Letters to the Editor
Riley Wallace was the real hero of game
The UH-Butler Rainbow Classic final was the finest basketball game I've ever seen the Rainbows play.
Their attitude and determination to play their kind of game under unbelievable stress is due to one main factor: Riley Wallace and his coaching staff. The game ball belongs to him.
When the game seemed out of reach, he kept his players focused on their defense and movement offense. The players' trust in Coach Wallace and his staff paid off big time. They now know that any game is never out of reach.
Whatever it takes to keep Riley Wallace here in Hawai'i, do it. He's as good a coach as anyone in the U.S. of A.
Go, 'Bows!
Jimmy Borges
Beach preservation proposal unacceptable
Everybody is in favor of preserving Maui's beaches. The question is how.
The proposed rules in Maui are wrong. As noted, if a disaster destroys a grandfathered beachfront building, the structure cannot be rebuilt in the same place. That is unfair.
Most important, there has been no study of the economic impact on property owners and the county tax base, which would be eroded. Beachfront properties include not only expensive homes but expensive condominium and commercial properties such as hotels that are heavily taxed.
Also, there has been no proper study of the effect on insurance availability and rates under the proposed rules. By the way, without insurance, you have no mortgage.
In addition, many people do not accept the "science" on which the setback rules are based.
In the interests of fairness, all affected property owners should have been informed about the proposals; they were not.
Guarantee: If these proposals pass by an appointed (not elected) committee of the county, there will be a massive lawsuit against the county.
At public testimony, we heard some excellent suggestions on how to help our beaches without expropriating property values. That is what we need — to be constructive, not destructive.
J.J. Elkin
Lahaina, Maui
Give Neil Abercrombie credit for effectiveness
Congressman Neil Abercrombie recognizes the exceptional power granted the governor by the Constitution of Hawai'i and so quite appropriately expressed a "wait and see attitude" after Linda Lingle's inauguration.
This is particularly fitting coming from Neil, who, for close to 30 years, has maintained a remarkable and conspicuous record of getting things done for ordinary citizens of the state.
Consequently, I was dismayed by the two letters on Dec. 6 criticizing Neil for saying what needed to be said after the inauguration. They seemed to be guilty of the sort of "negativism" and small-minded party partisanship of which they incongruously accused Neil.
We know Neil well. He began public service as an educator — not exactly the fast track to wealth, power or status — and then discovered he could both educate more effectively and help those in need more directly as an elected policymaker.
Neil has been exceptionally successful in staying true to his basic values, yet being able to work with all players in the political game to get things done. Although Washington, D.C., is a long way away, we need to remember what happens there directly affects us here. We are fortunate to have in Neil someone who is both effective and trustworthy.
Significantly, even Republican colleagues, who disagree with him on many issues, like and respect him for his integrity. Whoever holds the office of governor would do well to follow his example of selfless action taken for the good of the whole.
Louis Herman
Hawai'i's Rose Parade band was spectacular
I attended the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year's Day and was absolutely dazzled by the Hawai'i All State Na Koa Ali'i Band.
Hands down, they stole the show and were the talk of the town all day. The colorful costumes and flowers were perfect: They looked like a vibrant rainbow gliding down the street. The crowd was wildly enthusiastic and appreciative.
Congratulations on the accomplishment. It surely was a mammoth undertaking, but the outcome was truly memorable for millions of viewers.
Cathie Carden
Kapa'a, Kaua'i
HTDC-aided firms testament to failure
Thank God the Cayetano appointees to the High Technology Development Corp. have resigned and left. All the hoopla they stirred up about new high-tech companies in Hawai'i, and now most of these firms are out of business and will be a testament to HTDC failures.
I hope Gov. Lingle will appoint new faces with new visions in this market field.
Mary Ayuyu
