No problem, my Social Security is already bankrupt, so I don't mind paying even more taxes to reward people who have broken our laws.

America, better wake up and get some edumacation!

SAME-SEX MARRIAGE

TIME FOR HAWAI'I TO GET BACK IN THE LEAD

Hawai'i's legislators should look to Massachusetts if they want to do the right thing on the issue of marriage equality. On Thursday, over two-thirds of the Massachusetts legislature voted to reject a ban on same-sex marriage in the only state where it is now legal.

Contrast that with the woeful lack of political backbone displayed by Hawai'i's legislators in the just-concluded session. They failed to support even a vote on a civil unions bill, which would have provided most of the rights of marriage for same-sex couples.

Hawai'i's representatives still seem traumatized by the rancor of the marriage battle that took place in 1998. They fail to realize that attitudes are changing fast on this issue, particularly among the younger generation. More and more people are starting to realize that the right to marry is simply a matter of equality for all our citizens.

Hawai'i once led the nation on the issue of marriage equality. It's time for the state to once again show what aloha is all about.

HAWAIIANS

INDIGENOUS VIEW WILL EVENTUALLY DOMINATE

In response to the article: "Hawaiians not getting their fair share," by Jerry Burris (June 14):

To believe that indigenous peoples will someday all become westernized is another form of Western imperialism. Anywhere Western colonization occurs, indigenous peoples lose control of their natural resources. Once they lose control it is easy for predatory colonizers to promote their hegemony.

Hawaiians, like most indigenous people, have a sophisticated cosmogony based upon the fact that all living organisms are relative and no living organism is superior to the other.

On the other hand, contemporary Western cosmogony is based on Christian ideology — one superior white God, fused with capitalism, sustained by the exploitation of the natural resources of the Earth and the universe.

Sooner or later we must get back to the reality of life and begin to co-exist with the other species on Earth and the universe. Until that time comes, it will be an uphill battle for survival for all Hawaiians and all indigenous people.

The United States and Western colonization will eventually become just another chapter in Hawaiian mythology.

URANIUM

ONE-TIME TESTING CAN'T TELL COMPLETE STORY

We knew someone from the Health Department would go to Pohakuloa once, get a normal reading and say everything is fine. Testing takes more than one day! Correct readings depend on the wind or activity and soil off of the firing ranges.

Residents testing the bottom of Saddle Road got 16 counts per minute; 5 to 20 is normal. At Pohakuloa, radiation meters read a consistent 24 counts per minute until the wind came up — meters went up to 45 as the topsoil blew over the meters, then went back down to 24. Forty-five counts per minute is very high and is not normal.

I would dearly like to believe Mr. Takata's findings but the fact that the Department of Health testified against the bill to test makes one wonder. The military had promised they never used depleted uranium in Hawai'i, then admitted they did.

I am still worried until there is continuous, independent testing, and soil samples off all Hawai'i firing ranges.

The World Health Organization says depleted uranium and radiation can get worse over time as it eventually gets into groundwater and food sources, causing cancer, birth defects and many other serious illnesses.

This stuff is a crime against humanity and the planet itself.

KAMEHAMEHA CASE

THERE IS MONEY ANGLE IN STUDENT LAWSUIT

In David Shapiro's column regarding another lawsuit against Kamehameha Schools by David Rosen, he mentioned that Mr. Rosen isn't in this for the money.

I think he is interested in something more, namely, to build his reputation at winning difficult cases, which, in turn, leads to more lawsuits for him and more money. So, yes, he is in it for the money, just not right now.

KAISER

LET THIS TIME-HONORED TRADITION COME TO END

As a Kaiser '77 graduate, we were the first class to hold our graduation ceremonies on the field. What a thrill to sit on that same field 30 years later to witness my son's graduation. Everything about the ceremony was first-class, complete with a beautiful sunset and full moon.

My kudos to all those students, advisers, parents and volunteers who worked so hard on not only Kaiser's graduation, but all high school graduations and Project Grads. A sincere thank you.

Now regarding the placement of " '07" on the crater, I too wrestle with that: I look at it with pride, but also feel it defaces nature. A few years ago the " '05" became a smiley face one week and then a 69 the next. I was happy to see the heavy rains erase it and secretly hoped the tradition (of putting the graduating classes' year on the crater) had ended.

It was a surprise to many to see the new numbers painted on the crater. I was told by a parent at Project Grad that absolutely no students took part in it.

I hope the class of 2008 might decide to keep things natural. Kaiser isn't Kalaheo.

SHOPPING LOCAL

BARGAINS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE IN ALL CASES

In response to the recent letters regarding go! Airlines: Where is all this homegrown support when it comes to other businesses in Hawai'i? "Local" people are consumers and while I do agree that go! will eventually raise fares, let's not forget that this is a free market. Competition is good, and certainly any company has the right to enter any sector of business in Hawai'i.

It wasn't that long ago that local people were complaining about the price of inter-island airfares. Both of our "local" airlines are here to make money; when and if go! leaves the market you can count on higher airfares.

I am not even sure how "local" Hawaiian airlines is. Didn't this "local" airline move their call center to the Philippines? This move affected over 200 positions. Not a very "local" thing to do.

I sure don't see any letters telling consumers not to shop at Wal-Mart, Sam's Club or Costco. Certainly shopping at these big discount retailers hurt Kama'aina business. Bottom line is this: Local or not, people will shop to get the best deal for their money.