Letters to the Editor
Deporting businessman doesn't make sense
Only in Hawai'i (or America, for that matter) will we deport a man who is contributing to society.
He comes here, builds not one but two businesses and will get deported, while our president contemplates allowing 3 million illegal aliens to stay in the United States.
One thing is for sure: It's business as usual here in Hawai'i. May I offer the bullet to the Immigration and Naturalization Service so it can shoot itself in the other foot?
John Jacobs
Admission fee isn't unlike Mainland policy
While reading an issue of The Advertiser, I was bothered by an article that described a lawsuit being filed against the city for charging visitors an entry fee to Hanauma Bay.
We too have our special privileges as California residents — lower ticket costs for Disneyland and other California amusement park attractions, for instance. Yet I have not heard one word of discrimination.
But the extreme costs of these tickets do not compare to the measly price the city is asking for Hanauma Bay and a day's worth of paradise.
The people of Hawai'i should not take these places for granted and must fight to keep what's left in its present condition.
Though, as a former resident of Nanakuli, it feels awkward when I have to pay admission to Hanauma Bay, its importance is much greater than my own gratifications, and I am, therefore, more than willing to pay the entry fee.
Adriano Abatayo
Defending indefensible a waste of money
Your July 13 editorial defending the admission fees to Hanauma Bay attempts to preserve an unfair and unconstitutional policy.
You said it "makes sense to charge something to offset management costs." Let's not kid ourselves; these fees were a tax increase foisted on tourists because of the City Council's fiscal imprudence and because of Mayor Jeremy Harris' desire to build a legacy by spoiling the view at Hanauma with his cliffside building. If these fees are so necessary to maintain Hanauma Bay, why did we manage to do without them until 1995?
The lawsuit filed by a California woman was inevitable. As the city's lawyers pointed out back when these fees were first being considered, someone would sue us eventually for violating the 14th Amendment right to equal treatment under the law and the guarantees under the Hawai'i Constitution allowing everyone the right to free access to all beaches in the state.
We should settle this lawsuit promptly by ripping out the collection booths at Hanauma instead of wasting taxpayers' money trying to defend the indefensible.
Jim Henshaw
Kailua
Others should share in redevelopment costs
Many hotels and retail outlets will feel the financial benefits of Outrigger Enterprises' redevelopment of the Lewers Street area, so is it fair for Outrigger to shoulder all the costs?
Ted La Fore
Teachers may have to go on strike again
I have been a teacher for 31 years with the state Department of Education, and I have never been so angry and embarrassed by the way teachers are being treated until now. The governor now claims the state did not agree to pay teachers with a master's degree a 3 percent differential.
At the bargaining table, the state negotiators most certainly did come to this agreement with Hawaii State Teachers Association negotiators. Now it is time to honor that agreement. Don't let the governor call all the shots.
Teachers are upset that the governor is backing off signing the agreement because he did not do his homework. This is punitive on his part, but what is new? Although he was not the governor at the time, this is the same prevalent attitude that got the state into the Felix mess.
Teachers deserve to start the new school year knowing their employer is fair, honorable and trustworthy. We would much rather devote our energies to preparing for a new school year with enthusiasm and hope than with the dread of possibly having to fight this battle in court or be out on the picket lines again.
Maybe teachers should not work until we have our contract signed by all parties. School starts this month for many year-round schools and is just around the corner for others.
Dottie Aganos
Wailuku
Carolyn Golojuch aims at real family values
Thank you for the July 16 article describing Carolyn Golojuch's exceptional volunteer work on behalf of children, families and the community. Her tireless efforts to promote equal rights and tolerance deserve high praise.
Golojuch's "moral compass" points toward love and understanding. These are real family values.
Holly Huber
Legislators stood up for the public's safety
My deep appreciation goes out to the legislators who protected our children by overriding the governor's veto of the bill raising the age of sexual consent from 14 to 16 years.
Despite political pressure, they did their jobs and stood up for the public's safety and welfare. As a father and citizen, I am indeed grateful.
Steve Keali'iwahamana Hoag
Younger teens won't be target of new law
I am very pleased with the override on the age-of-consent bill. However, I am very concerned about the continued mis-implication and failure to fully explain this bill in your newspaper and in other publications.
Your paper mischaracterized the bill by saying: "The new law makes it illegal for 14- or 15-year-olds to have sex with adults." This is false. It will not be illegal for the 14- or 15-year-old, but for the older party. An important distinction.
Rebecca Lively
St. Louis School getting too much attention
I am a senior at St. Louis School, and I am appalled at the absurd over-coverage of events related to my school.
In part, it is the actions of a small minority of the student body who cause this. However, I question why our internal affairs should be intensely scrutinized while other schools are only glanced over.
There is a general misconception that we put too much emphasis on sports. If this were true, every time we won a championship we would take a day to relive the magic moment. Rather, we carry out regular lesson plans for the entire day.
Most recently, Cal Lee announced his decision to step down as head football coach. The result was a front-page headline announcing the event. Would the coach of any other school get the same attention? In fact, except for an elite few, could you name the coach at any other high school?
We are a school. Please allow us to function as one by keeping events in proportion. Next time you see a story related to St. Louis, ask yourself: Would another school get such attention?
Ramsey Higa
Mililani
Learn basic rules and avoid road rage
You hear a lot about road rage these days. Apparently, there are quite a few of our fellow motorists who are on the edge and ready to go off at the slightest provocation.
We are warned repeatedly to steer clear of these "crazies" and not to tick them off. "Don't gesture." "Don't make eye contact." "Don't instigate conflict," "Don't escalate," "Don't provoke."
Well, let me offer a few do's that may help:
• Do stay in the right lane of the roadway unless you are actively passing another vehicle (ever notice those signs that direct slower traffic to the right lane?).
• Do use your turn signals to indicate your intentions whenever you are entering or exiting the roadway or changing lanes.
• Do use your headlights in tunnels and whenever visibility is restricted (e.g., at dusk, during rainstorms, etc.).
• Do pay attention to your driving and the other motorists around you (if you must talk while you drive, do use a hands-free device for your cell phone).
Maybe if everyone would make the effort to learn and to practice the basic rules and courtesies of the road, these "crazed" motorists would have less reason to rage.
Darrel Lynch
Pearl City
Postal Service's raise defies old excuse
The U.S. Postal Service has raised the cost of mail again.
This time its excuse is that due to our using e-mail, faxes, UPS and FedEx, it is not selling as many stamps as it did before.
However, it forgets that before e-mail, fax, UPS and Fedex, it raised the cost of mail repeatedly because it said it had too much mail to move.
Additionally, the Postal Service advertises that it delivers mail efficiently, without delay or damage. But it tells you that in order for it to do that, there will be an additional charge for insurance and prompt delivery.
Some of us don't understand the Postal Service system.
I would write a letter of complaint to the head post office, but I would have to pay extra postage to insure my letter in hopes that it would get there.
Humble Blackie Gadarian
Make Andy Mirikitani an offer he can't refuse
Poor City Council, can't figure out how to get rid of its convicted felon member.
It is really easy. The man is an obvious nickel-and-dimer. He is hanging in there for the paycheck. Make him an offer of, say, $12,000 and watch him scurry for cover.
I am sure you can find this extra money now instead of monthly. Then let's get on with managing a city that needs to get back on track.
Lincoln C.K. Lum
Kaimuki
We don't want to take advantage of Hawaiians
Patrick Barrett in his lawsuit against Hawaiians-only programs can speak for himself, not the majority of Hawai'i residents who have no desire to take undue advantage of the Hawaiians.
We have taken enough from them already and should be grateful for their hospitality.
Joe Chen
