If they did something wrong, I hope they get prosecuted to the full extent of the law. If you don't do somethig wrong, then you don't have to worry about someone dropping a dime on you.
That's a real shame? Rhonda is a sweat heart? You have to be kidding. This is not the Rhonda I have regrettably come to know. She is sweet when she gets her way. Watch out if you have anything to do with her NOT getting her way. She will be insulting and vindictive. Is it a shame because he got turned in? These two are facing some real time and if found guilty will deserve it. Ronda and Jim are very savvy and know exactly what they are doing at all times, 24 / 7. Perjury is a very serious offense. And the office of special prosecutions only takes on cases they can win. Innocent until proven guilty, right. Ha! What a cliche! This case has been investigated and reviewed by so many law enforcement persons and prosecutors that their really is no doubt at this time. And the cap is that a Grand jury has indicted. Sorry Hubbards. It is going to get expensive and in the end you WILL spend some time in jail.
I have known them for years and been on the other side of plenty of arguments with both of them. Sure they have their views but no more so than any one of you or me .
There are not two more decent, family oriented, hard working people than Jim and Rhonda.
I am sure if they are guilty of anything, it is guilty of an oversight not some heinous, methodical criminal act.
I for one will be glad when they get off from this and get out of this merciless court of public opinion.
I have known Jim Hubbard and his family for many years. While I also have had some differences politically I have the utmost respect for the professionalism, personal commitment to the future of the fisheries, and personal warmth Jim and Rhonda have exhibited in many forums for many years.
Bobby T. Are you legally trained? Beyond that training you may have received from having to defend yourself after being charged for fish violations? I was under the impression that before a person is indicted that there has been a very thorough investigation by the detectives that do white collar crime. Then persons from the office of special prosecutions and appeals carefully review the evidence. After all that review the matter is brought to the Grand Jury and it acts as the final body that determines if the case should be brought to trial. I have been told that at this point it is almost certain that there will be a conviction of some sort, either from a trial or through a plea bargain. You can be sure that the Hubbard's have been aware of these proceedings and that there has been an offer to reduce or limit some of the charges already. So say what you want about how wonderful this couple is, but the fact is that they are going down for something; you can count on it. And there is not widespread agreement that they are nice people. Some have seen the other side of Rhonda. Not so nice!
Everyone just press PAUSE. Let the process work. Have you ever been on the other side of state or federal red tape? If you are a commercial fisher it seems to be happening more and more. It is not always what it appears to be. Unfavorable remarks about Rhonda....why? Because she has an opinion and makes it known? She is successful at what she does? She is a strong advocate for her husband's industry? Give her and Jim the benefit of the doubt. If it were you being skewered in the court of public opinion, wouldn't you want someone to stand up for you? I have known them for years. They have integrity. You know as well as I do that you can't seem to pull a fish out of the water these days without running afoul of some state or federal law, especially if you are a commercial fisher. Jim and Rhonda, you have our support.
Oh yes! It is probably just an unintentional mistake on their part. Kind of like being just a couple clicks over the line or getting the net in the water just a few minutes ahead of an opening. And those pesky State and Federal laws; how can anyone know how to proceed legally? Right. Only thing is that what Jim and Rhonda did carries a 10 year ( count em: ten year) sentence and $100K fine. This is not one of those " i just made a clerical error" charges. And I give you that they are strong advocates for themselves. There is no doubt about that! Bur she has a mean streak that shows itself when she does not get her way. And that is what she is known for among some fisheries circles. The process IS working and for you to claim that this is just a misunderstanding or being on the other side of "state or federal red tape" just shows how ignorant you are with the legal system. About now the Hubbards' are getting the message, believe me!
Unless the law has changed for direct marketers, Jim also had a fisheries business licence that allows him to purchase fish from other fishermen. Just like an onshore processor does, he probably did nothing but catch someones fish and bought it, then froze and sold it. Big deal, hope you win Jim. IF not, why do shoreside processors get to do this and he can't? Direct marketing is bullshit if he can't sell a fish when he put up a bond for his fisheries business license. I hope it gets thrown out.
the motivations by the state to file charges against the Hubbard's makes no sense as it is not in the Hubbard's nature or history to skirt paying $7,000 dollars in fish tax or engage in any other illegal activity. For all you that want to see the Hubbard's convicted I am quite sure your math skills would not hold a candle to theirs!! These folks are a model family fishing company that cares very deeply about their reputation both in personal and business matters, and in order to have a platinum reputation, they are well known for paying their crew very generously and in fact running a squeaky clean operation that basically makes them the envy of the fleet,. So to deliberatly not pay some fish tax for greater economic gain does not fit into the equation that matches their platinum reputation! This is like indicting a boy scout, Jim has integrity to spare and has played by the rules his whole fishing career. The state is probably trying to make the Hubbard's the sacrificial lambs for small processors and direct marketers. My guess is if this actually goes to trial the state is going to pay big time in the end. By the way to those of you who say Rhonda has a mean streak, that has nothing to do with right and wrong paying taxes etc.... And besides you might be mean too if you had to deal with people making false accusations, character asassination, foolish small minded statements etc.........
Parnell is going to get Stephanie Madsen on the IPHC after all. The trawlers have got to stop the IPHC initiative towards reducing halibut bycatch in the trawl fleet. Politics and campaign contributions are the cheapest way for the multi-billion dollar trawl industry to eradicate our little halibut fishery.
I don't understand the case but I am sure it is not about someone having a "mean streak". If we can indict someone on that then we should also indict those who are jerks and engage in name calling. Are we in middle school again?
Personally, Rhonda Hubbard isn't my most favorite person. She's been a thorn in the side of the Alaska charter fleet for years, advocating against halibut chartes because she feels they don't deserve a share of the resource. But with that said, I still don't think anyone should pronounce judgement of whether she and her husband are guilty of a crime. There is a process that we've established in this country, and its a tough one. The Hubbards will need to deal with this mess day and night, while the very slow wheels of justice turn. In the mean time, this will consume their every day and sleepless nights. Attorney fees will be astronomical! They will be afraid to show their faces in the sleep town of Seward, as the gossip spreads through their town like wildfire. Then, people will blog and point their fingers trying to hurt them while assuming they're guilty. Nobody in their shoes needs anymore fear and pain than what the Hubbards are experiencing right now. These aren't bad people. They didn't kill anyone, didn't molest or hurt a child, didn't perform an act of terror...nothing like that. This is about fish, and if they're guilty the truth will be told and they'll be fined and punished. I think that's good enough.
It is a shame that a person can be kicked when their down. It is easy for the public to point the finger at someone. There is a due process. The Dept of Revenue's stipulations can be sticky. I believe Mr. Hubbard did not truely try to take the State for a 2% ride of deciet. I hope that the defendents get their day in court to prove to the finger pointers their is another side of the story. We do live in the USA, there is due process. If the defendents prevail are all the negative bloggers out there ready to eat crow? Those without sin cast the first stone! shame on all of you!
oh well after all is said and done these poor little carpetbaggers will probably get the same treatment as poor little arne fugalov!!!choice of jail,choice of time he will go to jail,and very little time to serve there!the system works great for certain people here in the state of alaska,it's just business after all?
Nobody is kicking the Hubbards when they are down. It is just a fact of the criminal justice system that when someone is indicted it is only after an exhaustive investigation. And comments about Rhonda's mean streak are just to let those know who claim her to be such a sweet thing, that there is another side to her. Just ask any charter boat operator. She and her husband have been all for one and one for one without any balance whatsoever. And I have never been i discussion where she is involved that she did not show her unbelievable hostility towards anyone questioning her. And, no it's not a rape or an act of violence they are being charged with. It is a white collar crime that often goes undetected. When it is detected, however, the prosecutors like to make a big deal of it to let the rest of those who are so inclined know that they take it seriously. They will make an example of the Hubbards to deter others. Cheating like is claimed is very hard to detect and there is an almost overwhelming impulse to cheat because of how hard it is to discover. But the serious matter is lying under oath when filing tax documents or talking to a state official. These cases are rarely filed. So mark my words, when a prosecutor files a perjury case it is only done when he or she knows they have the evidence. They will have good reason for sleepless nights and for spending a bundle on lawyers. One of the predictable fallouts is the public antipathy they will receive. Everyone will soon see that they deserve it all.
I am amazed at the folks on this thread who are convinced an indictment equals guilt. The government does not always get it right, that is why we have this crazy thing called the jury system. I have never met the Hubbards, but they are being smeared by those of you who have an apparent 100% confidence that the government is always right. Good luck with that attitude when they come after you. Nope, the government NEVER makes a mistake or railroads anyone. Good God.
And Rhonda is a BIG meanie! She wants it HER way! And everyone else in fish politics is docile and sweet, especially the successful ones. Yep. Daisies in a field.
Not saying they are guilty or innocent. But to those who imply that the fact they were charge makes them guilty, don't forget, sometimes the law wants to make a statement and in the effort to do so, they will stretch their case, manufacture evidence, and withhold evidence. Many times they will make charges they can't support or over charge in hopes of a plea deal. People are routinely charged who are later found not guilty.
And some get off on a technicality because of overzealous prosecution. Think "Ted Stevens".
Before anybody is convinced the Hubbards did something wrong, realize this: Three state agencies govern at-sea processing within the State - DEC, ADFG, and the Dept. of Commerce. Their rules have often been contradictory. When we were processing on-board we were told by DEC that, if we delivered to a shoreside processor within the State, in our case Trident, we were to generate a fish ticket. The tax was to be 3%rather than the 5% due if we were direct marketing out of State. Rhonda's family used to have a shore-side processing plant in Seward. Maybe she was told the same thing I was by DEC and landed the fish there or at other shore side facilities. Hubbards are not the kind of people that would knowingly not pay $7,000 of tax due the state. Also why the double standard? The oil companies failed to pay almost a billion dollars of taxes; the state had to go to court and fight the oil company lawyers for years before the oil companies finally paid up. Nobody got indicted over that.
Do business with them once, then tell me they are sweethearts! Typical stuckup seward people, feds should indict the rest of that quant little town also! crooked people in a crooked town, they are normal and typical of Seward!
Here, here! I believe that by the time all is said and done, The state will have some explaining to do. The state and Feds are really good at making and imposing regulation on industries that they don't really understand. I am a commercial fisher who has been told how to maximize and run my fishing operations by state employees, who admitted to me, They had never actually stepped on ANY commercial fishing vessel. Right now, the Feds and the state seem to want to criminalize commercial fishers. The question we need to be asking is "why"? When did we become public enemy #1?
PRESUMED innocent until PROVEN guilty, actually guilty or not. It's not like Troupers haven't let some big crooks go before over politics, so I agree the Hubbards may be getting targeted over what processors do every day. Thank you Mr. Hall for that post.
Jim Hubbard's operation probably has been getting attention by more then the state, and it is possible the state was given some information from the businesses he is in competition with. Fish business can get dirty if you try to bypass the docks and sell your own catch, just look at all the extra laws in place to discourage you from doing it. Who is behind that? I fully support Jim Hubbard in this. Successfully catching, processing at sea and marketing is difficult in this climate. The Hubbards have overcome countless hurdles, this is just another one. Hopefully they win.
Jim Hubbard, is the a soild man. I can remeber , his first boat, the "SWIFT 2". Like most fishing starting with nothing and building to what they are today. JIM, is a true pioneer. Alot don't realizes this.But, he was using circle hooks. way before the rest of the fleet was. he was also the first too start freezing longline caught fish on boat 58' and under and marketing it. Quoting "Bob Hall" ( another fisherman pioneer marketing his product from his boat). The Hubbards have overcome countless hurdles, this is just another one. Hopefully they win.
I know Rhonda Hubbard and I know her well. In fact, I bet I know her better than anyone on here! You can rest assured, that if the tables were turned and this was an indictment against a charter operator, Rhonda would lead the blog of negative hate mail and do everything in her power to discredit the accused. It's just her way and you can hang your hat on it!
when are NMFS INVESTIGATORS GOING to start looking into all the illegal Quota transfers that not only break NMFS laws, but also tax evasion. Federal law say's any Quota linked to fraud will be forfeited. Never,not even in the Fuglvog and Hankins trials has anyone lost their quota. I know of fisherman transferring Hundreds of thousands of dollars of uncaught quota and 10 days later transferring it back fished. So they would not have to go out fishing or, fish other fisheries. These are illegal leases not transfers, yet they have never done an audit,or charged anyone In the last high profile cases of fishing in one area and claiming another.one admitted over fishing a million dollars worth. He is going to receive Rockfish Quota allocations worth many tens of thousands of dollars based on those illegal landings.The Fed's know this and are doing nothing. The Inspector General's Office needs to come to Alaska.
Rhonda is the greedy one here. Jim works his ass off, but mommy wears the pants. If there's any wrong doing here, I bet she's behind it. Jim is just her pawn!
This is a political conspiracy to keep Jim from getting on fisheries boards or get him off fisheries boards that he is doing good on. Look at the fisheries that it would affect there the ones behind it and the ones he's running against. By the time he is found innocent it will be to late.
What amazes me is how people turn to these blogs things like frenzied sharks to blood in the water. It just goes to show you that some people love other peoples misery. Say's a lot about who you are...doesn't it?
What is happening to the Hubbards should remind us all to be careful how you treat people on your way up, because you never know who you might meet on your way down.
WOW!! So many comments! Sometimes I question why I even want to be involved in this industry...and the spelling??? I do wonder about accurate data being recorded when people can't even spell....
Maybe if they weren't so nasty and would have tried to help their community, people would't be so mean to them right now. The Hubbards made a lot of enemies when they turned on the charter industry the way they did. Never was it about conservation, but instead it was all about greed.It was obvious to everyone that dealt with Rhonda, and it was also evident that she didn't have her communities interest at heart. Sorry they're going through this, but karma has it's way to come full circle.
I think the Charter Fleet, turned on themselves back in the 90's, when they considered themselves sport fishers, and missed out on quite a bit of quota that they could have had for free.
Sounds like a few people ran into the real pit bull with lipstick. Sniveling or crying is a sign of weakness and not the Alaskan way. Rhonda Hubbard for Governor!
Us deckhands never liked the IFQ system from day one, we used to call it "I F_ing Quit" then we called it "Individuals Fishing Quietly" after seeing the injustice being done.
If the Hubbards are brought to trial it will likely occur in Seward. So their reputation in the community will have an impact on the type of jury they get. Sure, many of those with bad feelings will not get on the jury, but many will hide their feelings just to get on it. And a savvy prosecutor will keep all their friends off the jury. With the overwhelming majority of the population of Seward being involved in the sports and charter sector, it would not be good for Jim or Rhonda to be tried in that community. Like the earlier poster said, 'be careful how you treat people'.
I don't know the Hubbards and don't own IFQs but I have observed that the true commercial halibut industry has been penalized when the guided sports overfished their allocation. If Mrs. Hubbard has been an outspoken advocate for their honerable profession, I say good for her even if she ruffled some puker feathers.
It is obvious that the people complaining about Mrs. Hubbard do not have testicles. And I have also observed first hand that the state makes horrible threats against honest people when they make mistakes. I don't remember exactly but I think it was a misdemeanor, $30,000 fine and six months jail for drifting over the line. I think the intent is to intimidate people into accepting a plea instead of allowing them to defend themselves in court.
" I bet this is bullshit and a minor mistake" Ha ha ha! If the Hubbards are smart they will get the best lawyer possible. You do not want to have the second best lawyer in the court room. And then they will do their best to get a plea bargain, even though it is late in the game for that. But for 8:24 to minimize their conduct as minor IS bullshit and shows just how uninformed he/she is when it come to criminal justice matters. Had it been minor it would never have gone to the Grand Jury. It would have been worked out with an information filed followed by a plea bargain. Ask the Hubbards if they are thinking this is a minor matter. Nobody is claiming that their industry is not an honorable profession. This has nothing to do with the industry. It has everything to do with their conduct. Why do so many of you put your head in the sand and ignore what is happening.
lets just assume there "innocent until proven guilty", all these assholes on here hatin on the hubbards over this are just small minded people that dont know the truth of this situtation, which is not to say i know the truth but thats why im not going have an oppinion on the subject
To all those individuals who posted their immature, uncritical, nasty comments - under the guise of Anonymous......you are mistaken.
I do not think you understand the concept of Anonymous - the philosophy itself or the technology. If you'd care to look below the last comment, you'll see a logo/link for sitemeter. Sitemeter is a traffic analytical application that tracks visitors, their behavior, their location, and a host of details.
Everyone who believes that they posted Anonymous - did not in fact post as Anonymous. But you can EXPECT - that Anonymous does have all your details, your location, your domain, and your identity. In addition to Sitemeter and its poor security - is the poor security of Blogspot.com, typical web hosts and the usual lackadaisical security measures of the author of the blog itself.
I am not claiming that any breaches in their security have occurred - yet when a blog utilizes Sitemeter and other analytical applications - it is open to the public, clear as day.
Your ignorance of such a basic concept - tells US - everything we need to know about your character, intellect and moral compass.
Many of you should be ashamed of yourself. You take on Anonymity to shield your cowardice - not because you desire to stand up for sound values and appropriate moral compass.
So much venom, hate, and malevolence in your comments and presentation. I am sure most of you have children and families. Is this the example you wish to model for them? Insulting and condemning your community members without so much as entertaining a shred of critical evidence?
I doubt, unfortunately, these folks comprehend the notion of due process - the backbone of fairplay.
It is this sort of behavior that has plagued our society for too long....And there are folks that have had enough of it....We will no longer stand by and allow these injustices to happen.
It is not difficult to be good to each other - to discuss matters and concerns as adults....critically, openly, without ad hominem and venomous attacks.
Be Kind. Be a Model.
We are Watching Expect us We do not forgive We do not forget
@12:53 pm - sitemeter records only ip addresses, going to be pretty difficult to come up with a legal reason to obtain the accounts associated with each and every ip address, who the user(s) were at those ip addresses, and associate them with comments where the content is not actionable.
Quit spreading fear, uncertainty, and doubt. This is the kind of stunt that bobby t would pull. I hear bobby t tried to hack other accounts and even LE but then UFA squawked big time claiming that someone listened in on a conference call. Pot, meet kettle.
Let's see if I get 12:53's threat. He will find out who is participating on this blog and will do what? And because we post as "anonymous"? On a Blog? For goodness sake, 12:53, you need to take a deep breath, and come to grips with just what the purpose of this Blog is. It is to give the opportunity to rant and rave. To blow of steam. Do you think that anyone takes anything said by an Anonymous poster seriously. None of the content of these posts appear to be actionable and thus not discoverable. So the blog will remain anonymous. And I can understand you not wanting to disclose your identity. You are making threats which are not specific enough to become actionable, but with a little more effort on your part could result in some action. Are you willing to cross that line or willing to identify yourself. I would guess not.
I do not wish to get into specifics, as that is not the purpose. There is such an incredible divide between what nuvo-Internet socializers comprehend, technology wise and those that have been IP packet sniffing, IRCing and the like.
There is so much you do not know - and that is why you have allowed so much confusion to reign and so much venom to built.
Your comments add no value to critical conversation or to society in general when you "as a child" express yourself in such an infantile manner.
Please, spend more time modeling appropriate behavior for other striving-adults and YOUR children.
Is this the way you'd have your children conduct their affairs? - by bullying with venomous comments behind a comfortable veil?
This world needs more empathy, compassion and intellect....Not what you see above...
I will not post again - as I fully realize the common retorts from the peanut gallery. This message is for those receptive.
Be kind - be critical - Be adults
We have come to bring decency and union to the people. We do not forgive We do not forget Expect Us
@10:45 am - I am sure you are not part of the larger group anonymous.
But since you have brought up packet sniffing and the like, you probably know that is illegal to eavesdrop on communication. Lot of the anonymous group have been arrested and have gone to jail.
However, I might note that there is someone from Kodiak Alaska using a Mac OSX on the GCI network at 10:45 am and another at 10:45 am from Kodiak on the GCI network using a Wintel who stayed only a minute (using sitemeter as you so helpfully suggested). The last octet of the ip address is stripped off so good luck with trying to guess who it is.
My thoughts mine alone. If you are gonna talk crap get facts straight, or better yet, why not say all this to thier face. These are great people who have been in the industry for years. I have a problem with people who can say shit but, won't use there names. To me you have a problem perhaps more personal that does not need to be blogged all over. People who know them will back them 100%. Just some people pissy over something that did not go your way. So to talk bad? Does it make you better?
It sure looks like most of the people that get this much attention are the most successful,smartest, hardest working. They must be doing something right! They used to call them (HIGHLINERS) now they call them cheaters & liars.
Honestly I could care less either way if they did or did not commit perjury! Maybe 15 years ago I would have. Before Mr. President Clinton committed perjury and got away with it, now the top cop of the U.S., AG Eric Withholder. I have a hard time with the fact that the American people are all for the witch hunt on mere peons in comparison to the criminal activities that are on going within the very agencies leading the hunt! So just continue to keep your head where it is! On another note, a previous comment was made about Rhonda being the first person to comment and backstab someone else in a similar position, that's a fact. I would have loved to been a fly on the wall thou when everything came out about her buddy Arne Fuglvog!
That's a real shame,sounds like he
ReplyDeletegot turned in by somebody.
The same way Fred Hankins did.
Rhonda is a sweet heart. Hope everything goes well for her and her family.
ReplyDeleteIf they did something wrong, I hope they get prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
ReplyDeleteIf you don't do somethig wrong, then you don't have to worry about someone dropping a dime on you.
That's a real shame? Rhonda is a sweat heart? You have to be kidding. This is not the Rhonda I have regrettably come to know. She is sweet when she gets her way. Watch out if you have anything to do with her NOT getting her way. She will be insulting and vindictive. Is it a shame because he got turned in? These two are facing some real time and if found guilty will deserve it. Ronda and Jim are very savvy and know exactly what they are doing at all times, 24 / 7. Perjury is a very serious offense. And the office of special prosecutions only takes on cases they can win. Innocent until proven guilty, right. Ha! What a cliche! This case has been investigated and reviewed by so many law enforcement persons and prosecutors that their really is no doubt at this time. And the cap is that a Grand jury has indicted. Sorry Hubbards. It is going to get expensive and in the end you WILL spend some time in jail.
ReplyDeletethis is called KARMA!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAt least the travel expenses, won't be as bad as the feds, more home town heros.
ReplyDeleteProlly stems from qouta leasing.Unitentional undersight on the part of the Hubbels. As for those of you who hid behind anonymous, you are cowards.
ReplyDelete7's the magic number in many CBC cases.
ReplyDelete"7 felony counts, including 1 count of Perjury and 6 counts of Violating a Direct Market Business License."
You are all just too much.
ReplyDeleteI have known them for years and been on the other side of plenty of arguments with both of them. Sure they have their views but no more so than any one of you or me .
There are not two more decent, family oriented, hard working people than Jim and Rhonda.
I am sure if they are guilty of anything, it is guilty of an oversight not some heinous, methodical criminal act.
I for one will be glad when they get off from this and get out of this merciless court of public opinion.
I have known Jim Hubbard and his family for many years. While I also have had some differences politically I have the utmost respect for the professionalism, personal commitment to the future of the fisheries, and personal warmth Jim and Rhonda have exhibited in many forums for many years.
ReplyDeleteHere is hoping they are innocent.
prolly...heinous...
ReplyDeleteDid you forget to sign boobt?
Shameful being all anon boob.
Thought you hated lil doggies like that. Predictable, admires criminals.
Boo hoo
ReplyDeleteQuit picking on them
Are you all meanies
Salt of the Earth people
Don't pour salt in their wounds
Boo hoo
Must be a simple oversight
Must Be
A Non E Must
First class alaskans- the Hubbards
ReplyDeleteThere must be a
Misunderstanding or something here
Don't judge too quickly.. Jim and Rhonda Are top-notch operators and professionals who don't break the law
Bobbyt
Don't they almost exclusively freeze? Probably came out of leased quota like someone said.
ReplyDeleteBobby T. Are you legally trained? Beyond that training you may have received from having to defend yourself after being charged for fish violations?
ReplyDeleteI was under the impression that before a person is indicted that there has been a very thorough investigation by the detectives that do white collar crime. Then persons from the office of special prosecutions and appeals carefully review the evidence. After all that review the matter is brought to the Grand Jury and it acts as the final body that determines if the case should be brought to trial. I have been told that at this point it is almost certain that there will be a conviction of some sort, either from a trial or through a plea bargain. You can be sure that the Hubbard's have been aware of these proceedings and that there has been an offer to reduce or limit some of the charges already. So say what you want about how wonderful this couple is, but the fact is that they are going down for something; you can count on it. And there is not widespread agreement that they are nice people. Some have seen the other side of Rhonda. Not so nice!
Everyone just press PAUSE. Let the process work. Have you ever been on the other side of state or federal red tape? If you are a commercial fisher it seems to be happening more and more. It is not always what it appears to be. Unfavorable remarks about Rhonda....why? Because she has an opinion and makes it known? She is successful at what she does? She is a strong advocate for her husband's industry? Give her and Jim the benefit of the doubt. If it were you being skewered in the court of public opinion, wouldn't you want someone to stand up for you? I have known them for years. They have integrity. You know as well as I do that you can't seem to pull a fish out of the water these days without running afoul of some state or federal law, especially if you are a commercial fisher. Jim and Rhonda, you have our support.
ReplyDeleteOh yes! It is probably just an unintentional mistake on their part. Kind of like being just a couple clicks over the line or getting the net in the water just a few minutes ahead of an opening. And those pesky State and Federal laws; how can anyone know how to proceed legally? Right. Only thing is that what Jim and Rhonda did carries a 10 year ( count em: ten year) sentence and $100K fine. This is not one of those " i just made a clerical error" charges. And I give you that they are strong advocates for themselves. There is no doubt about that! Bur she has a mean streak that shows itself when she does not get her way. And that is what she is known for among some fisheries circles. The process IS working and for you to claim that this is just a misunderstanding or being on the other side of "state or federal red tape" just shows how ignorant you are with the legal system. About now the Hubbards' are getting the message, believe me!
ReplyDeleteAnytime bobbyt is singing your praises, you are definitely slimy.
ReplyDeleteIt's like a kiss of perjury. On the lips.
Hubbards must be contributors to bobbyt's juneau lobbying fund to be receiving such treatment.
ReplyDeleteUnless the law has changed for direct marketers, Jim also had a fisheries business licence that allows him to purchase fish from other fishermen. Just like an onshore processor does, he probably did nothing but catch someones fish and bought it, then froze and sold it. Big deal, hope you win Jim. IF not, why do shoreside processors get to do this and he can't? Direct marketing is bullshit if he can't sell a fish when he put up a bond for his fisheries business license. I hope it gets thrown out.
ReplyDeleteThere seems to be a distinct pattern of Bobby T and company defending criminals and douchebags.
ReplyDeleteThrow the book at these high profile cheaters and liars. Lying under oath, just means he thought he was the smartest guy in the room... He wasn't.
the motivations by the state to file charges against the Hubbard's makes no sense as it is not in the Hubbard's nature or history to skirt paying $7,000 dollars in fish tax or engage in any other illegal activity. For all you that want to see the Hubbard's convicted I am quite sure your math skills would not hold a candle to theirs!! These folks are a model family fishing company that cares very deeply about their reputation both in personal and business matters, and in order to have a platinum reputation, they are well known for paying their crew very generously and in fact running a squeaky clean operation that basically makes them the envy of the fleet,. So to deliberatly not pay some fish tax for greater economic gain does not fit into the equation that matches their platinum reputation! This is like indicting a boy scout, Jim has integrity to spare and has played by the rules his whole fishing career. The state is probably trying to make the Hubbard's the sacrificial lambs for small processors and direct marketers. My guess is if this actually goes to trial the state is going to pay big time in the end. By the way to those of you who say Rhonda has a mean streak, that has nothing to do with right and wrong paying taxes etc.... And besides you might be mean too if you had to deal with people making false accusations, character asassination, foolish small minded statements etc.........
ReplyDeletePlatinum reputation? We shall see shant we, oh thou that protesteth such innocence too much.
ReplyDeleteWork it, oh great bobby lobby.
I don't think it's the matter of not paying the $7,000. It's the perjury that will end up biting them...
ReplyDeleteParnell is going to get Stephanie Madsen on the IPHC after all. The trawlers have got to stop the IPHC initiative towards reducing halibut bycatch in the trawl fleet. Politics and campaign contributions are the cheapest way for the multi-billion dollar trawl industry to eradicate our little halibut fishery.
ReplyDeleteToo bad Jim and Rhonda got in the way.
ReplyDeleteI don't understand the case but I am sure it is not about someone having a "mean streak". If we can indict someone on that then we should also indict those who are jerks and engage in name calling.
ReplyDeleteAre we in middle school again?
Personally, Rhonda Hubbard isn't my most favorite person. She's been a thorn in the side of the Alaska charter fleet for years, advocating against halibut chartes because she feels they don't deserve a share of the resource. But with that said, I still don't think anyone should pronounce judgement of whether she and her husband are guilty of a crime. There is a process that we've established in this country, and its a tough one. The Hubbards will need to deal with this mess day and night, while the very slow wheels of justice turn. In the mean time, this will consume their every day and sleepless nights. Attorney fees will be astronomical! They will be afraid to show their faces in the sleep town of Seward, as the gossip spreads through their town like wildfire. Then, people will blog and point their fingers trying to hurt them while assuming they're guilty. Nobody in their shoes needs anymore fear and pain than what the Hubbards are experiencing right now. These aren't bad people. They didn't kill anyone, didn't molest or hurt a child, didn't perform an act of terror...nothing like that. This is about fish, and if they're guilty the truth will be told and they'll be fined and punished. I think that's good enough.
ReplyDeleteIt is a shame that a person can be kicked when their down. It is easy for the public to point the finger at someone. There is a due process. The Dept of Revenue's stipulations can be sticky. I believe Mr. Hubbard did not truely try to take the State for a 2% ride of deciet. I hope that the defendents get their day in court to prove to the finger pointers their is another side of the story. We do live in the USA, there is due process. If the defendents prevail are all the negative bloggers out there ready to eat crow? Those without sin cast the first stone! shame on all of you!
ReplyDeleteoh well after all is said and done these poor little carpetbaggers will probably get the same treatment as poor little arne fugalov!!!choice of jail,choice of time he will go to jail,and very little time to serve there!the system works great for certain people here in the state of alaska,it's just business after all?
ReplyDeleteNobody is kicking the Hubbards when they are down. It is just a fact of the criminal justice system that when someone is indicted it is only after an exhaustive investigation. And comments about Rhonda's mean streak are just to let those know who claim her to be such a sweet thing, that there is another side to her. Just ask any charter boat operator. She and her husband have been all for one and one for one without any balance whatsoever. And I have never been i discussion where she is involved that she did not show her unbelievable hostility towards anyone questioning her. And, no it's not a rape or an act of violence they are being charged with. It is a white collar crime that often goes undetected. When it is detected, however, the prosecutors like to make a big deal of it to let the rest of those who are so inclined know that they take it seriously. They will make an example of the Hubbards to deter others. Cheating like is claimed is very hard to detect and there is an almost overwhelming impulse to cheat because of how hard it is to discover. But the serious matter is lying under oath when filing tax documents or talking to a state official. These cases are rarely filed. So mark my words, when a prosecutor files a perjury case it is only done when he or she knows they have the evidence. They will have good reason for sleepless nights and for spending a bundle on lawyers. One of the predictable fallouts is the public antipathy they will receive. Everyone will soon see that they deserve it all.
ReplyDeleteI am amazed at the folks on this thread who are convinced an indictment equals guilt. The government does not always get it right, that is why we have this crazy thing called the jury system. I have never met the Hubbards, but they are being smeared by those of you who have an apparent 100% confidence that the government is always right. Good luck with that attitude when they come after you. Nope, the government NEVER makes a mistake or railroads anyone. Good God.
ReplyDeleteAnd, for God's sake, ooooooh, Rhonda is a big meanie! And everyone else in fish politics is sweet and docile. Yep, just a bunch of daisies in a field.
ReplyDeleteAnd Rhonda is a BIG meanie! She wants it HER way! And everyone else in fish politics is docile and sweet, especially the successful ones. Yep. Daisies in a field.
ReplyDeletePerjury and the lack of Due Process seems to go hand in hand these days.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad this ugly issue of Perjury in the fishing industry is out. It's a common practice and it needs to be stopped.
ReplyDeleteUnfair practices by some has enormous impact on the community that allows it to happen in the first place.
Not saying they are guilty or innocent. But to those who imply that the fact they were charge makes them guilty, don't forget, sometimes the law wants to make a statement and in the effort to do so, they will stretch their case, manufacture evidence, and withhold evidence. Many times they will make charges they can't support or over charge in hopes of a plea deal. People are routinely charged who are later found not guilty.
ReplyDeleteAnd some get off on a technicality because of overzealous prosecution. Think "Ted Stevens".
Before anybody is convinced the Hubbards did something wrong, realize this: Three state agencies govern at-sea processing within the State - DEC, ADFG, and the Dept. of Commerce. Their rules have often been contradictory. When we were processing on-board we were told by DEC that, if we delivered to a shoreside processor within the State, in our case Trident, we were to generate a fish ticket. The tax was to be 3%rather than the 5% due if we were direct marketing out of State. Rhonda's family used to have a shore-side processing plant in Seward. Maybe she was told the same thing I was by DEC and landed the fish there or at other shore side facilities. Hubbards are not the kind of people that would knowingly not pay $7,000 of tax due the state.
ReplyDeleteAlso why the double standard? The oil companies failed to pay almost a billion dollars of taxes; the state had to go to court and fight the oil company lawyers for years before the oil companies finally paid up. Nobody got indicted over that.
Do business with them once, then tell me they are sweethearts! Typical stuckup seward people, feds should indict the rest of that quant little town also! crooked people in a crooked town, they are normal and typical of Seward!
ReplyDeleteHere, here! I believe that by the time all is said and done,
ReplyDeleteThe state will have some explaining to do. The state and Feds are really good at making and imposing regulation on industries that they don't really understand. I am a commercial fisher who has been told how to maximize and run my fishing operations by state employees, who admitted to me, They had never actually stepped on ANY commercial fishing vessel. Right now, the Feds and the state seem to want to criminalize commercial fishers. The question we need to be asking is "why"? When did we become public enemy #1?
PRESUMED innocent until PROVEN guilty, actually guilty or not. It's not like Troupers haven't let some big crooks go before over politics, so I agree the Hubbards may be getting targeted over what processors do every day. Thank you Mr. Hall for that post.
ReplyDeleteeveryone needs to chill out and smoke a doobie!
ReplyDeleteJim Hubbard's operation probably has been getting attention by more then the state, and it is possible the state was given some information from the businesses he is in competition with. Fish business can get dirty if you try to bypass the docks and sell your own catch, just look at all the extra laws in place to discourage you from doing it. Who is behind that? I fully support Jim Hubbard in this. Successfully catching, processing at sea and marketing is difficult in this climate. The Hubbards have overcome countless hurdles, this is just another one. Hopefully they win.
ReplyDeleteJim Hubbard, is the a soild man. I can remeber , his first boat, the "SWIFT 2". Like most fishing starting with nothing and building to what they are today. JIM, is a true pioneer. Alot don't realizes this.But, he was using circle hooks. way before the rest of the fleet was. he was also the first too start freezing longline caught fish on boat 58' and under and marketing it. Quoting "Bob Hall" ( another fisherman pioneer marketing his product from his boat). The Hubbards have overcome countless hurdles, this is just another one. Hopefully they win.
ReplyDeleteI know Rhonda Hubbard and I know her well. In fact, I bet I know her better than anyone on here! You can rest assured, that if the tables were turned and this was an indictment against a charter operator, Rhonda would lead the blog of negative hate mail and do everything in her power to discredit the accused. It's just her way and you can hang your hat on it!
ReplyDeleteI am a relative. Rhonda does not have time for such nonsense, I assure you. Sour grapes, much? Get a life!
ReplyDeleteGo to ADN and read her posts. She has vehemently attacked the charter fleet in Alaska. She makes time to be vindictive! Cut throat business woman!
ReplyDeletewhen are NMFS INVESTIGATORS GOING
ReplyDeleteto start looking into all the illegal Quota transfers that
not only break NMFS laws, but
also tax evasion. Federal law say's any Quota linked to fraud
will be forfeited. Never,not even
in the Fuglvog and Hankins trials
has anyone lost their quota.
I know of fisherman transferring
Hundreds of thousands of dollars of
uncaught quota and 10 days later
transferring it back fished.
So they would not have to go out fishing or, fish other fisheries.
These are illegal leases not transfers, yet they have never
done an audit,or charged anyone
In the last high profile cases of fishing in one area and claiming
another.one admitted over fishing a million dollars worth. He is
going to receive Rockfish Quota
allocations worth many tens of
thousands of dollars based on
those illegal landings.The Fed's know this and are doing nothing.
The Inspector General's Office
needs to come to Alaska.
Rhonda is the greedy one here. Jim works his ass off, but mommy wears the pants. If there's any wrong doing here, I bet she's behind it. Jim is just her pawn!
ReplyDeleteThis is a political conspiracy to keep Jim from getting on fisheries boards or get him off fisheries boards that he is doing good on. Look at the fisheries that it would affect there the ones behind it and the ones he's running against. By the time he is found innocent it will be to late.
ReplyDeleteThis all stems from greed! Where there is smoke, there is fire.
ReplyDeleteWhat amazes me is how people turn to these blogs things like frenzied sharks to blood in the water. It just goes to show you that some people love other peoples misery. Say's a lot about who you are...doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteWhat is happening to the Hubbards should remind us all to be careful how you treat people on your way up, because you never know who you might meet on your way down.
ReplyDeleteWes, please update, we are all dying for more, More, MORE...
ReplyDeleteRhonda's such a bitch, blah, blah, blah...
WOW!! So many comments! Sometimes I question why I even want to be involved in this industry...and the spelling??? I do wonder about accurate data being recorded when people can't even spell....
ReplyDeleteMaybe if they weren't so nasty and would have tried to help their community, people would't be so mean to them right now. The Hubbards made a lot of enemies when they turned on the charter industry the way they did. Never was it about conservation, but instead it was all about greed.It was obvious to everyone that dealt with Rhonda, and it was also evident that she didn't have her communities interest at heart. Sorry they're going through this, but karma has it's way to come full circle.
ReplyDeleteI think the Charter Fleet, turned on themselves back in the 90's, when they considered themselves sport fishers, and missed out on quite a bit of quota that they could have had for free.
ReplyDeleteKarma; a community's circle hook!
http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=wildlifenews.view_article&articles_id=482
Sounds like a few people ran into the real pit bull with lipstick. Sniveling or crying is a sign of weakness and not the Alaskan way. Rhonda Hubbard for Governor!
ReplyDeleteKarma: a communities circle hook...Brilliant!!
ReplyDeleteUs deckhands never liked the IFQ system from day one, we used to call it "I F_ing Quit" then we called it "Individuals Fishing Quietly" after seeing the injustice being done.
ReplyDeleteSunset IFQs.
ReplyDeleteIt can be done.
If the Hubbards are brought to trial it will likely occur in Seward. So their reputation in the community will have an impact on the type of jury they get. Sure, many of those with bad feelings will not get on the jury, but many will hide their feelings just to get on it. And a savvy prosecutor will keep all their friends off the jury. With the overwhelming majority of the population of Seward being involved in the sports and charter sector, it would not be good for Jim or Rhonda to be tried in that community. Like the earlier poster said, 'be careful how you treat people'.
ReplyDeleteI don't know the Hubbards and don't own IFQs but I have observed that the true commercial halibut industry has been penalized when the guided sports overfished their allocation. If Mrs. Hubbard has been an outspoken advocate for their honerable profession, I say good for her even if she ruffled some puker feathers.
ReplyDeleteIt is obvious that the people complaining about Mrs. Hubbard do not have testicles. And I have also observed first hand that the state makes horrible threats against honest people when they make mistakes. I don't remember exactly but I think it was a misdemeanor, $30,000 fine and six months jail for drifting over the line. I think the intent is to intimidate people into accepting a plea instead of allowing them to defend themselves in court.
I bet this is bullshit and a minor mistake.
" I bet this is bullshit and a minor mistake" Ha ha ha! If the Hubbards are smart they will get the best lawyer possible. You do not want to have the second best lawyer in the court room. And then they will do their best to get a plea bargain, even though it is late in the game for that. But for 8:24 to minimize their conduct as minor IS bullshit and shows just how uninformed he/she is when it come to criminal justice matters. Had it been minor it would never have gone to the Grand Jury. It would have been worked out with an information filed followed by a plea bargain. Ask the Hubbards if they are thinking this is a minor matter. Nobody is claiming that their industry is not an honorable profession. This has nothing to do with the industry. It has everything to do with their conduct. Why do so many of you put your head in the sand and ignore what is happening.
ReplyDeletelets just assume there "innocent until proven guilty", all these assholes on here hatin on the hubbards over this are just small minded people that dont know the truth of this situtation, which is not to say i know the truth but thats why im not going have an oppinion on the subject
ReplyDeleteBingo! "small minded people that don't know the truth" and they rely on hear-say to make decisions that effect communities in a negative way.
ReplyDeleteSeems to be a plague out here in Rural Alaska.
The scary thing is that those "small minded people" are being manipulated to believe untrue things by crooks. Another plague out here in Rural Alaska.
Small minded people and crooks running wild in Rural Alaska.
Greetings,
ReplyDeleteTo all those individuals who posted their immature, uncritical, nasty comments - under the guise of Anonymous......you are mistaken.
I do not think you understand the concept of Anonymous - the philosophy itself or the technology. If you'd care to look below the last comment, you'll see a logo/link for sitemeter. Sitemeter is a traffic analytical application that tracks visitors, their behavior, their location, and a host of details.
Everyone who believes that they posted Anonymous - did not in fact post as Anonymous. But you can EXPECT - that Anonymous does have all your details, your location, your domain, and your identity. In addition to Sitemeter and its poor security - is the poor security of Blogspot.com, typical web hosts and the usual lackadaisical security measures of the author of the blog itself.
I am not claiming that any breaches in their security have occurred - yet when a blog utilizes Sitemeter and other analytical applications - it is open to the public, clear as day.
Your ignorance of such a basic concept - tells US - everything we need to know about your character, intellect and moral compass.
Many of you should be ashamed of yourself. You take on Anonymity to shield your cowardice - not because you desire to stand up for sound values and appropriate moral compass.
So much venom, hate, and malevolence in your comments and presentation. I am sure most of you have children and families. Is this the example you wish to model for them? Insulting and condemning your community members without so much as entertaining a shred of critical evidence?
I doubt, unfortunately, these folks comprehend the notion of due process - the backbone of fairplay.
It is this sort of behavior that has plagued our society for too long....And there are folks that have had enough of it....We will no longer stand by and allow these injustices to happen.
It is not difficult to be good to each other - to discuss matters and concerns as adults....critically, openly, without ad hominem and venomous attacks.
Be Kind. Be a Model.
We are Watching
Expect us
We do not forgive
We do not forget
@12:53 pm - sitemeter records only ip addresses, going to be pretty difficult to come up with a legal reason to obtain the accounts associated with each and every ip address, who the user(s) were at those ip addresses, and associate them with comments where the content is not actionable.
ReplyDeleteQuit spreading fear, uncertainty, and doubt. This is the kind of stunt that bobby t would pull. I hear bobby t tried to hack other accounts and even LE but then UFA squawked big time claiming that someone listened in on a conference call. Pot, meet kettle.
Let's see if I get 12:53's threat. He will find out who is participating on this blog and will do what? And because we post as "anonymous"? On a Blog? For goodness sake, 12:53, you need to take a deep breath, and come to grips with just what the purpose of this Blog is. It is to give the opportunity to rant and rave. To blow of steam. Do you think that anyone takes anything said by an Anonymous poster seriously. None of the content of these posts appear to be actionable and thus not discoverable. So the blog will remain anonymous. And I can understand you not wanting to disclose your identity. You are making threats which are not specific enough to become actionable, but with a little more effort on your part could result in some action. Are you willing to cross that line or willing to identify yourself. I would guess not.
ReplyDeleteGreetings,
ReplyDeleteI do not wish to get into specifics, as that is not the purpose. There is such an incredible divide between what nuvo-Internet socializers comprehend, technology wise and those that have been IP packet sniffing, IRCing and the like.
There is so much you do not know - and that is why you have allowed so much confusion to reign and so much venom to built.
Your comments add no value to critical conversation or to society in general when you "as a child" express yourself in such an infantile manner.
Please, spend more time modeling appropriate behavior for other striving-adults and YOUR children.
Is this the way you'd have your children conduct their affairs? - by bullying with venomous comments behind a comfortable veil?
This world needs more empathy, compassion and intellect....Not what you see above...
I will not post again - as I fully realize the common retorts from the peanut gallery. This message is for those receptive.
Be kind - be critical - Be adults
We have come to bring decency and union to the people.
We do not forgive
We do not forget
Expect Us
Why do I feel as though I just reviewed a sermon from a quasi-Christian Robby the robot, or some other Alien from a 1950's Sci-Fi movie.
ReplyDeleteWe are watching...
We know your every move...
We are your new leaders...
Dude, really? Good morals are great, but, the glue fumes seem to be coming home to roost.
(Dammit, now you know who I am!)
Signed, well...you now who.
p.s. Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not watching you.
@10:45 am - I am sure you are not part of the larger group anonymous.
ReplyDeleteBut since you have brought up packet sniffing and the like, you probably know that is illegal to eavesdrop on communication. Lot of the anonymous group have been arrested and have gone to jail.
However, I might note that there is someone from Kodiak Alaska using a Mac OSX on the GCI network at 10:45 am and another at 10:45 am from Kodiak on the GCI network using a Wintel who stayed only a minute (using sitemeter as you so helpfully suggested). The last octet of the ip address is stripped off so good luck with trying to guess who it is.
btw, I've been expecting you, your lead enemas are ready.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts mine alone. If you are gonna talk crap get facts straight, or better yet, why not say all this to thier face. These are great people who have been in the industry for years. I have a problem with people who can say shit but, won't use there names. To me you have a problem perhaps more personal that does not need to be blogged all over. People who know them will back them 100%. Just some people pissy over something that did not go your way. So to talk bad? Does it make you better?
ReplyDeleteNo, but it sure smoked a funny covert big brother e spy out of the woodwork.
ReplyDeleteIt sure looks like most of the people that get this much attention are the most successful,smartest, hardest working.
ReplyDeleteThey must be doing something right! They used to call them (HIGHLINERS) now they call them cheaters & liars.
-Best wishes Hubberd family
Honestly I could care less either way if they did or did not commit perjury! Maybe 15 years ago I would have. Before Mr. President Clinton committed perjury and got away with it, now the top cop of the U.S., AG Eric Withholder. I have a hard time with the fact that the American people are all for the witch hunt on mere peons in comparison to the criminal activities that are on going within the very agencies leading the hunt! So just continue to keep your head where it is! On another note, a previous comment was made about Rhonda being the first person to comment and backstab someone else in a similar position, that's a fact. I would have loved to been a fly on the wall thou when everything came out about her buddy Arne Fuglvog!
ReplyDelete