Letters to the Editor

Kahana gas prices are way over 'state average'

On Wednesday, The Advertiser reported that the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline has hit a new high of $2.133.

Admittedly, there is nothing "average" about Maui. But here at Kahana, on Maui's west side, regular gasoline currently sells for $2.439. Kahana has only one service station, and that's part of the problem. But this is ridiculous.

Of course we don't pay it. We drive 6 miles to Lahaina, where the price for gas is a few cents lower — but still much higher than what you say the statewide average is.

Simple solutions to deal with graffiti vandalism

Sandwiched between all of the other problems in Hawai'i is the plague of graffiti. Some people would call it art, but in reality it is nothing more than vandalism — destruction of personal, company or state property.

The simple answer is to lock up all paint and all markers and any other item used for graffiti, then outlaw the sale of these items to minors unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. Period.

Next, when the little paint-happy delinquents are caught, the parents of the perp are then charged with a misdemeanor along with the perpetrator, and also fined by the state for the amount it costs for clean-up.

In addition, crews of volunteers would be ready at a moment's notice to immediately cover the graffiti so there could be no bragging rights.

Rep. Stonebraker is a concerned legislator

I am writing in response to the April 6 letter from Stephen Matthews of Manoa, complaining about Rep. Bud Stonebraker of Hawai'i Kai. I am confused about his statement, "we elected him." Is it possible for a resident of Manoa to elect a representative of Hawai'i Kai? Stephen is not in the Hawai'i Kai district, so "we" should not include him.

Rep. Stonebraker has put through a number of very good, positive bills and got rejected on all because of partisan politics. Most important was his bill to balance the state budget. It's time for Hawai'i to have a two-party system in the Legislature and not have to play games. Legislators should concentrate on the real issues for the people of this state.

You need only read the following day's column by David Shapiro, a highly respected journalist, to see why Rep. Stonebraker was frustrated. Ironically, the article continues to say that former Gov. Ben Cayetano was "similarly frustrated" by a Legislature that engaged in "small-time" politics. The call for a two-party legislative system gets louder and louder.

I have met with Rep. Stonebraker on several occasions and I find him to be an intelligent, honest and concerned legislator. I know he will fight for the good of the people of his district; that's the kind of man he is. We need him in the state Legislature.

And yes, Mr. Matthews, I am from Waimanalo and I did not elect him either.

'Family values' column was appreciated

Thank you, Keiko Ohnuma, for sharing your simple, well-written thoughts on "family values" (April 6). In a world of strident divisiveness, it lifted my heart to read such clear and compassionate words advocating a positive response to the discord I read so often in the news.

The media seem to have lost their unbiased reporting of news and events. It is refreshing to find a citizen challenging this obvious manipulation of everyday phrases to divide and distract the public.

Camile left too soon, but her days are ahead

And then there were eight. It was a sad day for Camile Velasco, in finding out that she won't be competing in American Idol next week. But it was all over her face the past few weeks, that she knew the end was drawing near.

Do I agree that she should have been voted out so soon? Absolutely not! Just having to endure another few weeks of John Stevens and Jon Peter Lewis is almost enough to make me give up on the show altogether. But then, there is Jasmine Trias. She has the radiant smile, the powerful voice (though it could use some polishing at times) and a sweet stage presence.

In a perfect world, the two croakers and Jasmine will make it to the final three and Jasmine will win, hands down. But in all likelihood, it will be between George Huff, LaToya London and one of these three: Fantasia Barrino, Jennifer Hudson or Jasmine Trias.

Hawai'i could only hope that it is the latter and she just blows the entire country away with her next several performances. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and ready to dial over the course of the next several shows to help keep her alive, and anyone in Hawai'i who cares should do the same. Come on, Hawai'i, our girl needs your votes.

It would be wrong for me to close this without conveying the message to Camile that she should not give up. She's a diamond in the rough, and with some polish and fine-tuning, she'll shine brightly.