Letters to the Editor
Enact a helmet law or get rid of seat-belt law
Ever since the seat-belt law went into effect, I always asked, "How come motorcycle riders no need wear helmets?" At first it was pure jealousy. You know, why do I have to wear the belt if they don't need to wear a helmet?
Now, over a year after losing a good "braddah" to head injuries sustained from a motorcycle accident on June 11, 2001, I have been an advocate of a helmet law.
The state says that seat belts save lives; well, so do helmets. Why are we pushing for more seat-belt laws and not mentioning a helmet law? Since the above-mentioned date, I have heard or read of five or six deaths caused by head injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. I have also read of some motorcyclists injured in accidents who recovered with just broken bones and spared any head injuries due to wearing a helmet.
I know a lot of bike enthusiasts may not agree with this letter, but facts are facts. Helmets save lives. If the legislators won't enact a helmet law, then get rid of the seat-belt law.
James H. Bruhn
Kane'ohe
Family comes first before other endeavors
I believe Walter Dods made a good choice in not running for governor.
No matter what you accomplish in the business world or the social world, if you fail 'ohana, then you have not accomplished much. Failure or success does not lie in the material wealth you provide them. It is measured by what of yourself you give to them.
Mahalo nui loa for your example, Mr. Dods.
Ronald A. Young
'Ewa Beach
Altruism isn't a part of Hawai'i's delegation
It was fascinating food for thought to read the June 21 short editorial, "Not in it for the money," which alleged that Dan Akaka, Dan Inouye, Patsy Mink and Neil Abercrombie are "far from the financial perch they might occupy if they applied their considerable talents in the private sector."
An observation of Frederick Bastiat, French legislator and economic writer, comes to mind. In discussing choices in lawful public finance, he observes that only three are possible:
• The few plunder the many.
• Everyone plunders everybody.
• Nobody plunders anybody.
The skills and mindset to do No. 1 or No. 2 are not transferable to the private sector without extraordinary risk of legal problems. All four of the above persons are masters of No. 1 and No. 2.
One example is Inouye's remark during his speech at the recent state Democratic Party Convention referring to the "fact" that for every dollar we pay in federal taxes, $1.50 comes back to Hawai'i. This means that some states are big losers. Inouye has "fiduciary responsibility" to our nation and he actually boasts that he violates such. Can you imagine Walter Dods bragging that his trust company, administering a trust with beneficiaries throughout the nation, favored beneficiaries in Hawai'i over those in the other states?
I think the theoretical private-sector perch discussed in the editorial might be in Lompoc (California) Federal Prison, or some such.
Richard O. Rowland
President
Grassroot Institute of Hawai'i
Rene Mansho made out OK despite fines
Rene Mansho steals $165,000 from the public. She is fined $80,000 and then $25,000: $165,000 minus $105,000 equals $60,000. So she profits $60,000 tax-free. She also gets one year of jail time at the public's expense, which costs us approximately $50,000.
In the long run, Rene Mansho loses her credibility and reputation, but monetarily she came out pretty good. Don't you think?
And she still thinks she can serve the public, those from whom she stole.
Just another in a long line of arrogant public servants whom we don't need.
File Keliiaa
Wai'anae
Legislature should save Ko Olina project
The Legislature should have the courage of its convictions and convene to override the veto of tax credits for the Ko Olina project.
The difference between outright grants of cash and sound economic development seems to escape people's notice. The bailout of the Japanese Cultural Center would come right out of taxpayers' pockets. Ko Olina involves investing part of an income stream that does not now exist to help assure a much larger income stream for the state's future.
The Ko Olina bill would accelerate the process of job creation at a time when such measures are needed. And these would not be government jobs that drain the public purse, but private employment that increases state revenues. Ko Olina would help O'ahu's second city reach critical mass and spur further economic, cultural, educational and other beneficial activities to benefit West O'ahu.
The measure originally passed both chambers overwhelmingly.
A legislative override is warranted.
Michael G. Palcic
