Letters to the Editor

More charter schools are needed on O'ahu

As I read another article about problems with the development of new schools on O'ahu, I again want to propose the establishment of more charter schools.

Thirty years of research is irrefutable proof concerning the negative impact of large schools. Kaleiopu'u school parents should be outraged. While building more big schools might settle the legal obligations of developers, will it provide families in Kunia with the quality education their children deserve?

Charter schools offer an opportunity to cut through the kinds of red tape that the developers are facing. A charter school can be opened in a shopping center, or in unused state or county buildings.

The state of Hawai'i currently says that it spends over $6,500 per student per year for a public school education. How much of that actually goes into the educational needs of individual students?

For more information on the benefits of charter schools, contact the Hawai'i Association of Charter Schools at: hacsconsensus02@hotmail.com or contact your state legislators and candidates for governor. Shouldn't this be an election issue?

John Thatcher

Sakamoto's comment on Dobelle was off base

I have only written a letter to the editor once before in my 54 years. This one really got to me. I hope there is more than what was printed of Sen. Norman Sakamoto's comment about UH President Evan Dobelle that will give us readers a more accurate read on what he wanted to say: "There's a target, there's a target, there's a target" for only one-direction submarine commander.

I will not believe a state senator who chairs the Senate Education Committee would say something so, so, so ... what's the best word — ignorant? Sour-grapes? Out of context?

So what if Dobelle has grand ideas? I say cut Dobelle loose and see what sticks! He's doing a good job so far.

Please be fair to Sen. Sakamoto and print his entire comment so we don't mistakenly think he's so, so, so ... out of context?

I wonder what he thinks of a world-class academic and athletic UH campus that is energized with music, life, comedy, speakers, transformation, common bonds and celebration.

Sounds good to me.

Danny W. Black

Don't read too much into 'Lilo & Stitch'

I was surprised to read in Matthew Newland's June 29 letter on "Lilo and Stitch" that the issues were too heavy for children. While it is impossible to please everyone, I was wondering if this was the only Disney movie Matthew has seen?

If you really wanted to analyze past Disney movies, there was the child abuse in "Cinderella" where she was forced to constantly work and dress poorly; adolescent rebellion in "Little Mermaid" where she runs off to be with a human prince; deep feelings of guilt in "Lion King" where Simba runs off because he feels responsible for the death of his father; child abandonment in "Hunchback of Notre Dame" because Quazimodo is left by his mother at a church and grows up in a tower, forbidden to go outside; more teen rebellion in "Mulan" when the heroine goes against her parents orders, the emperor's orders, and changes sex to become a soldier.

My best advice when you go to a movie is to relax and enjoy it. Don't try to analyze it too much. As you can see, if you put some effort into it, you can always come up with some sort of message.

Kevin Kobayashi
Mililani

Local boy made good as Disney animator

In recent coverage of the movie "Lilo & Stitch," the contributions of actors with local backgrounds have been well noted. One of the animators has a local background, too. He is Michael Benet, a Damien graduate who grew up in Mililani.

As his friends will recall, Michael was a talented cartoonist as a boy. He went on to Cal Arts and later joined the Disney staff in Florida. His name appears in the credits of a number of Disney movies of the past seven or eight years.

Carol Bass
Mililani

Article on Rumours was way off the mark

I've got to comment on the June 28 critical article by Derek Paiva on the Rumours nightclub. I have become a regular customer on Saturday nights there and recommend it to the older crowd as well as 21 and over who appreciate '70s and '80s music.

First, there are people who greet you with a smile, not intimidating bouncers. The waitresses, bartenders and security are classy and respectful.

The club is beautiful, with a high ceiling and an upstairs area for parties and viewing.

Manny the manager is pleasant and will help you with any concerns.

The DJ, Sisco Kid, is friendly and accommodating with your request if he has it. The 93FM Q team is awesome and helps to lift your spirits.

Paiva wrote that the music is rarely loud enough, but obviously he is not a people person who likes to be heard. Rumours is not a bomb; it is "The Bomb."

Ellyn Mathis
Pearl City