Letters to the Editor
Sleazy politicians should take note
In response to Roland Nishimura's April 14 letter where he praises Rene Mansho as a trusted friend: Well, that's pretty funny.
Why is it that when crooks get caught, especially politicians, a few pals always write in in their behalf? Maybe they think it will lighten their sentence.
When 1,400 people signed a petition for Rene to get out, that should have rung her bell. We have too many sleazy politicians who think they can fool the people. Not anymore. We're watching.
James Cordero
Pearl City
Our community must start pulling together
We need to start to pull together as a community.
We have to deal with reports of a Middle East war (something we really don't want), daily work pressures, an increased level of homeless and abandoned people who need lots of attention, people who feel they are "allowed" to do whatever they feel like doing based on their own quasi-theological theories of the cosmos, and the reality of increased family violence as noted by the recent story of a small boy murdered by his siblings in Texas.
If we don't start pulling together as a community or at least find some basis of commonality very soon, we'll be in hot water. I think both the papers, public television and schools should begin right now to begin holding meetings based on how to develop rational-thinking strategies, how to cope, and basically start reassuring the public that there is public safety.
I also wish our legislators and other elected officials would take the lead in providing support in the form of words to young people.
Cathleen Pomponio
Shark-warning signs won't increase liability
The April 17 article "Olowalu won't post shark warning" is a sad commentary on a legal system that would allow frivolous claims based on the posting of warning signs.
The perception made by the government attorneys that posting of signs could make the state a bigger target for lawsuits does not track. What would make sense to tourists and visitors to any beach is the knowledge that the area does experience shark sightings.
Can someone explain how in the wildest imagination the state could be sued for posting such warning signs? If that is the case, then all warning signs posted by the state, such as roadway signs, could result in the state being sued.
Any such lawsuit should be thrown out of court as being frivolous.Ê
John P. Gallagher
'Ewa Beach
Only 2 real choices for hurricane fund
Regarding the April 9 letter from Gerald Peters, "Hurricane threat isn't going away": Mr. Peters omitted the fact that he would profit if the "transfer" of money from the hurricane fund, as proposed by the majority Democrats, is adopted.
In addition to a $100 million raid to pay for an oversized government, the law would provide "grants" from the fund to homeowners who want to add hurricane clips to their homes. Mr. Peters owns one of the few businesses in Hawai'i that provide hurricane clips.
There are only two legitimate choices concerning the fund and its $217 million surplus: Keep it intact or refund the surplus. The better choice is a refund.
But whether the first choice or second, both options require further deliberation by the Legislature and involve issues of fairness and equity. That is why I introduced HCR 157 and HR 114. This would set up an investigation to allow the Legislature to fully explore the legitimate options for using the fund's surplus, while determining whether the fund's board of directors properly managed the fund and its record-keeping. The chairman of the House Committee on Consumer Protection was unwilling to hear these measures.
The fund and its surplus belong to those who paid into it. They do not belong to the state for state uses. Sadly, the Democrats continue their shameful and unabashed scam to take for their own what belongs to others.
State Rep. Joe Gomes
R-51st House District (Waimanalo, Keolu Hills, Lanikai)
Stop experimenting with education reform
Governance of the school system is less a problem than the compensation and working conditions of teachers and school staff.
The elected school board system is far from perfect, but changing the composition and structure of boards won't help kids when teachers are underpaid and schools are underfunded.
Keep the system in place. Hold the existing school board members and politicians accountable by voting them out if you think their education achievements stink. Support better pay for teachers and school staff. Ensure that children have a proper home life, so teachers can concentrate on teaching.
Let's put our efforts in the appropriate places.
Keith Kamisugi
Mililani High School, 1988
San Francisco
Neatness counts
I'm a student of Kaimuki High School and I agree that wearing a uniform is good. And if you wear a uniform, you look much neater. Also, if all schools get together, we will know which schools they represent and behave better.
Jessica Chinoska
