Letters to the Editor
Truancy legislation addresses problem
Regarding the March 2 Lee Cataluna column "Punishing parents hardly the solution for truant students": I disagree, mostly.
House Bill 277 would provide definition and clarity and add strength to existing policy.
The bill would also provide another vehicle for schools to deliver to families the messages "education is important," "school attendance is mandatory" and "parents should be responsible for their child(ren)'s school attendance."
Clearly, truancy is a symptom of bigger problems, and one bill is not the answer to all of life's challenges. In this age of No Child Left Behind, I believe school personnel are able to make good decisions in the best interests of students. HB 277 can be part of a solution.
So, let's not condemn a bill before we understand the whole picture. As this bill moves on, I hope the Senate knows of the ongoing need to instill the value of education — understanding the important role of school attendance — and so the worth of HB 277.
Patrick Nakamura
'Aiea
Help Hawai'i's schools with Foodland program
I read with great interest Jennifer Hiller's "Schools in need of textbooks" on the Feb. 23 front page. While it was certainly disheartening to learn that the lack of textbooks in Hawai'i's classrooms has become one of the major complaints about the school system, I am encouraged to know that we all can do something immediately to improve this situation.
For the past 15 years, Foodland has encouraged the community to help Hawai'i's public and private schools earn computers and more through its annual Shop For Better Education program. What many may not be aware of is that schools can also earn much-needed educational materials, including textbooks, through this program.
It is free and easy for everyone to help. By simply designating their favorite schools at checkout, customers can ensure that their schools will earn points redeemable for valuable educational materials. The program runs through March 18.
I encourage everyone to help. Since Shop For Better Education began in 1988, Foodland has given away more than $6 million in computer equipment, software and books to Hawai'i's schools.
Together, we can make a difference for Hawai'i's kids and our community. For more information about how to participate, call Foodland at 732-0791.
Jenai S. Wall
Chairman and CEO, Foodland Super Market Ltd.
Alternative-energy bills must be heard
When this legislative session began, I was excited about the bills put forth that would guarantee Hawai'i's continued progress toward a more economical and sustainable energy future:
- SB 1682 SD1: Net metering bill would allow users to sell power back to the grid.
- SB 1614 SD1: Would establish a standard contract for alternative-energy producers who want to sell power to the local utility.
- SB 499 SD1: Would regulate the levels of mercury and sulfur dioxide.
- SB 1609 SD1: Would create an emissions trading system similar to systems in Chicago, Austin, Texas, and throughout California.
Unfortunately, Sen. Ron Menor would not schedule hearings for these bills. The Hawaii Natural Energy Institute, Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority, Hoku Scientific and Hawaiian Electric are making significant progress in alternative-energy research, yet he felt that these bills were not even worth hearing.
There is more at stake than just clean power. Energy research in Hawai'i is at a very fragile stage. Hawai'i is best equipped for many types of alternative-energy research; however, other states such as California, Wisconsin, Illinois, Massachusetts and Texas are actively fostering these industries with legislation and money. The least our legislators can do is put Hawai'i companies in this important industry on similar legislative footing with companies in other states.
I hope that Sen. Menor will reconsider his opposition to clean, alternative-power legislation in Hawai'i and the jobs that will undoubtedly follow the further development of this industry.
Russell Castagnaro
Director of R&D SyncTank Solutions Inc.
National news media picking up on Hawai'i
It is so refreshing to have a governor who can speak so intelligently about our state that she is invited to appear on national news channels.
Since Linda Lingle has become our governor, the national news media have taken notice that Hawai'i has something important to say and a new governor who can articulate our message to a national audience. Hawai'i has been lacking that ability for some time.
During Gov. Lingle's recent visit to Washington, D.C., she not only testified before Congress but also was invited by Fox, CNN and MSNBC to provide her perspective of Hawai'i and the impact a war with Iraq might have on us. She made sure that everyone in the nation knew that Hawai'i was open for business investment and that we have the best-tasting coffee in the world.
Instead of just playing golf with the president, which did little to impact the national media, as past governors have done, our new governor has chosen correctly to take the stage to promote our state as a great place to visit, invest in and do business with.
If Hawai'i is ever to improve its economy and increase its prestige with other states, Gov. Lingle has demonstrated the way to do it.
Pam Lee Smith
'Ewa Beach
Anti-war protesters are ignoring reality
On March 5, I happened to walk past a very small group of anti-war protesters in front of the Nu'uanu YMCA. One of these protesters had a sign stating "Say No to Pre-emptive Strike on Iraq."
Apparently this is how the anti-American leftist protesters think: There was no Sept. 11, 2001. There were no 3,000-plus Americans killed. Saddam Hussein is a lovely, peaceful man.
What a shame it was to have such a beautiful day ruined by these nauseating, so-called Americans.
Kelly Bixler
France has been true friend for centuries
France bashing would subside if we understood the value of a true friend — someone who regards you highly enough to caution you about your faults as well as tell you what you want to hear, especially in times of adversity.
The French demonstrated how to create a republic, without which our republican ideals might not have formed; France gave us the confidence to fight against British dominion; French friends assisted Washington and Jefferson to plan our nation, now the wealthiest republic ever; France was our best ally in the war of liberation against Britain, assisting the security of our national independence; France sold us the land beyond the 13 colonies, without which our nation might not have grown; our national symbol of freedom, the Statue of Liberty, was a gift from a French republic to a fledgling American one, without which we may never have considered freedom our watchword. France, whose experience in Asia was second to none, led the way out of Vietnam, though a headstrong United States considered it knew better — until too late.
Now it is France, with centuries of experience in the Middle East, who urges caution in a war with Iraq. Without a long-term perspective, our leaders might let true friendship wither, listening to yes men's accolades and false patriots' fantasies.
Michael Colgan
Counter fee a rip-off
On the Satellite City Hall counter fee: It's a rip-off for the military personnel (non-residents) to be charged $2 for any transactions at the counter. They are exempt from Hawai'i state taxes so they should be exempt from this $2 counter fee. Also, they should be exempt from Hawai'i sales taxes on all purchases.
Dimetria Ventura
Wahiawa
Legislators must pass long-term-care plan
I am a longtime advocate for an affordable long-term-care financing program. I have been a caregiver for the last 16 years, so I know firsthand the urgent need for a sound, affordable and comprehensive plan. I, therefore, support SB 1088 and HB 1616.
I took care of my father for five years, since he suffered from bronchiectasis and diabetes. I am presently taking care of my mom, who is 95 years old and is suffering from dementia.
I had two relatives in skilled nursing facilities because of strokes. I now have five relatives in skilled nursing homes or care homes due to strokes, Alzheimer's or diabetes. They all lost their residences and all their assets to finance their care.
Many people equate long-term-care expense with skilled nursing homes so they put down the state long-term care done at home. And that "little help" can go a long way to lessen the stressful task of at-home caregivers like me. Also, the premiums are manageable for retirees.
Some say they don't want to spend money they may not use. Compare this with your homeowner's policy. Your chances of losing your precious home to long-term care is just as likely as it is by fire or hurricane.
I urge legislators to pass SB 1088 and HB 1616 so we can have a small start to resolve this mega-problem. It is urgent that we start this program as soon as possible before the problem overwhelms us.
Mildred C. Oba
Pearl City
Legislature must OK unannounced visits
Kudos to The Honolulu Advertiser for its editorial support of the CarePlus long-term-care plan being considered by the legislators and for the timely and thorough investigative report by Mike Gordon on his three-part series on elderly neglect and abuse.
Long-term-care legislation, taking the first steps with the CarePlus in dealing thoughtfully with our long-term-care problem, has been the major concern of hundreds of senior citizen representatives in several conferences sponsored by the Hawaii State Council of Senior Citizens during the past few years.
As the successor organization of the council, the Hawaii Alliance of Retired Americans has been an advocate of such legislation, along with other organizations such as the Coalition for Affordable Long Term Care and Kokua Council.
Anyone seriously interested in how we, as a community, care for the elderly must read the Gordon series. The evidence provided by him is convincing that elderly abuse and neglect occur and that they will continue unabated unless corrective actions are taken. What a tremendous service he has provided our community.
It's time for our legislators and governor to mandate unannounced visits of care homes. It's one major step toward reducing the unnecessary abuse and neglect of the elderly. It's the right thing to do.
Al Hamai
President, Hawaii Alliance for Retired Americans
Joggers, walkers are ignoring passers-by
In my frequent trips to Honolulu to visit my family, I do a daily run around my mother's neighborhood. I have done this for nearly 30 years. After noticing a rather disturbing trend recently, I finally feel the need to express disappointment at the lack of aloha I encounter in other runners or walkers as we pass one another.
More often than not, people either look straight past or down at the ground, and sometimes even totally ignore a "good morning" greeting. I believe this behavior reflects Hawai'i's tremendous growth in population.
It's a shame that the aloha spirit has not kept pace. I believe the population explosion is awful, but even more awful is the trend toward rudeness on the part of many individuals. If every person thought about making the day a better one for others as well as for himself, the world would be a far nicer place. It would be wonderful to once again encounter the old aloha spirit in every passer-by as I take in the physical beauty of the Islands along my path.
All this being said, I greatly appreciate those who do provide a bright spot. I know they would agree with me that a friendly greeting between strangers is an uplifting experience.
Karen Reppun Foster
Medford, Ore.
Airport signs should all be standardized
Driving to the airport to drop off my spouse for a flight to the Mainland, I was greeted by a bright-yellow sign: "TICKETING." The first thought was, where do I take her to board her aircraft? As it turned out, this new sign replaced the old "DEPARTURES" sign. Since almost no tickets are sold at the airport, why the change?
On her return to pick her up, I could not find the "ARRIVALS" sign. It has been replaced by yet another yellow sign: "BAGGAGE CLAIM." Is that where I claim my spouse or is it where I pick up my lost or unclaimed baggage? Why the change?
Can you imagine a non-English-speaking traveler trying to figure this out? This is why wherever you travel throughout the world the terms are "ARRIVALS" and "DEPARTURES". This is why all commercial pilots are required to be fluent in English — the international language — to avoid confusion.
I now better understand the mentality of this department. It just blew $160,000 to purchase an asphalt-road-patching machine that they can't load, and hence, the unit has been sitting idle for a year; plus they don't have the correct type of asphalt. Are these the same folks who tried to jam the van-cam program down our throats at a cost of $4 million?
Howard J.T. Lee
Recycling necessary
I say "right on" to Mayor Jeremy Harris for supporting curbside recycling.
There should not be a city or town anywhere that does not do this vital and necessary thing.
Vaughn F. Beckman
