Letters to the Editor

Commentary wrong; mammograms do work

As a six-year breast cancer survivor whose cancer was found by a yearly mammogram, I feel compelled to write in response to John McDougall's Dec. 30 commentary on breast cancer screening.

Yearly mammograms, though not 100 percent effective, are the best tool available in the early detection of breast cancer. They can often find the smallest lumps before they can be felt. Since the use of mammograms began, the mortality rate from breast cancer has declined 42 percent.

McDougall's statements do far more harm than good. As a volunteer with the American Cancer Society's "Reach to Recovery" program, I have had the opportunity to visit with many newly diagnosed breast cancer patients, many of whom were diagnosed through mammograms. To get the full story, talk to the thousands of women who are breast cancer survivors and know the truth.

At the American Cancer Society, we continue to reach out to women in our "Tell a Friend" program, which encourages women to have yearly mammograms because mammograms do save lives.

Ann Jones

Merger layoffs won't be so comfortable

A primary benefit (for stockholders, not employees) of corporate restructuring is the cost savings from slashing off of a big chunk of the payroll. In the case of Continental Airlines' successful turnaround in 1993, much of the credit has been attributed to then-president Greg Brenneman's ruthless layoff strategy.

In both the Harvard Business Review article and The Advertiser Q&A, Brenneman, now CEO for the upcoming Hawaiian-Aloha airlines merger, claims that his policy of handling the human resources aspect of restructuring is with "dignity and respect." What, exactly, does that mean?

When Brenneman ordered all of Continental's aircraft to be refurbished in six months, not two years, workers balked. He gave them a choice: six months or you're out of here. So the job got done in six months, with or without dignity and respect. But that was Houston, a different time and economy. This is Hawai'i, 2002.

Brenneman thinks the merged corporate culture should be comfortable, since many local families already have members working for each of the airlines. How comfortable will it be when one family member ends up supporting another member who has been laid off in the shuffle?

Dai Kokusai

Abercrombie's plan for tax holiday dumb

In the December newsletter to his Hawai'i constituents, Neil Abercrombie states that he is "co-sponsoring the Sales Tax Holiday Act of 2001." The congressman explains:

"Under this measure, Hawai'i and other states could suspend sales taxes for a short period and be reimbursed by the federal government for lost tax revenues."

Oh, joy! Oh, rapture! Now we can look forward to a reduction in our state taxes to be made up by an increase in our federal taxes (not to mention the added cost of bureaucratic paperwork between the state and federal governments).

Something about Peter and Paul comes to mind.

Jack. C. Morse

Neighborhood boards have enough power

In regard to your Dec. 29 editorial, "Neighborhood boards: Can they be revived?": The Neighborhood Board system is functioning better than ever. We certainly do not need to give the boards more power, thereby adding another layer of government.

The purpose that we serve is as a sounding board for community concerns. Most people have never heard of the problems when they first appear on our agenda.

By listening and then giving their individual and group input, they help the board to better understand an issue, but each community member starts to realize that most issues have at least two sides.

When the board takes a position on an issue, every member does so with the true feeling that this is the best for our entire community. The board, however, recognizes that there exists thoughtful, intelligent opposition to most issues, and this contrary view deserves to be heard by elected officials. Therefore, at this early stage in issues of importance, it would be foolish to have real power that could have the effect of stifling debate.

Government agencies respond favorably to board recommendations when the communities are behind the board. If a board is weak, then the individual in that community needs to say, "How can I help my neighborhood?"

Charlie T. Rodgers
Chairman, Hawai'i Kai Neighborhood Board No. 1

Traffic cameras are needed at night

I just read a story in your paper stating that the police are asking the public for help in trying to piece together an accident that occurred on New Year's Eve on the H-1 Freeway. My response to that is, with all due respect to the HPD and your newspaper, "Ask DOT. Where the heck is its camera when you need it?"

The camera system is only put out during the day; I think we need it at night, instead. That's when the deadly speedsters hit the roadways.

James Bruhn
Kane'ohe

How many were cited for illegal fireworks?

There has been much discussion about fireworks and breathing problems, cultural beliefs, air and noise pollution, and most importantly, the illegal aerial fireworks.

In the Jan. 1 issue, the paper provided the most recent tally of firecracker permits issued at 4,472 (which is significantly less than last New Year's). I always read or heard about the number of firecracker permits issued, and the casualties that usher in the new year, but what about the number of tickets or citations issued to those breaking the law concerning fireworks during New Year's Eve?

Please publicize how many individuals get caught for breaking the law and demonstrate that there are repercussions for doing so. Show some good news and reassurance to those who obey the law.

Matt Ho

Poamoho Trail gate should be reopened

I would like to endorse Fred Bole's comments on the gate that now blocks access to the Poamoho Trail.

Hiking, hunting, bird watching, botanizing, trail running and many other outdoor activities that use our trails have become more and more popular with local residents and visitors alike over the past years. Many of our trails are now heavily over-used, and it is plain that we need access to more areas in the mountains.

Every trail that we lose increases the pressure on the ones that remain, resulting in more rapid deterioration, erosion, damage to the environment and increased maintenance needs.

While the concerns of the Dole plantation, with the problems they have had with vandalism, trash dumping, theft, etc., are understandable, preventing public access generally only penalizes the responsible members of the public, while the hooligans will always find a way to get around the barriers.

At a minimum, the state should attempt to arrange a permit system with Castle & Cooke to allow reputable groups to obtain access to the Poamoho Trail without a lot of red tape. Even the company will benefit from having more eyes in the area who have an interest in the proper care of the land.

John B. Hall