Letters to the Editor

Dengue fever must be our No. 1 priority

Dengue fever is spreading in Hawai'i and may threaten the lives of our children. The state needs to make dengue a priority over terrorism and tourism, because the lives of Hawai'i's children are at stake.

New dengue cases should not be "hushed-hushed" to minimize damage to an already-dying tourist industry, but reported immediately to the public. It needs to be emphasized that dengue is potentially fatal, especially in children, and there is no cure.

With the second and third waves of dengue fever that will come, more lives will be put at risk. Contracting the disease for the second time increases the chances of death.

Melinda Healani Sonoda

Increasing governor's power is a mistake

I agree with Sen. Sam Slom about the separation of powers. Any member of the House or Senate who increases the governor's power at the expense of his own power is not fit to lead, in my view.

Since when is a suspension of democracy the way to save a democracy? Only a fool would consider or propose this seriously. Let me guess who proposed it ... ah, are the initials B.C.?

Steve Purnell

How lovely: another tax break for hotels

It is rare lately that one could commend the Legislature for doing anything. This week they proposed granting the hotel owners a tax incentive. A very lovely tax incentive. I am content with this. I rest better at night knowing that the hotel owners may be able to stay in their nice houses on beachfront property and send their children to expensive private schools.

I ask you, where would we be in Hawai'i without the hotel owners? Perhaps the Legislature would have to become a people's legislature instead of appearing to be a special-interest group held together by the large campaign contributors.

Perhaps the Legislature would realize that there is actually more to life than cleaning rooms at a hotel for a living in order to send one's children to school so that they will not have to clean 15 to 20 toilets per day when they grow up.

We are, in Hawai'i, between the proverbial rock and the extreme hard spot. Can you imagine what would happen to our economy if the tourist industry really hit bottom? We need people in the Legislature who can think ahead and plan ahead and not be a copy machine for the hotel industry. Perhaps we need an entirely new Legislature. It couldn't hurt.

Arnold Van Fossen

Cachola, Mansho missed key vote

Regarding banning smoking in restaurants: No matter your position, this is one of the most controversial issues to come before the City Council in years. Yet two council members were AWOL when the vote was taken.

After sitting through hours of public testimony at the council hearing, Romy Cachola left the room just a few minutes before the vote. Showing a little more finesse, Rene Mansho decided that the best time for her to book a trip to the Mainland was on the day of the council meeting.

Maybe these so-called "leaders" don't think their constituents deserve to be represented at the City Council. Then again, with Cachola- and Mansho-style "leadership," the people are probably better off.

Mike Stetson

Cruise line's demise hit employees hard

I guess the Love Boat has docked. I feel bad for those who worked and lived mostly on the boat. A double whammy, with no time to prepare.

When a person's job and housing are gone, all they have is their last paycheck, and that's not much. Life gets hard quickly. I am sure some can, and will, go home. I am also sure some can't.

Americans should not be afraid to travel. Good rates and prices are out there. You cannot hide from the problems of the world by staying home. So enjoy life.

I hope all of the people affected land on their feet. I used to love to see those big ships in port because they are really pretty and they brought lots of money to Hawai'i. I can't wait for the new 2,000-plus passenger ship to arrive.

Ronald Young
'Ewa Beach

Rebroadcast games are starting too late

I am a very old person with a horrible handicap (31), and cannot always make it to the stadium to see the UH Warriors. For that reason I rely on "The Home Team" — KFVE — to let me see my alma mater in action — delayed to a 10 p.m. start.

Unfortunately, after I've had my warm milk and graham crackers, I become very sleepy.

Can anyone explain to us senile citizen shut-ins why the rebroadcast games finish at 2 a.m.?

Jim Tully
Kane'ohe