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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, March 11, 2007

Letters to the Editor

MINORITY RIGHTS

CIVIL UNION DOES NOT INFRINGE ON MARRIAGE

James Roller's letter (March 8) chastizes the Legislature for considering a revision to state law to permit civil unions.

I respect, but strongly disagree, with Mr. Roller's constitutional premise and personal position on this issue. He and many others seem to be offended by the prospect that "marriage" will be less sacred if it is equated with "civil unions."

Let's agree: They may be the same. So what? Having civil unions in no way infringes on the sanctity or unique nature of marriage. If the truth were told, divorce of heterosexual unions is more threatening to the sanctity of marriage than civil unions.

Mr. Roller and others should just relax and enjoy their marriage, and let others enjoy their "civil unions." No harm is done to either group.

I cringe at Mr. Roller's misreading of the national and state constitutions to the effect that "the majority rules," and if one doesn't like it, then "the U.S. is not for you." There's not room to fully recount the injustices to humanity imposed by "majority rule." Just as starters, consider slavery in the U.S. and the Holocaust in Germany.

In fact, our constitutions are not based on majority rule. They are based principally on the protection of "minority" rights. The framers knew well the tyranny of majority rule and assured that the rights of all minorities would be protected, including those who wish to have civil unions, and "remain in the U.S."

Chuck Craven
'Ewa Beach

FISHERY

CLOSURE OF PUPUKEA VIOLATES DLNR POLICY

David Adler's March 5 letter "DLNR should not open Pupukea to fishing" exemplifies a single-minded environmentalist mentality.

Closure of the Pupukea Marine Life Conservation District violates the Department of Land and Natural Resources' policy on activities on state-owned and -managed waters. This policy states that "activities (that) can be done in a way that does not unduly damage the resource should be allowed."

Akule, according to the state, is one of our strongest fisheries and is in no danger of depletion. They are a pelagic, nomadic species normally not caught inshore. There are very few places where they can be caught without a boat. Akule, is caught by a technique called whipping, where an artificial bait is cast out and immediately reeled in. This type of fishing is species-specific and leaves no marine debris.

When the DLNR asked the North Shore Neighborhood Board for input on reopening the Pupukea MLCD to akule fishing, much testimony was provided in three meetings. A resolution to allow akule fishing was passed in a 9-3-1 vote.

Mr. Adler believes that the continued closure of the Pupukea MLCD respects our ancestors and future generations. The reality is that this closure disrespects the people of Hawai'i and a heritage and culture deeply rooted in the sea and fishing. Kudos to the North Shore Neighborhood Board for a decision that is a win-win situation for all.

Brian Kimata
Honolulu

SUNSHINE LAW

OPENNESS IS BEDROCK OF SELF-GOVERNMENT

A veteran who attended a freedom ceremony recognizing the achievements and sacrifices of those serving in our military offered a comment on freedom. His words had a simple eloquence and a straightforward message. He said, "To be born free is an accident. To live free is a responsibility."

Protection of our freedom comes in many forms, military service being the most direct. Less direct, but perhaps more constant, protection lies with our citizens and those in government service, who must safeguard that freedom daily against erosion of the fundamental principles upon which it stands. One such principle, essential to a democracy, is open government.

To ensure open government, laws have been enacted to guarantee the public's right to be informed about and to be heard in the workings of government.

In Hawai'i, these laws are our public records law, the Uniform Information Practices Act, and our open meetings law, often called the Sunshine Law.

Although these laws may at times seem difficult to understand or apply, their spirit and intent, which must define our responsibilities and guide our actions, are, like the veteran's words, both simple and straightforward: Government business is to be conducted openly so that the people can exercise their right to know and to self-govern.

To live free is our responsibility. Citizens must keep informed and participate in their governance, and those in government service must ensure their ability to do so.

Leslie H. Kondo
Director, Office of Information Practices

QUALITY OF LIFE

'EWA WEED & SEED MONEY PUT TO GOOD USE

Thank you, Mayor Mufi Hannemann, for granting $250,000 to the Weed & Seed Honolulu Initiative.

Since 2002, the 'Ewa site has formed 28 neighborhood security watch teams and eight citizen patrols. 'Ewa citizens have met and formed a partnership with Weed & Seed law enforcement officers to develop non-confrontational solutions, which has greatly improved 'Ewa's quality of life.

The YMCA of Honolulu serves as the fiscal agent for Weed & Seed, providing staff leadership and the infrastructure support. We appreciate their commitment to this community strategy.

The 'Ewa site's formation of EWAlution (a partnership of 54 public, private and non-profit providers, organizations and businesses) strengthens the 'Ewa community through regular activities, including Move on the Wall, Weed & Seed, Safe Haven's Ohana Food Distribution and the Health to Ocean (H20) water program for 'Ewa's youth.

The 'Ewa site's participation with community cleanups, including Kokua Day, Get the Drift and Bag It, Make a Difference Day and regular Graffiti Paint Outs revitalizes and restores pride, beauty and joy to community blight.

Establishing and maintaining a Weed & Seed strategy in the 'Ewa community requires continued dedication, commitment and teamwork.

Eileen Lynn
'Ewa Beach

MARINE/AVIATION FUEL

ETHANOL MEASURE IS A MATTER OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Sen. Ron Menor said he intends to kill House Bill 791 without a public hearing. HB 791 would require oil refiners to offer some gasoline with no ethanol added.

Sen. Menor, who is apparently tone-deaf to irony, said he did not want to hear the bill because it would "water down" the ethanol mandate.

In fact, ethanol in gasoline over time literally "waters down" the mixture, since ethanol attracts water, which can wreck aircraft or marine engines.

If HB 791 doesn't pass, sooner or later a boater will be lost at sea, and small airplanes will fall out of the sky because of engine failure caused by ethanol "phase separation."

HB 791 passed the House with strong bipartisan support. Sen. Menor should put aside his autocratic instincts and let this bill get the public hearing it deserves.

HB 791 is a matter of public safety.

Rep. Colleen Meyer
District 47 (Ha'iku, Kahalu'u, La'ie)