Letters to the Editor
Parole violations are indeed serious business
A Jan. 12 editorial questioned the wisdom of going after parole violators, recommending that law enforcement efforts instead focus on drugs and auto thefts. Perhaps describing one of the parole violators will show how all of these activities are interrelated.
A convicted felon since 1994, this parole violator has eight felony convictions, including two for drugs and one for auto theft. The remaining convictions were for burglary, theft and escape, with the most recent conviction being less than two years ago. This individual is also wanted for questioning in other cases and is considered dangerous.
Like most of the violators who are being sought, this individual did not simply miss curfew, fail to call his parole officer or fail a drug test; he is wanted because he is presently involved in criminal activity and poses a viable threat to the community.
Arresting and prosecuting drug dealers and auto thieves have always been priorities for the Honolulu Police Department. And so is making sure that these individuals follow the rules once they are caught.
Lee D. Donohue
Chief of police, Honolulu Police Department
Bunda's promise to Lingle was hollow
I find Senate President Robert Bunda's remarks during the opening of the 2003 legislative session arrogant and contradictory — typical of a politician.
He stated that the Democrats in the Senate pledge their support to Gov. Lingle and "promise open and honest communication." However, he turns around and defiantly states that the Democrats will stand firm on "our own agenda for change."
Does he, and the rest of the Democrats, still refuse to acknowledge the public's unrest?
This narrow-minded old school of thought, where it has been Democrats vs. Republicans, regardless of what is best for the public, has greatly contributed to our current state of affairs. The proof is in the results of past legislative sessions, where key issues could not be passed due to both parties butting heads.
By his statement, Bunda made it perfectly clear that the Democrats intend to continue this childish practice at our expense.
But, hey. They did promise to work with the governor, right?
(Note to the people of Hawai'i: That's their escape clause.)
Chase Gilleres
Legislators 'get it'? Not by a long shot
No! I don't think the Legislature as a whole can say "we get it."
When The Advertiser asked the legislators to respond to where they stand on the issues, a great number of them failed miserably. None of these were new issues, but the excuse was given that they "need to hear public testimony and review the issues."
How much testimony and review do they need before they can state their views? Sounds like smoke and mirrors and business as usual to me.
I am fortunate to live in the districts of Sen. Melodie Aduja and Rep. Colleen Meyer. They leave no doubt as to where they stand on the issues, and that is a breath of fresh air. They do "get it."
Sharon McCarthy
Hau'ula
Student drug testing just another bad idea
It never ceases to amaze me how government's insatiable hunger for power is only eclipsed by our timid public's suicidal need to satisfy it. This we do by feeding the state a steady diet of our rights. The latest right on the menu is that against self-incrimination.
I don't as a rule object to private employers or schools conducting random drug testing. Entry into those institutions is voluntary. The governed, however, do not have the same prerogative with respect to the state. This is doubly true concerning public education, where participation is coerced by the state.
It doesn't matter how many drug tests a student takes in school, if the parents are apathetic, or possibly even abusers themselves, the exercise is pointless.
A less costly, more efficient alternative is to get drug-testing kits into the hands of those parents caring enough to want to use them. These could be subsidized in the form of a tax credit or discount.
I would suggest that if the government is hell-bent on squandering our treasure on intrusive technologies, it should consider this more constitutional and intelligent approach.
Clyde Hudson
Wai'anae
Gracious and generous
All people of Hawai'i mourn the loss of the gracious and generous Auntie Gladys Brandt.
To have had the opportunity to spend time with her was to receive a gift of incredible wisdom and a large dose of love with just the right touch of humor.
How lucky we were to have her.
Donna M. Howard
Travel agents felt that Hawai'i is no ka 'oi
On behalf of the American Society of Travel Agents, I would like to thank the people of Hawai'i and the Hawai'i Visitors and Convention Bureau for helping us make our 2002 World Travel Congress in Hawai'i one of our most successful congresses.
An ASTA congress is considered one of the premier annual events for the global travel industry. Nearly 3,000 travel agents attended the congress in Hawai'i, and many of them expressed feeling the true aloha spirit.
Travel agents surveyed after the congress said they felt extremely welcomed by residents. "The aloha spirit was there every day," one travel agent said. "I loved the warmth and hospitality of the Hawai'i people and the cleanliness of the island."
Travel agents who attended ASTA's 2002 congress, which was held at the Honolulu Convention Center on Nov. 3-8, gave it extremely high ratings. They were impressed by the business opportunities at the congress, as well as sightseeing events and social opportunities. Travel agents commented that the dinner hosted by the HVCB at Fort DeRussy was "outstanding" and "the best event I've been to in years."
Many attendees loved the "Islands of Aloha Experience," hosted by the HVCB, during which travel agents had the chance to see firsthand O'ahu or one of the Neighbor Islands. Travel agents remarked that the tours were a fabulous opportunity, and they were done flawlessly.
One travel agent said it best: "Thank you to the Hawai'i hosts. It was perfect."
I sincerely hope that the warm memories and firsthand knowledge obtained by these travel professionals translate into increased visitor business for all of Hawai'i. You cared. It showed and we noticed. Mahalo.
Richard M. Copland
President and CEO, American Society of Travel Agents
