First, his right to appeal is not automatic. He must show a compelling reason why he deserves that right.

Second, the city government must protect its resources, including a staff and budget, which Mirikitani has mismanaged and abused. Did we let the 'Ewa Beach movers continue stealing money while waiting for sentencing?

Third, no self-respecting city government should allow even the slightest hint of trading an important vote for monetary gain. That possibility exists with Mirikitani, who stands more than accused of wrongdoing.

Last, Mirikitani's office antics must stop because he hurts people by forcing them into situations they don't deserve. 

Hank Raymond
Former City Council aide

Stonebraker's activity obviously was improper

Georgina Kwan's July 2 letter misstated my argument when she wrote: "No religious persons can duly serve the government."

Article IV of the Constitution mandates that " ... no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States."

Kwan called my complaint against Rep. William Stonebraker "outlandish," yet the attorney general issued a legal opinion, on March 15, 1999, that was critical of similar religious activity by another legislator. The opinion warned that " ... using state property and personnel to further one's purely personal matters ... is not proper." Legislators should " ... not use any state equipment to arrange a prayer breakfast."

Stonebraker did more than "make a few calls" on behalf of his constituents. He mailed invitations asking participants to RSVP through his Capitol office. Using state property and personnel made the religious activity "improper." The seal of the State of Hawai'i was also prominently displayed throughout the baccalaureate service, implying the government's endorsement of the event.

In a recent newspaper interview, Stonebraker said: "I represent more than my district. I represent people before God and God before people." This statement confirms his purely religious agenda.

After interviewing Stonebraker, the Ethics Commission requested that the attorney general investigate.

Mitchell Kahle
Hawai'i Citizens for the Separation of State and Church

Surprise inspections a matter of life, death

I read Lynda Arakawa's recent article on the unannounced inspection of care homes, or the lack of it, despite promises by Bruce Anderson that such action would take place. He made the statement in November 1999, nearly two years ago.

Shame on the administrators in the Health Department for dragging their feet. Double shame on Anderson for the lack of follow-through and for allowing such an important action to wait for nearly two years.

One must remember all this came about after an elderly woman died of bed sores (a totally preventable medical problem) and the responsible care home operator being found guilty of manslaughter charges.

Bob Kozuki

Beamer Brothers brought on the tears

As three friends and I were playing volleyball on the sand courts at the Outrigger Canoe Club recently, I stopped mid-serve because I heard some very familiar music being played down by the water.

We all ran over to the fence to peer over, only to see ... could it be ... the Beamer Brothers, playing and singing "Honolulu City Lights." Immediately, chicken skin formed all over, and tears welled up in my eyes. It was magic.

I'm sorry it took the death of Kimo McVay to bring these two back together again, but all I can say is that it was something my friends and I will never forget.

Thank you very much, Beamer Brothers.

Starr Dawson

Ota's OHA comments are embarrassing

For the longest time, when the Hawaiians made up the OHA board of trustees, they were the only people able to make fools of themselves in public. Now, thanks to Freddy Rice, anyone can make a fool of himself as an OHA board member.

Take OHA trustee Charlie Ota, for example. He spent $50,000 to be elected to the OHA board just to show the people of Hawai'i that he can be a fool, too. His profanity, live on television, was embarrassing, to say the least. He embarrassed our governor (which is really hard to do) and, worst of all, he embarrassed all the people of Maui County.

Donald G. Micco
Wailuku, Maui

Dakota Denomie is doing very well

Dakota Denomie, 14, from Pearl City, received a liver transplant June 21 at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital in Palo Alto, Calif. The doctors were pleased that it was such a good match and, to this point, Dakota is doing very well.

He was released from the hospital and will remain at Ronald McDonald House for eight weeks or more for continued testing. He sends his thanks to the people of Hawai'i.