Posted on: Saturday, April 19, 2003

Letters to the Editor

Medical marijuana foes are out of hand

The biggest obstacle to a state-regulated medical marijuana distribution system in Hawai'i is the reefer madness of our federal government.

By raiding voter-approved medical marijuana providers in California, the very same Drug Enforcement Administration that claims illicit drug use funds terrorism is forcing cancer and AIDS patients into the hands of street dealers. Apparently marijuana prohibition is more important than protecting the country from terrorism.

Robert Sharpe
Drug Policy Alliance

Is it déjà vu all over again with education?

I started teaching in 1968. The pay was $400 per month. Only people who were interested in teaching were applying. Two years later, the salary jumped to $700 per month. Suddenly, everybody wanted to be a teacher. There was only a special-education pool open. People were diving in as if there were a 120-degree heat wave going on.

Then lightning struck. A friend named Wally started hustling me about joining a union. He invited me to a cookout. The barbeque meat was delicious. I said to myself, "This must be a good union because the meat was good." I signed up for the HFT. Then, clash of the titans! HFT vs. HSTA ... winner take all. HSTA won. I was drafted into the other camp.

Suddenly, I found myself on strike. Tensions rose as people drove past the picket line. I learned a new word: scab. Then it was over. We had won by losing three weeks of work. I looked at my paycheck. I was now paying union dues on a regular basis. When my salary leaped forward, I felt elated. Then, I felt I was falling back down into the abyss.

I started subbing in 1979. It started off with a bang. There were jobs everywhere and every day. As the years slipped by, things started to fall into a nice rhythm that was almost heavenly. I even heard talk about subbing being the best job on Earth. More and more subs came on board. The heavenly job was attracting too many applicants. The ship started to get crowded.

My question: "Is lightning about to strike again?"

Milton H. Tashima

Why the big takeout on Chuck Quackenbush?

What was the purpose of the big article by Dan Nakaso about Chuck Quackenbush April 15? He's not running for any office in Hawai'i. Where is your aloha for Mr. Quackenbush and his family?

The House of Representatives passed Bill HR 164 HDl, telling President Bush to treat the Iraqis with aloha. So where is your spirit of aloha?

It seems the self-righteous "lefties," like Donald Koepler, are self-ordained political police.

Mr. Koepler, what about Mayor Harris' campaign for governor? He withdrew from running. How come the Democratic Party isn't doing anything about his shenanigans?

Chuck Quackenbush was never charged with anything in spite of the political smear campaign generated by the Democrats to get rid of him.

Mr. Koepler, is your problem really that in Hawai'i there have been too many Democrats who have been indicted, convicted and jailed?

Valoy Alexander

Community stood up when challenge called

For seven days our quiet, family-oriented community of Hau'ula was held hostage from normal day-to-day activity during the search for the escaped prisoners.

Valiant, courageous police officers, sheriffs, undercover agents, canine units and military personnel worked diligently to free us all from the grip of fear. Their dedication, professionalism, smiles and positive attitude helped defuse a very tense and dangerous situation. They were amazing.

As a proud resident of this community for 35 years, it was heartwarming to see neighbors and friends gather together and reach out to comfort and help one another through this very difficult situation. Everyone gave what they could. Meals were shared, phone calls were made, rides were given and childcare was exchanged.

I count myself blessed to have been raised in such a beautiful town, surrounded by a loving community where everyone looks out for one another. It is nice to know that when life gets a bit challenging, there are many kind-hearted individuals willing to sacrifice much to make things right.

Lucky we live Hau'ula!

Laurie Waite Flores
Hau'ula

Kava's effectiveness is really its downfall

As an amateur ethnobotanist who grew, processed and used kava, I appreciate the finding (pipermethystine) of C.S. Tang, professor of molecular biosciences and biosystems engineering at UH-Manoa.

The only problem I found with kava tea was that since it did such a good job of relieving and curing anxiety ("cannot sleep"), it was not a good sustainable commercial crop. (Because once it did its job, you had no need for it.) I did not use the roots of the kava because they were very difficult to clean for my use.

Haruso Joe Sawamoto
Kane'ohe