Hawaiian trustee gave the wrong impression

I would like to comment on the Nov. 17 article regarding the potential flight attendant strike at Hawaiian Airlines. I am a furloughed Hawaiian Airlines pilot and was shocked to see trustee Josh Gottbaum quoted as saying that Hawaiian is doing better than the Mainland carriers, in large part due to the employees and their efforts. He went on to say that Hawaiian is not talking about terminating pension plans or cutting wages.

Wrong. He has told the pilots as much when negotiating their contracts. He has boldly stated that the pilots' pension plan will be done away with, and that work rule concessions must be taken or he will file a motion in bankruptcy court to have the contracts thrown out. This is why the majority of Hawaiian employees do not trust or respect him.

Superferry will bring the Islands together

For years auto/passenger ferry boats have linked populated islands and regions worldwide, except Hawai'i.

In 2006, just two years from now, Superferry service is expected to link Hawai'i's major islands, resulting in a huge impact on our island state. Our Neighbor Islands will instantly become Neighbor Communities. Our friends, families, businesses, land ownerships — now separated by miles of ocean — will be linked by a bridge, just a short drive from one another over a Superferry Highway. Our island-state, as we know it, will be changed forever. It will be a great and wonderful change.

Can you imagine driving between O'ahu, Kaua'i, Maui and the Big Island and taking family (poi dogs and all) with you in your car? Why fly when you can drive? Properties and businesses located near Superferry terminals will likely benefit substantially. Resorts or homes in other island communities will be as close as a short drive via the Superferry.

A new Hawai'i is on the horizon. The Superferry is coming here to change our world and bring us together as an island state — instead of a state of islands.

Credit due to group for saving paradise

I'd like to thank The Outdoor Circle for standing up to protect Hawai'i again.

In its latest victory, The Outdoor Circle supported the effort to block the horrible blight of aerial advertising in the skies over Honolulu. Can you imagine the beauty and tranquility of Hawai'i's beaches being broken by noisy aircraft towing large advertising signs?

The fact is, The Outdoor Circle has always been there to block those who would pollute the wonderful views of paradise. Now, once again, it's time for Hawai'i to stand up and say to these dedicated crusaders, mahalo nui loa.

Iris Chang address at UH was emotional

I believe it was in the fall session of 1999 at the University of Hawai'i-Manoa. Somewhere I had read that Iris Chang, author, was to speak at the Student Union Building in the evening, and I decided to attend.

The Student Center overflowed with people. The crowd extended out into the hall at the back of the room. Because I arrived a bit early, I was fortunate to get a seat in the rear. Prior to Iris appearing, Native Hawaiians in traditional ceremonial dress walked in a line up the middle isle chanting after a conch shell was blown.

When Iris came on stage after all of the chanting, it was an emotional experience for all in the room. Her speech that evening was straightforward, personal and touching. Several questions were asked at the end. Later Iris signed and sold copies of her book, "The Rape of Nanking," at a back table.

I remember I didn't go directly home to 'Ewa Beach but walked a bit around campus before heading out, given the emotionalism of the event.

Her death is a big loss to the world.

There's another side to the homeless debate

People who live in an ivory tower may believe we are "mean" to the homeless, but those of us who live in reality, especially those of us who live in Waikiki, have quite a different opinion.

In our area, many of the homeless are drug addicts, insane, discharged military personnel discovering they can't make it in civilian life or professional beggars who trash our resources and environment.

Instead of extending the aloha spirit, we should be shipping out every homeless person not born in Hawai'i to the Mainland if born in the United States, or to the home country of those born abroad.

We should also reject at the airport those without sufficient income to support themselves during their stay in Hawai'i.

Those actions would free up the resources to take care of our own families.

Exactly what are our moral values?

My biggest concern about the recent elections is the discussion about moral values. While there is an assumption this concept implies only the highest form of values, it is important that we clarify exactly what we mean by a "moral value." Even more important is living in complete accordance with our values.

For me, a value is a critical operating principle in my life; I cherish it, proclaim it to others, and consistently act upon it. If it doesn't meet these criteria, it remains an opinion or belief and doesn't become a value.

For further clarification, the term "moral value" by itself could become misleading. A person could choose to value greed rather than sharing, hate rather than love, violence rather than peace.

We need to identify the moral principles that can guide humanity toward a world of peace and justice. Respect, responsibility, honesty, compassion, freedom — these principles need to be modeled by leaders in our communities and supported by our families, schools and religions. They need to become the operating principles in every person's life.

I would hope that every person who voted was making decisions based on strong moral values. But, what kind of moral values?

Whither civil rights?

Keep in mind the civil rights movement of the '50s and '60s.

Now answer this question: Are gays and lesbians another race?

Just wondering, from the way most of us treat that issue.