Letters to the Editor
Let the boat owners manage boat harbor
For decades The Advertiser has documented the struggle between the demanding Ala Wai boat owners and inept state Harbors management. So much heat has been raised that the only political way out of the mess is to privatize.
Boat owners now have the prospect of facing an investor-manager who may not be responsive to their continuous harping.
Why don't the boat owners form a co-op or condo-type organization and manage it themselves? With 799 slips, an average $1,000 assessment would raise close to $800,000 in operating funds. Then, let them hire a manager, collect the rents, get rid of the deadbeats, and maintain and develop the property under the state privatization guidelines.
Maybe then a boat owner would fix a loose dock cleat instead of complaining and waiting six months for the state to hire a contractor to do it for $1,000.
It's put-up-or-shut-up time on the Ala Wai.
Bob Stengle
Rotten apples won't spoil Democratic legacy
Regarding James P. Hardway's July 3 letter: It is true that Hawai'i has seen several political figures tarnished by scandal in recent months. As chairwoman of the Hawai'i Democrats, I am, of course, troubled when a member of the Democratic Party betrays the public trust. Those who do so must and do face serious consequences.
But Hardway confuses the failing of a handful of individuals with the enduring legacy of the Democratic Party and our accomplishments for the people of Hawai'i over the decades.
The Democratic Party is an 'ohana of people and values. We value economic, cultural and environmental diversity, putting people first, building our economy and supporting a rebirth of public education in Hawai'i. All families have arguments, and none is perfect. But we believe that in November, Hawai'i's people will once again find the best choices in the Democratic Party 'ohana.
It is the Hawai'i Democrats who have worked to nurture and sustain our unparalleled quality of life here, and we are building a new generation of leadership to continue Hawai'i's prosperity in the future.
Lorraine H. Akiba
Chairwoman, Democratic Party of Hawai'i
Hawai'i conservatives are indeed motivated
I was amazed at Andre Kalata's July 9 letter, "State GOP, Lingle out of touch on gays." He claims that tens of thousands of Hawai'i conservatives will have no motivation whatsoever to participate in the elections this November.
Really? How do you know? To what end? So that our economy will continue to stagnate, our society will wallow in malaise, businesses will go under, our schools will crumble, and local people will be forced to move to the Mainland for a better life? Did you run this by struggling families and individuals here, not to mention our expatriates on the Mainland?
That is not a conservative strategy; it's stupid. And conservatives like myself and my associates are not stupid.
Linda Lingle did not appear at the gay pride parade. Neither did Log Cabin Republicans of Hawai'i, and neither did the vast majority of gays in this state. The very few gay Republicans who marched in the parade do not represent a consensus.
We've consistently supported Republican common-sense solutions for the people of our state. The growing HIV/AIDS epidemic, economic empowerment and high-quality educational opportunities for all individuals and families are our priorities.
"Cowardice," Mr. Kalata? Your hyperbole sounds more like wishful thinking, and wishful thinking will not solve our challenges. Common-sense solutions will. That, and an alternative to the politics-as-usual you support, is what Hawai'i Republicans offer.
Jeffrey Bingham Mead
Log Cabin Republicans of Hawai'i
Those who don't meet criteria need help most
It is with deep sadness that Hui Ho'oulu releases this statement. Kamehameha Schools' decision to offer admission to a student of non-Hawaiian ancestry to Kamehameha's Maui campus is precedent-setting.
Kamehameha has stood up against many challenges regarding its admission policy. The policy has stood the test of time, until now. The schools' warrior image no longer seems warlike in its convictions.
Kamehameha CEO Hamilton McCubbin says, "After admitting all of the Hawaiian applicants who met the criteria, there was space available, and admission was offered to a non-Hawaiian applicant." It is Hui Ho'oulu's belief that the Hawaiian children who are not able to meet Kamehameha's academic criteria are the children who deserve Kamehameha's aid the most.
This decision opens an onslaught for further non-Hawaiians to demand admission to the Kamehameha Schools. This precedent, another fracture in the mirror of Pauahi, will eventually shatter her wishes.
Adrian K. Kamali'i
President, Hui Ho'oulu Inc.
Class of 2000
Surely one more Hawaiian applied
Hamilton McCubbin explains that trustees decided to accept a non-Hawaiian student because Kamehameha School admitted all Hawaiian applicants who met their admission requirements and had one vacant space to fill. How many students of Hawaiian ancestry actually applied?
There were 592 spaces available. Did only 591 students of Hawaiian ancestry apply? If there were more than 592 applicants of Hawaiian ancestry, why were some denied admission and why couldn't Kamehameha Schools lower their admission policy to admit one more student of Hawaiian ancestry?
Of those who were denied admission, there would be some who could greatly benefit from the education that Kamehameha Schools have to offer, even though they don't meet all the application requirements. If admission was denied to a student of Hawaiian ancestry because of financial reasons, Kamehameha certainly has the funds to give such a student some sort of financial assistance.
This is a slap in the face to all those Hawaiians who were denied admission. The system is flawed, and this decision opens the gate to more non-Hawaiians attending Kamehameha.
File Keliiaa
Wai'anae
What about the queen?
If the standards for admittance to the Kamehameha Schools are eased, does that mean Queen Lili'uokalani's last will and testament will be abrogated?
Ted LaFore
ACLU is hypocritical in McKinley lawsuit
Don't the ACLU lawyers have anything better to do than to file lawsuits over things with the word "God" in them? I suppose they're claiming victory over the ruling that the Pledge of Allegiance is unconstitutional and now they want to disturb McKinley High's code of honor.
But I wonder, where was the ACLU after Sept. 11 when everyone was praying? Why didn't anyone complain about the entire nation praying for the World Trade Center victims? Thousands of public schools must have said a prayer for them. Why didn't the ACLU protest when President Bush called for a day of prayer? Why didn't the ACLU defend us from the repeated singing of "God Bless America" on government time?
Hypocrites! They're only brave when they think they have public support. They knew it would be bad publicity for them if they filed such protests right after Sept. 11.
And to the McKinley student who felt uncomfortable about saying the word God. First of all, you better deal with your sensitivity if something that simple bothers you. And second, don't you ever use the word God when you're swearing at someone. That would make you as hypocritical as the ACLU.
Fletcher Young
If you don't like code, go to another school
In response to McKinley High's plight over a student's lawsuit: God is their code of honor. The school was built and based on that belief.
The school has educated and produced many productive citizens based on that code. It is a code of honor — honor you do not question. It shows the respect and trust that students have for this school. For this is where they will gain the knowledge and skills to be an asset to their community. It is the code of honor that unifies the efforts of the staff and students. If someone does not agree with these teachings and code of honor, he can always go to another school.
Pay attention to your alma matter. Do you agree with everything that is sung? How about the school motto or slogan? Next, you won't like your mascot. But, hey, that is tradition. That is what the schools have been built upon: tradition. Imua!
Stacey Shibao
Lahaina, Maui
Verizon puts much effort into its phone books
Bob Krauss' July 14 column, "Keeping up with the Lees, contractors," provided an interesting perspective on the growth of families and businesses on O'ahu. However, the column failed to recognize Verizon as publisher of the telephone book and Yellow Pages.
Much time, effort and resources are utilized in producing the Verizon SuperPages directories, which contain an incredible amount of information.
Compiling reams of residential and business data as well as a calendar of events, emergency contact numbers and disaster preparedness information, TheBus schedules, area maps and more with countless ads and coupons is no small task. Verizon's SuperPages even include a Wikiwiki Voter Registration form for the convenience of residents who have not yet registered to vote.
In addition, the Verizon SuperPages covers showcase the work of local artists. This year's front-cover design is by renowned artist Satoru Abe, and the back cover features artwork by the late Andrew Hiraoka, courtesy of the law offices of Ian Mattoch.
Verizon Information Services is the largest directory publisher in the world. Print and online directories, SuperPages and SuperPages .com, are a growing part of Verizon's communications services business.
Ann Nishida
Media relations manager, Verizon Hawaii
Coach within rights with ban on mopeds
I've read that Coach June Jones is banning his players from riding mopeds. I think he is well within his rights.
These players are part of a team sport, and any off-field injury might affect the outcome on the field. Why do you think professional players have contracts stipulating what things they can and cannot do? Remember Jeff Kent of the San Francisco Giants?
OK, so this might not be a fair comparison on a couple of levels, but that's the logic. Besides, it's like Army basic training with the drill sergeant. He's there to mold raw talent into trained units motivated toward one goal. Similarly, Coach Jones is doing that for the football team.
So what's a little more exercise?
Derek Funayama
Letter criticizing oil producers ridiculous
Dave Dutka's July 15 letter was hyperbole at its worst and factually misleading. He uses semantics to criticize a previous letter writer's assertion that gasoline prices in Hawai'i are cheap relative to past prices.
To accuse the drivers of "Lincoln Navigators" of "financing states and regimes that are ... not compliant with what we consider to be free, democratic societies" is ridiculous.
Over 50 percent of the United States' oil imports comes from Canada, Mexico and Venezuela, while another 15 percent comes from Britain and Norway. These are hardly the murderous and terroristic countries that Dutka claims are the recipients of our gas money. The United States is actually the world's second largest oil producer, while Saudi Arabia, Libya and Iraq produce only 15 percent of the world's supply.
I would, however, ask Dutka if he has ever purchased diamond jewelry for a spouse or other family member or clothing produced in deplorable Third World conditions. If so, it would be quite hypocritical that he participates in such purchases that mostly benefit countries that safely can be categorized as among the most oppressive regimes on our great Earth.
Dan Morin
Subdivision entrance creates traffic hazard
The new entrance from Lunalilo Home Road to "The Peninsula," a new subdivision in Hawai'i Kai, is an accident waiting to happen.
I note that it is marked for exiting only, but with right and left turns. However, creating this roadway directly across from the entrance to Kaiser High School was a very bad idea. With cars entering and exiting Kaiser from all directions, before and after school, it is hazardous enough without this roadway.
Either a traffic light needs to be placed there (not something I really want to see since it's so close to the Wailua/Lunalilo Home Road light) or the roadway into The Peninsula should be changed to an entrance-only roadway.
Changing the direction of the roadway would keep the cars from getting into the mix of traffic in and out of Kaiser High. Every time I exit Kaiser, I do so with trepidation.
A. Matsuda
