PORTFOLIO TIMETABLE

CITY RECOGNIZES NEED IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING

In response to Mary Vorsino's article on Sept. 9 regarding the city's affordable housing portfolio, I would like to share the following:

There was no commitment by the administration to make a decision by a specific date on our next steps with our affordable housing portfolio.

What was stated at the meeting held by Councilmember Rod Tam, and what continues to be the case, is that we expect to have completed our research and to have our recommendations to the administration some time in October.

The mayor and his executive team will then review these recommendations. There may be some follow-up issues that we need to resolve before any final decisions are made.

Whatever our course of action will be, the city is committed to maintaining these units as affordable. Although affordable housing development is primarily a state function, the city recognizes the need to assist with, and facilitate the development of, affordable housing.

Also, in regard to any proceeds from the sale of affordable housing properties, the guidelines have been clearly defined by the City Council, in Resolution 04-34, which states:

1. First, such revenues shall be used to reduce or eliminate any outstanding debt owed by the city of that project;

2. Second, such revenues remaining after satisfying priority (1) shall be used to reduce or eliminate any outstanding debt owed by the city on any other city-owned housing project;

3. Third, such revenues remaining after satisfying priorities (1) and (2) shall be used to reduce or eliminate the city's outstanding general obligation bond debt.

This defines our course of action, unless modified and approved by the City Council.

I hope this clarifies the timetable for these events, and confirms our adherence to these fiscally sound practices.

SENATE RACE

THIS VOTER CHOOSING SUBSTANCE OVER STYLE

Yes, Sen. Dan Akaka has my vote. He has earned my vote with his unwavering commitment to, and tireless work on behalf of, all of his constituents.

I am a registered Republican, but will be taking a Democratic ballot in the primary. Why? Because two years as a representative does not make a U.S. senator, no matter how pretty the packaging.

I, for one, choose substance over style.

A TRANSITION NOW WILL BE GOOD FOR OUR FUTURE

What a welcome relief to have Rep. Ed Case jolt the political status quo!

If seniority is supposed to be all-important, our senators should be encouraging new leaders to step forward to gain knowledge and experience. If Hawai'i is unlucky in the next six years, we could end up with two empty Senate seats that are then filled with people who have neither.

Hawai'i can't take chances on a void of Senate leadership and seniority. With Sen. Daniel Inouye bringing home the federal bacon and Ed Case gaining experience and seniority as well as acting on critical issues, we would have a healthy arrangement for our future.

A transition must begin now.

AKAKA IS EFFECTIVE FOR HAWAI'I AND ITS PEOPLE

Last year, the local computer company I work for was delivering services to the city. The only software engineer capable of running the program received a notice from the Department of Immigration and Naturalization that he was being deported back to Canada.

In desperation, I wrote to all of Hawai'i's senators and representatives. We got three generic responses — "thank you for your letter." Only Sen. Dan Akaka cared. He wrote "I have assigned an aide from my office to call you."

Sen. Akaka's office took our facts, contacted the immigration department and provided a personal letter to the department. My colleague was able to re-enter the United States and finish our project.

As a technology solutions provider for more than 20 years, I preach change — change is often necessary.

I also know that change for the wrong reason is often worse than no change.

Sen. Daniel Inouye, Hawai'i's most prolific rainmaker, is on record calling for Hawai'i to re-elect his partner. I know why Sen. Inouye wants Sen. Akaka back by his side.

I agree Sen. Akaka is effective for Hawai'i and Hawai'i's people.

AKAKA SHOULD BOW OUT OF THE POLICITAL ARENA

Sen. Dan Akaka should graciously bow out of the political arena of Hawai'i and Congress.

I'm a liberal Democrat and we should be looking for the best Democratic candidates with all the right reasons and drive to represent Hawai'i.

Rep. Ed Case, in this election, is far better than Dan Akaka. I don't agree with Ed Case on more than a few issues, but I'm willing to cast my vote for what's best for Hawai'i.

So, Dan, you've had a good run, not entirely deserved. It's your time to go.

And Ed, you're not the best, but I sincerely hope you grow into the job, if you win, and make sure President Bush doesn't do any more damage than he's already wreaked upon America.

Otherwise, you could be next on the target list.

AKAKA CAN STILL DO JOB, SHOULDN'T BE REPLACED

I haven't seen the Aug. 31 debate between Sen. Dan Akaka and Rep. Ed Case since I am in California right now.

Sen. Akaka is for the people and has proven that all the years he has been in office. So why would anyone want him replaced if he still can do his job?

I would rather have someone who cares for the people of Hawai'i. And from what Ed Case says and supports (which is mostly the opposite), I would rather have Sen. Akaka for another term.

He has done his job getting out the majority's voice to the nation's capital. As the saying goes, don't fix what's not broke.

ELECTING CASE MAKES SENSE IN LONG TERM

I look at the choice as short-term or long-term planning.

In the short term, Sen. Dan Akaka paired with Sen. Daniel Inouye would give the most influence in D.C.

But then what? When they leave, who will be around to protect everything that they have done? Two senators with no experience and no clout.

Does anyone doubt that as soon as Inouye and Akaka are gone that someone isn't going to try and take what little we get from the federal government?

Short-term planning is what caused the sewer problems we now have. Short-term planning is what caused the pothole planning we now have.

In general, I side with long-term. Rep. Ed Case might not be as good a senator as Akaka was in his prime. But in seven years I want to have a senator with six years of experience in D.C. protecting everything that Akaka and Inouye have attained for Hawai'i.

This election is the last chance we have to do this.

TRAFFIC TIE-UP

SHUTTING DOWN 6 LANES ON H-1 STUPID DECISION

It was unfortunate that a crane hit the pedestrian overpass in 'Aiea.

It was, however, sheer stupidity to shut down all six 'ewa-bound lanes on the H-1, causing the biggest traffic jam in O'ahu's history. Heads should roll over this one.

TUESDAY TRAFFIC MESS WAS A WAKE-UP CALL

I hope that what happened Tuesday is a wake-up call to those who plan and engineer our roads. I understand we are an island and we have very limited space to build/expand.

To all the government elected officials we voted for: