Letters to the Editor

Legalized gambling should be looked into

Hawai'i lawmakers should look into the possibility of legalizing gambling in Hawai'i. It is an explosive issue but one that needs to be addressed.

Legalized gambling would have a positive impact on the economy and would help to raise much-needed revenue for the state.

Hawai'i probably has one of the worst educational systems in the country; it can be helped by gambling revenue.

Legalized gambling would allow outside investment firms that want to invest money here to build an enclosed, segregated resort and casino facility. It would help to produce over 2,000 to 4,000 new jobs.

Many oppose this idea and think it will tarnish the mystique and beauty of Hawai'i. There is logic in that, but as with anything, strict controls and guidelines would have to be implemented to prevent outside bad influences from corrupting the harmony of our lifestyle.

Lindsay Miller

Surfing community is lacking in aloha

I'm a 17-year-old Christian surfer girl and I'm bummed about the lack of aloha in the surfing community today.

It irritates me to watch surfers surf with no etiquette. Back in the day, Hawai'i was known for its love and aloha while surfing. Today if you accidentally cut someone off, they are yelling, "Stupid haole, get off my wave!"

Don't get me wrong. I understand that surfing has advanced tremendously, but whatever happened to surfing just because it is fun? When I see these things happen, I think to myself, "Smile, you're in God's gorgeous playground. Let it go and have fun."

For all surfers, surf with a smile.

Michelle Noelani Medeiros
Kailua

Patsy Mink being used

In the latest political mess created by the Democratic Party, the leaders say they are honoring Patsy Mink.

The reality is that they are using her.

Donald Allen

67,246 'hicks' voted to re-elect Patsy Mink

I wish to comment on the Oct. 1 letter by Mr. Philip D. Park. Mr. Park, the number of "hicks" who voted for Patsy Mink during the primary election is 67,246. And this was only during the primary.

I am neither a registered Democrat nor a registered Republican. I do vote on both sides of the fence, whenever I believe in the candidate. And I believe in liberal issues as well as conservative issues. However, Mr. Park, you will find, if you haven't yet, that the population of Hawai'i is more on the liberal side because of its mixed race and cultural populace.

In Hawai'i, we are mostly all "hicks."

And those of us who were born and raised in Hawai'i are not ashamed to be referred to as "hicks." That is what makes us proudly different from the rest of the country.

As for your disrespect to Patsy Mink, one of her attributes, above all else, was that she truly cared for and loved the people of Hawai'i.

The 67,246 "hicks" of the state thought so.

Steve Uyehara
Kalaheo, Kaua'i

Cayetano's position shows his arrogance

As I watched the news Wednesday evening, I was stunned by the audacity of a statement Gov. Cayetano made in support of the Democratic Party replacing Patsy Mink on the November ballot.Ê

When he said the Democratic Party "would choose more coherently than the voters in a regular election," he pretty much summed up the attitude that Democrats have had toward Hawai'i's voters for many years. His arrogance in this statement mirrors that of the party in general in taking for granted their "right to rule."Ê

Then again, we've continued to vote for him and so many other Democrats that share this opinion for so long that maybe he's not wrong.

Doug Thomas
Mililani

Na Wahine organizers did a magnificent job

On Oct. 3, a letter regarding coverage of the Na Wahine O Ke Kai race was printed. This letter commented on the lack of recognition given by the media to crews other than the top finishers. The letter was not reflective of the Na Wahine O Ke Kai organization, its sponsors or volunteers involved with the race.

From the opening ceremony at Hale O Lono to the crossing of the finish line of the last canoe, the Na Wahine organizers worked tirelessly to make this race memorable for all the women involved. Their efforts, dedication, commitment and sacrifice are immeasurable, and we say thank you for all that you do for the sport of women's canoe racing.

Congratulations to all the women who crossed the Moloka'i Channel and thank you, Na Wahine O Ke Kai and the race sponsors, for giving us the opportunity to take that challenge.

Tambry R. Young
Women's coach, Koa Kai Canoe Club