosario—who were all elected mayors of their respective towns under the SP slate.
By late 1939, the workers gained militancy that a two-week work stoppage in three sugar centrals in Pampanga forced the Philippines’ Labor Department to grant some concessions to the workers.
Labor unions emerged throughout the country and the acknowledged leaders of the most radical and cohesive organizations were Pedro Abad-Santos of Pampanga, Antonio Paquia of Manila and Jose Nava of Iloilo.
With the certainty of a Japanese invasion, the SP and CP had merged into one party despite their differences.
Called the Communist Party of the Philippines or CPP, Pedro Abad-Santos was elected as vice chair. The group’s 5-point agenda had one basic theme— which was preparing against the Japanese invasion.
With the arrival of Japanese forces, the CPP leadership was arrested and Pedro Abad-Santos was once more detained—this time at Fort Santiago.
He was kept in solitary confinement for two years but was released under house arrest for medical treatment. He was eventually brought to Pampanga, at a Hukbalahap (Hukbo ng Bayan Laban sa Hapon) base headed by Luis Taruc. Don Perico died on January 15, 1945 of acute
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By Seneca Moraleda-Puguan
Kristine, Leon, Marce, Nika, Ofel, Pepito…
These names are forever etched in Philippine history as the six consecutive typhoons that battered the islands within a single month.
They did not simply pass by; they unleashed a trail of destruction, leaving hundreds dead, thousands homeless, and livelihoods in disarray. The financial losses ran into the millions, but the human cost was immeasurable.
As these storms ravaged Northern Luzon, we anxiously monitored their paths, praying for our loved ones in harm’s way.
My husband’s family in Nueva Vizcaya watched helplessly as their roof flew away when Typhoon Pepito struck. Relatives in Bicol scrambled to higher ground. Friends in Cagayan wad-
ed through floodwaters to reach safety.
By God’s grace, many of the people we know were spared the worst. Yet, for countless others, the storms were unrelenting, stripping them of homes, loved ones, and the means to rebuild.
Their grief and despair were palpable as they clung to the hope of government aid or the kindness of strangers.
Similarly, Spain faced its own tragedy when torrential rains, equivalent to a year’s worth of rainfall, poured in just eight hours, triggering flash floods across Valencia.
Over two hundred lives were lost, and many remain missing. The deluge caught countless people unprepared, their lives swept away in an instant.
In the United States, many people remain displaced and struggling after devastating hurricanes
(FEATURE: Carlota Ader ....from page 9)
tims in the Philippines and abroad through the Philippine Consulate.”
Ader’s passion for giving back to the community is reflected in her work at HFC. When asked about her message for aspiring writers and columnists in the Filipino community, she said it’s important to earn the readers’ trust.
“You have to be passionate and dedicated to covering various events in
(BOOK REVIEW: Lost ....from page 12) ulcer a few months before Liberation.
As his grand nephew concluded in this book, “... since Pedro Abad-Santos, no other leader has emerged in Central Luzon to rival his heroic selflessness.”
This book provides the history of Pampanga and Central Luzon from a privileged front-row seat, from authors who are related to
that hit the continent.
As winter sets in and snow begins to fall, countless individuals and families are living in tents, grappling with the challenge of rebuilding their lives while waiting for government aid.
Globally, migration continues to be a pressing issue.
People fleeing violence and economic disasters seek refuge in wealthier nations like the US, yet their journeys often lead to uncertainty and hardship.
And then, there’s war. Or rather, wars—endless conflicts that scar the earth and its people.
Bombs fall, and the innocent bear the brunt of
the community. If so, it becomes a part of you. Base your stories on solid facts and documentation, not hearsay or rumors. It’s even better to include quotes and photos,” she explained.
In the early days of HFC, team members would often gather at their Waipahu office. Quinabo reflects:
“Carlota would come to the office always animated and had fascinating stories about her times attending
the subjects and have intimate access to relatives who provided primary sources from their memory banks, and from family heirlooms.
Just like the author, we hope more retirees will spend their lucid post-work years writing their memoirs or documenting the lives of forebears—whether they are as accomplished as the
the carnage. Families are torn apart, children’s lives are shattered, and entire communities are left in ruins.
“Agonizing” is too small a word for the depth of suffering many are enduring at this time.
As Christmas approaches, the world buzzes with celebration— lights twinkle, gifts pile under trees, and homes fill with laughter.
But my thoughts are with those for whom joy seems unreachable: the families displaced by war, the communities devastated by natural disasters, and the individuals carrying burdens too heavy to bear.
How do they move forward? How do they piece together the fragments of their lives?
The answer lies in the essence of Christmas: Christ.
He came to give hope to the hopeless, to be light in the darkness, to bring life where there is none.
functions in the Filipino community. She’s been a long-time colleague, friend and part of the Chronicle family.”
For Montesines-Sonido, Ader is an important part of the HFC ohana.
“Carlota is not just a writer; she is a pillar of dedication, loyalty, and hard work for the Chronicle,” she shared. “Her contributions enrich our publication, and we are proud to consider her
subjects of this book or not. All stories need to be told.
ROSE CRUZ CHURMA established Kalamansi Books & Things three decades ago. It has evolved from a mail-order bookstore into an online advocacy with the intent of helping global Pinoys discover their heritage by promoting books of value from the Philippines and those written by Filipinos in the Diaspora. We can be reached at kalamansibooks@gmail.com.
Christmas is not about parties or presents. It’s about embodying His love—practicing compassion, extending generosity, and sharing hope.
It’s about being the light that dispels the darkness.
So, this Christmas, as we gather with our families under warm roofs and around abundant tables, let us pause. Let us remember the countless souls who have no home, no feast, and no peace.
Let us pray for them and take action, however small, to bring relief. Because in a world weighed down by loss and sorrow, we are called to be conduits of love and hope.
As the song goes: “What the world needs is love, yes, the world needs your love. Give love on Christmas Day.”
May we embrace this calling, not just for a season, but for a lifetime. For through love, we give the greatest gift of all— hope.
an invaluable member of our Chronicle ohana.”
A writer, columnist and philanthropist, Ader is grateful for the opportunity to give back to the Filipino community.
“Knowing that our newspaper is widely read and followed is very gratifying. It encourages me to continue writing for as long as I possibly can,” she said.
By Dr. Arcelita Imasa
t is always good to gather to celebrate successes, whether big or small. For the two labor unions that held their strikes and got new contracts for them, their success is huge!
I am sure their victories will make a Christmas celebration even better for all of them! And shared celebration is what the workers and their supporters did at the Hawai’i Workers Center’s third annual Workers Victory Night last November 15 in Honolulu, Oahu.
Hawai’i Workers Center recognized 2024 awardees for their orga -
most homeowners do not file claims, but we pay each month for coverage. It’s not fair. I feel sad for some of these condo and townhouse owners. Some of them say they need to take out a loan just to pay for the additional costs.”
KHON2 reported that one homeowner’s association in Mililani-Mauka told residents they each must pay $5,200 for the association’s premium. A resident there said, “It’s crazy. We don’t mind keeping up but to have that just dump on our lap all at once, it seems pretty unfair.”
With many Hawaii residents keeping afloat paying their bills without much to set aside, coming up with thousands of dollars suddenly is simply not possible, some condo-townhouse owners say.
In another example, Asami Meikle told KHON2 the condo association where her mother lives have requested owners to pay a special assessment fee to cover the cost of insurance. Meikle said, “This is a three-bedroom, and my mother pays approximately $625 in maintenance
nizing and victories: The Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women and Children nurses, the Max’s Restaurant 6, Jun Shin, and Maria Rallojay.
Hawaii Filipino Chronicle has covered in previous editions the stories of the nurses as well as the restaurant workers. Jun Shin is recognized for his work in advocating for Hawaii’s workers in the legislative arena, while Maria Rallojay’s help was instrumental in the restaurant workers’ win in their wage theft case.
Reverend Sam Domingo shares this message:
The Hawai’i Workers Center envisions a Hawaiʻi where all workers are empowered to exercise their right to organize for their social,
fees a month and for the five months she’s expected to pay $1,102 every month.”
Ilar said those on a tight budget are being most affected.
Sue Savio said she has seen extreme scenarios of condo insurance rising by 1000%. “I tell anybody who has insurance premium, who has property, and their insurance payments only doubled to consider themselves lucky.”
In one extreme case, an $800 condo policy has jumped to $8,000 a year.
The Lahaina wildfire disaster and other natural disasters around the country have increased the liability of insurance companies.
“We were always about 30 to 40% less in premium cost than the mainland states,” Savio told KHON2. “Lahaina put us front, and center and the reinsurers said oh my we just paid out $6.9 billion and counting for Lahaina we’re raising the rates.”
One concern that lawmakers have is for insurance
economic, and political well-being.
This has been a very busy year for us in providing Know Your Workers’ Rights training, supporting expungement workshops for workers clearing hurdles to employment, organizing Filipino restaurant workers, helping Filipino restaurant workers win in their fight against wage theft, restarting the COFA Workers Association, and fighting off landlords from expelling families on Maui in the year after the Lahaina fire.
We want to highlight our support for the Hawaiʻi Nurses Association in their fight against Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women and Children during their strike and lockout. We join in the celebration of the more
companies to leave the islands. Some property owners are not even given a chance to pay more but are having their policy cancelled, which is leaving them to search for other insurance to meet their mortgage requirements. When they find coverage from another carrier, it’s the same sticker shock of paying hundreds more per year. But what happens when more insurers leave the islands? How would that raise rates higher?
It’s not just condo-townhouse owners having to pay more for insurance, but single-family owners as well.
Experts say what will help is for the risk assessment to drop and that wildfires will happen far less or not at all that affects large communities so that insurers will interpret the Lahaina wildfires as an anomaly. Some in the insurance industry say that carriers are not out to gouge the market but are trying to balance out their losses.
The Hawaii Insurance Division with the state’s Department of Commerce and
than 1,800 Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel Workers and UNITE HERE! Local 5 workers in getting a new contract after more than 40 days on strike.
We are hopeful that the 7 other hotels that voted to strike will settle. And we are mindful of the local US postal workers in their seeking a new contract.
Hawai’i Workers Center wants to continue the work of organizing workers and get the word out of our commitment to defend and respect all workers.
We seek partners in this challenging work, inviting individuals and organizations to join in solidarity with all workers. We continue to add partners to our Defend and Respect Hawaiʻi’s Workers Coalition.
Consumer Affairs said insurance costs have increased by at least 50%.
Going forward, for prospective condo-townhouse buyers, Seth Colby, a member of the Hawaii Economics Association Board of Directors, said “when you’re buying a condo take a look at the reserve fund, how well the condo is being managed and just because it has low condo fees does not guarantee that you’re not going to pay.”
Asuncion said, “It doesn’t look like downsizing from a house in Hawaii to a condo is worth it because even if you pay off that condo, the maintenance fee from what we’re hearing going up to about $1,000 a month, it’s like having a partial mortgage again for those of us who already paid off our house free and clear. The worst case is if homeowner’s insurance and hurricane insurance for single-family property go through a similar outrageous price hike. We see it’s gone up enough already.”
Nationwide rate increas-
The results of our national election have brought a dark cloud over us and demonstrated that worker rights will continually be attacked. There is an urgency now and we can no longer be complacent about anything. Let us not lose hope. Let us see this as an opportunity to employ our resources and skills to build a strong movement to fight back and win!
Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon to all Hawai’I workers and their families!
Dr. ARCELITA IMASA is a practicing family physician and the secretary of the Hawaii Workers Center’s Executive Committee of the Board. She grew up in the Philippines before migrating to Hawaii with her family more than a decade ago.
es, influenced by reinsurance market contractions, have led to substantial cost increases upward of 50% for carriers over the past several years. Some experts say Hawaii has been lucky for the past years but are now feeling the hurt. They say it could take a decade before rates come back down.
The trajectory of Hawaii’s real estate depends on many variables like interest rates, economic factors, local government policies, personal financial strength. It looks like one additional variable could be the cost of homeowners insurance and association maintenance fees.
“There are a lot of concerns from buyers/sellers about the rising maintenance fees that associations are having to implement in order to offset higher insurance premiums. Condo and townhouse resales have already been impacted by this, and unfortunately, all associations will increase their maintenance fees. The only question is when,” Gephart said.
LET’S ZUMBA | Filipino Community Center | Every Monday starting January 8, 2024 at 6:15pm | FilCom Center, Consuelo Courtyard, 94-428 Mokuola Street, Waipahu | Need to unwind in movement and dance after a long workday? Join the community as we Zumba through the evening. Only $5 per class. Proceeds go to support these program-types for FilCom Center.
MALAMA HAWAII MAKERS MARKET | Every second Saturday of the month, Until December 14, from 11am to 4pm | Ala Moana Mall, Level 2, Mauka Wing near Target, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, Hawaii | For updates, follow@malamahawaiimarket on Instagram.
HONOLULU MARATHON 2024 | Honolulu Marathon Organization | December 8, 2024 at 5am | Starting location at Ala Moana Blvd/ Queen St. Extension, Honolulu | The Honolulu
By Bermie Dizon
This is a lesson I learned through the years as a pastor, Christian, employee, dad, etc.
There were times when I felt that God’s Spirit was guiding me toward a new and exciting direction, whether it’s a new project, a ministry, a specific focus, or a particular emphasis.
Often I become very eager to get started. I was a type A person and I didn’t have much patience. My thinking has always been “do it now!”
Yet, I have learned
from the people I work with. These are the people in our team that give advice, criticism and suggestions.
When I sense that God is leading us to do something, I often start feeling anxious, thinking that we are falling behind and need to catch up.
I, for one, become so eager to turn our ideas into reality, just as we’ve imagined them since they first took shape in our minds.
In my mind, I know that God has placed these ideas in our hearts. And
(LINGERING THOUGHTS: Another ....from page 6) omy remains to be seen, but businessman Eddie Flores stated on the news that Hawaii businesses will struggle due to a shortage of workers.
Trump’s relationship with Elon Musk is also turning many heads. Musk spent over $100 million to get Trump elected, and now it seems they are best friends and inseparable.
Having a billionaire as a close advisor can be helpful, but many dislike the closeness and chumminess of a possible quid pro quo relationship.
Money talks and Musk now is in a strong position to benefit himself and his commercial businesses.
It will be interesting to see how long this friendship and relationship last as Musk shares his perspective about clean energy, space exploration, fossil fuels, and Russia.
Trump and Musk are two economic powerhouses, and eyes and pundits are closely watching these two
strong-minded individuals and their actions.
Democrats must now reflect on and review the past year as they reassess the political landscape and prepare for the 2026 elections. America was not ready for a woman of color to be president of the United States, and the results proved this.
Even with a damaged and weak candidate like Trump with his criminal record and questionable actions, voters especially men voted against a qualified and capable woman in favor of a convicted felon.
The fact that Donald Trump is a prolific liar with a propensity of twisting the truth did not hurt him one bit.
Voters’ disdain for politics as usual, inflation, and the border seemed to drive undecideds and independents to a former president hoping to stay out of prison and seek revenge against political enemies.
With only four years to
so I wanted to see it happen -- right now! Without any delay.
Here is the lesson I learned.
Any role or task that God assigns to us is primarily His way of starting a new work within us.
So, even though we
serve, it will be interesting to see who starts making noise first about the 2028 presidential elections.
Republicans and Democrats will have a large field of men and women to choose from although I, unfortunately, believe a woman of color will not lead either ticket.
Women are more than capable and ready to lead our nation, but the 2024 presidential election results have highlighted the continuing battle between the sexes when it comes to power and politics.
It’s still a man’s world in the USA, and we’re weaker for that notion.
The prejudices and fears of women’s leadership and the misogynistic attitudes of men must be overcome to reach our full potential as leaders of the free world.
There are women leaders throughout our world who are doing an outstanding job and making a difference. Why the USA can’t
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SAKADA DAY | December 15, 2024 from 5:15 to 9pm | FilCom Center | Gov. Ige proclaimed December 20 as “Sakada Day’ in Hawaii to honor the first sakadas and the contributions of the Filipino Community.
may be itching to move forward, we must resist the urge to skip the necessary preparation for the work God intends to do through us and in us.
This preparation involves waiting and trusting while God takes action within us.
Therefore, even when we sense that God is leading us in a clear direction, don’t rush for which we may not yet be fully prepared.
The best place to be while waiting for God’s perfect timing is on the sidelines, where we can take the time to reflect, meditate and pray on
grasp this idea is insane.
One day, I do hope the USA will elect a woman president and that she will unleash a movement and legacy second to none. I do believe that day will come.
In my last column, I mistakenly wrote ‘Badoc, Ilocos Sur’ when it should have been Badoc, Ilocos Norte. I apologize for my error and will make certain it doesn’t happen again.
what He’s teaching us.
In other words, internalize the lessons He’s providing, and grow into the person of integrity that He is calling us to become. Yes, it can be challenging to wait as we linger on the edge of God’s assignment, listening for the signal to dive in, but waiting until His timing is right.
Often what God is doing within us takes time to fully develop.
BERMIE DIZON is a retired pastor of Grace Communion International at Glendora, California, and a former writer for USA Tribune for 9 years.
Stay safe during the holiday season, and support local businesses and establishments if you are able.
WILL ESPERO retired from the Hawaii legislature after serving 19 years in the state House of Representatives and State Senate. He is currently a novelist, poet, and supporter of the arts. Lingering Thoughts provides a glimpse of his perspective on current events and issues
