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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, September 1, 2002

Letters to the Editor

Mayor making mistake on Charter amendment

It's too bad Mayor Harris isn't going to allow the City Council-approved Charter amendment merging the city's water and wastewater functions to be placed on the ballot for action by the voters.

With the current state of city finances, we desperately need big changes in the way we operate our city. We need real solutions that generate efficiency, effectiveness and save big money.

By rejecting this merger proposal, the mayor keeps control of wastewater functions and monies. Watch out for more shenanigans with our sewer fund.

Gary Okino
City councilman


Patience wearing thin; throw the bums out

In reading The Advertiser each day, watching the evening news and visiting friends and relatives on the Neighbor Islands, I've heard the same coherent theme: "What is happening to Hawai'i?"

Incompetence, cronyism and outright corruption in our state and county governments are truly testing our aloha and 'ohana. And we are a patient people.

We are so blessed to live in Hawai'i nei, so please, this September and November — whatever your political persuasion — vote. And if necessary, throw the bums out ... but vote.

After all, this is our kuleana.

Stephen B. Doyle
Hale'iwa


Homeless must be provided alternatives

I am reading the articles and letters to the editor about the problems that our homeless brothers and sisters seem to be causing around the island, and it breaks my heart to know that we are moving people out of places without providing alternatives.

There are plenty folks who have mental illnesses or chemical dependency, but they still have homes. What makes homeless people different from the rest of us? They have no permanent residence.

Let's provide housing. Group housing. Assisted living. Affordable housing.

The idea of "housing first" is catching on across the nation. Research shows that it is more economical and effective to provide housing, then bring needed social services to the residents in that housing, than to battle the homeless on the beaches, house them in shelters and treat them in emergency rooms. It is also more humane.

Let's think outside the box — and put our homeless folks in housing.

Catherine Graham


Why can't next in line step into city positions?

The city's rehiring of so many high-pensioned retirees at their former salaries speaks volumes of the dysfunctional apparatus of municipal government.

The basic premise espoused by Managing Director Ben Lee is that the city saves money by doing this because there is no need to pay medical, dental and retirement benefits. These benefits are contributory systems and are part of the salary structure.

And, if they are rehired because there is no "qualified" replacement, then the rehired retiree was delinquent in not properly training his subordinate during his tenure to assume the position.

The city must have some merit promotion system to select the best qualified individual from applicants within a specific area of consideration. To not promote from within is seriously detrimental to morale. If the intent is to save money, promote from within and ripple it down to the lowest level and bring in new blood at the entry level.

The only "loss" is the retiree who has "earned" his or her retirement with the benefits.

What happens if Mayor Harris resigns? Does the city rehire Frank Fasi instead of promoting Ben Lee temporarily? Does the state rehire John Waihee if Ben Cayetano leaves office early?

If the managing director and lieutenant governor can step in for the mayor and governor, why, pray tell, can't the next person in the chain of command step up and do just as well?

Patronage and nepotism in civil service adds to the other scandals recently brought to light in city and state government.

J.F. Choo


Computer picks those to be checked at airport

The Aug. 26 letter to the editor about an 11-year-old being selected by the airport security caught my eye. I, too, had a similar experience with my son. This past June we were flying out of Honolulu. At the time, he was 11 months old.

My son was selected for a body search (he had no bags to search). Although I was surprised, after asking a few questions, I found out what happened. The computer randomly selects people to be searched, a special code is printed on the boarding pass that alerts airport personnel that that person has been selected. They must search that person, no matter how "stupid" it may seem.

However, when you think carefully about what happened Sept. 11, you realize that terrorists will do anything, maybe even use a child as a cover for terrorist activities. I am more than happy to have my son searched if it will deter people from trying to bring things on a plane that could be dangerous.

Andrea Eshelman


Aloha Boat Days offers you fun time

Aren't you just a little tired of reading about politicians, terrorists, the stock market and problems of every kind? Would you like a change of pace and be able to laugh and talk to many interesting people? We have just the place for you to relax and enjoy yourself.

We are volunteers for the Aloha Boat Days, and we meet and greet all incoming and outgoing ships. These people are from all over the world and love to be greeted by our Honolulu folks and also other tourists. Give it some serious thought.

The Norwegian Star leaves each Sunday evening at 8 from the Aloha Tower pier. You can watch the group sing and dance. You'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner. Come at 7:15 and join in with us. We guarantee you a great time.

Pat Myers


Hawai'i media missed Babe Ruth coverage

Mahalo to Shireen Gaetjen for applauding the Hawai'i Babe Ruth 13-year-old baseball team. I join in her praise.

My family and I had the once-in-a-lifetime privilege of watching these young men in action at the Regionals and again at the World Series. The team was only one win away from the game for the national championship and had beaten both the runner-up and the eventual champs in earlier games. They worked extremely hard and represented Hawai'i well.

It is unfortunate, though, that the Hawai'i media did not see fit to publicize their accomplishments. The team got more coverage in the Mainland papers than it did in its hometown publications. How you figgah?

Congratulations and thanks to the coaches: Jon Santiago, Randy Hodson and Josh Awa. And congratulations to the whole team. We are all proud of you.

Ross Miyamoto


Never old-fashioned

In the Aug. 25 Island Life section, there was an article "Like a virgin again." The writer made this statement: "Some make the decision based on old-fashioned Christian values, etc."

There are some of us who also feel Christian values are never old-fashioned.

Barbara Neff