Letters to the Editor
Native Hawaiian bill should be amended
I am shocked that Congress has not questioned the constitutionality of the Native Hawaiian Recognition Bill, which undermines the self-determination of Native Hawaiians.
According to a Department of Justice attorney, the bill discriminates against Hawaiians and is a "compromised recognition." The bill treats Hawaiians as unworthy of native rights equal to those of Native Americans on the Mainland.
Hawaiians are asking that hearings be held on this bill, which differs considerably from earlier versions and should be amended to protect Hawaiian rights and lands. Without a hearing, the Native Hawaiian Recognition Bill should be killed.
Lela M. Hubbard
Chairwoman, Coalition for Justice for Hawaiians
HSTA should accept governor's proposal
Haste makes waste. And a waste of time it has been with the state and teachers dispute. Both sides are equally at fault for not reviewing the final draft of the agreement before sending it to be ratified by the HSTA members.
We need a win-win conclusion. Since the governor has agreed to increase his offer to $9.7 million, above the $6 million previously proposed, both sides should accept that, and if it needs to be split into two years, then so be it.
Bonuses should be defined as eligible to those with advanced and professional degrees who are accredited in their teaching fields or curriculum. A degree in science would not qualify a math teacher for any bonus, if not incorporated into courses being taught. Many teachers have degrees not associated with subjects they are teaching; therefore, they should be deemed ineligible.
Lawrence A. Barr
State never intended to honor agreement
It has become painfully clear since the ratification of the teachers' contract that the state never intended to honor its agreement.
This facade was just a smokescreen to buy time based on the fact that Judge David Ezra loomed near and the magic number that would force the DOE to extend the school year, thereby jeopardizing graduation for many, was only a day or two away. The state and governor's intent is clear: set the HSTA up for backroom politics as it did the HGEA.
By reviewing announcements made in the media by the governor and Davis Yogi, the state's chief negotiator, the plan becomes clear. First, the state reported that the estimate for the 3 percent differential for those with a professional diploma or master's degree, initially estimated at $6.7 million, was closer to $20 million and that the state could not afford that and it refused to pay this amount for two years. Then, it reported that it would honor the differential but only for those with professional diplomas and master's in certain fields. Next, the criteria changed to those with professional diplomas and master's from the University of Hawai'i.
The state only moves on litigation. I say, sue!
This situation is unhealthy for the membership. It has created emotional and financial stress that is at the breaking point. Isn't it odd that many in politics are staying clear of this travesty?
Alison Higa
Disillusioned HSTA member
We need candidates who will be open with us
OK, we know that any legitimate campaign must have serious funds available. We also accept that in our Island business climate, there are economic stakeholders for every candidate. The public outcry for integrity in leadership, I think, has been strongly voiced.
What is also needed are candidates who demonstrate a sound understanding of real-life issues and who can describe their openness to finding comprehensive, strategic frameworks that support the long-term growth and betterment of Hawai'i.
Nobody expects miracles from leaders, but transitions are scary times and we all need a little reassurance that we are not forgotten.
Karen Yukie Yamada
There's good reason to turn on car lights
I notice many drivers neglect to turn on their headlights through the H-3 tunnels, although signs clearly request that it be done.
The reason for headlights in the tunnels is so the other drivers can see you and vice versa.
If you are wearing sunglasses, it is nearly impossible to see a vehicle without lights, which greatly increases the likelihood of an accident when making a lane change.
Nancy Suske
Kailua
Correction: Because of a page designer's error, the name of an organization that should have been printed below a letter by its chair, Lela M. Hubbard, appeared below an unrelated letter by Karen Yukie Yamada. Yamada and her letter are not connected with the organization.
