Candidates' values are not things to overlook

I disagree with your Tuesday editorial that the issue of values "is an empty debate."

The word "values" means the abstract concept of what is right, worthwhile or desirable. Why is this "an empty debate"?

I have core personal values that are very important to me because they define who I am. Knowing a candidate's core values enables you to predict with a fair degree of certainty not only the candidate's position on various political and social issues that are now the "flavor of the month," such as the economy, Social Security and the "war on terror," but more importantly, you can gain useful insight as to how he would lead the country through new and unexpected crises, events and issues that arise over the next four to eight years.

If we better understood the core values of our candidates, the nation may have been able to avoid the scandals and national shame of Watergate and Monica Lewinsky, and perhaps even the loss of lives in invading Iraq.

More than any other nation (especially because of our ethnic diversity), ours is a nation defined by its core values — i.e., its principles and standards regarding God, family and country. And more than any other individual, the core values of our next president will have the greatest impact in further defining this nation.

In exercising our right and duty to vote, it would be irresponsible to gloss over the values held by those who wish to become the leader of this great nation by merely, as the editorial board proposes, stipulating that they are both "good human beings who have the best interests of the American people at heart."

Akaka bill support is what's 'overwhelming'

Mr. Kai'opua Fyfe's assertion that there is "overwhelming" opposition to the Akaka bill in Hawai'i is wrong (Letters, July 12).

In fact, the most recent statewide survey conducted by an independent research firm shows there is overwhelming support for the effort to provide federal recognition for Native Hawaiians, as the Akaka bill would do.

The telephone survey, conducted one year ago by Ward Research, polled both Native Hawaiians and non-Hawaiian residents. Among Native Hawaiians, 72 percent were familiar with the Akaka bill. An overwhelming 86 percent said they support federal recognition and only 7 percent said they did not. Among non-Hawaiian residents, 78 percent said they support federal recognition and 16 percent said they did not.

These numbers are similar to a survey done in 2000.

Support for the Akaka bill is both broad and deep, and includes civil rights, cultural, educational and ethnic organizations. Gov. Linda Lingle has joined Sens. Akaka and Inouye in lobbying the Bush administration and members of Congress.

The overwhelming support is more than just a statement on federal recognition and the Akaka bill. It shows the vast majority of people in Hawai'i believe an injustice was committed by the U.S. government, and it is time now to help Native Hawaiians regain our sovereign right of self-determination.

Bicyclists, pedestrians need better pathways

Many people I have surveyed say they would walk and bicycle more if there were more shade and bike lanes. Trees are very important for creating pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly environments and therefore reducing automobile dependency.

Commercial property and business owners feel that trees block views of signage and create cleanup costs. Drivers feel that removing parking spaces adversely affects quality of life.

It seems that bicycle advocates are finding themselves doing more project design damage control than bike riding. Attaching landscape facelifts to bike lane projects has produced more public opposition than bike lanes. There is no connection between bike lanes and losing vehicle parking spaces.

So, as a solution to the problem, maybe we should not produce "shock and awe" urban design plans and instead do one thing at a time. Let's simply get the bike lanes striped, ASAP. How about adding trees and bulb-outs and adjusting parking spaces as necessary a few at a time in the same manner the city and state have been installing ADA ramps?

So what's the point of all that security?

Recently I took flight No. 2 out of Guam at 6 a.m. After being put in the red line before boarding for a more extensive security search, I proceeded to the gate and went through more security checks, boarded the plane and took my seat. The last thing I wanted was another embarrassing security search.

Finally we took off, and before long our lunch was served, complete with metal serrated knife, fork and spoon. Since the flight was sold out, that amounted to 240-plus metal knives and forks. What's the point?