HAWAI'I HEALTH SYSTEMS CORP.

REFORM, NOT STATE BAILOUTS, NEEDED TO HELP HOSPITALS

This year, our state government is subsidizing our "state" hospitals to the tune of $53.6 million, and it is still not enough. That money won't cover the hospitals' debts, much less pay for needed improvements.

Instead of solving the problem, the government is hopelessly throwing tax money (our money, the money we should be spending on our kids, our homes, our retirement) at it.

What are the problems? Inadequate payments from insurance companies. Irresponsible behavior by too many of those who seek care at these hospitals, specifically drug abuse, violence, obesity and refusal to take care of their medical conditions before they become medical catastrophes.

And let's not forget the astronomical malpractice insurance premiums to defend doctors and hospitals from trial attorneys who take for themselves up to 50 percent of the money they win for injured patients.

As the so-called Hawaii Health Systems Corp. takes on failing hospital after failing hospital, the problems get worse and worse. Politicians and bureaucrats don't have the will or the ability to remedy the situation.

So they continue to squander our money and, unfortunately, some of Hawai'i's hospitals will soon be closed.

LITTLE LEAGUE

WAIPI'O TEAM SHOWED TRUE ALOHA AND CLASS

As a former Bobby Sox coach who years ago took a team to the state champs and regionals in California, I can tell you it takes extreme coordination and dedication from coaches, parents and the players as well as the employers and teachers of coaches and players of the team.

The young men of this Waipi'o Little League team did all of us proud. They showed true aloha and class even when they were down 5-1 with mounting pressure. They come home with more than the title of World Champs, they come home as ambassadors of goodwill and role models with experiences that will serve them well into their adult years.

This is a wonderful example of why we need youth sports in our community and schools. Mahalo and congratulations to all of you who played a part in the making of this unbelievable Waipi'o Little League team.

PLASTIC BAGS

FARMERS MARKETS SHOULD BAN THEM, TOO

I agree with your position (Editorial, Aug. 27) that O'ahu should follow the lead of Maui, the Big Island and Mainland cities that have passed legislation to limit or ban plastic bags.

I often visit the local farmers markets and notice that a number of customers bring their own reusable bags and am certain that many more would do the same if given proper encouragement.

I suggest that the weekly People's Markets sponsored by the city lead the way by requiring customers to bring their own bags. Vendors would save money as well as help keep plastic out of the landfills. Customers help the environment by buying locally and limiting unnecessary waste.

RAIL TRANSIT

ARE WE READY TO PAY FOR REPAIR COSTS?

As we approach the primary election for the mayor, we will see more and more campaign advertisements in the media.

One of the ads from the Mayor Mufi Hannemann campaign describes how he is responsible for repairing our aging sewer infrastructure. The timing of this ad also comes at the same time his department mailed us a flier to the sewer rate increase.

Now fast-forward with his proposed rail system in place. It will just be a matter of time when the aging rail system will need the same increase in taxes for repairs. Are you ready?

OPPONENTS' BALLOT QUESTION MISLEADING

While I am thrilled that the public will have a chance to vote on mass transit, I am particularly concerned with the way Stop Rail Now uses a very misleading ballot question into tricking voters to vote against rail. "Honolulu mass transit shall not include trains or rail."

Correct me if I'm wrong, but this would mean a "yes" vote would mean I don't want rail, while a "no" vote would mean I favor rail?

You would think with all the pro-rail/anti-rail confusion out there, we could at least get a clear-cut question composed for the November ballot.

SOLAR POWER

BETTER INCENTIVES NEEDED TO BROADEN USE

Hawai'i will waste more than $100 million this year to pay for fuel to take hot showers, while only one in 10 houses have solar. Why? Current tax incentives are generous, but the slow pace of installation shows they are not working.

Rental property owners have little incentive to install solar because renters pay utilities. Many fixed- and low-income homeowners don't have the credit or up-front cash or tax situation to install solar even with incentives.

Government can save Hawai'i hundreds of millions of dollars every year. Legislators can increase tax credits to cover 90 percent of the cost of solar hot water heating; offer rental property owners a 100 percent tax credit, put a deadline of five years to install solar or lose the privilege of renting their property; and compel HECO or the state to finance systems for low-income owners and roll the loan payments into the electric bill or property tax to guarantee collection.

These tax cuts are guaranteed to stimulate the economy, reduce reliance on imported fuel and reduce greenhouses gases.

ROOSTERS

COCKFIGHTING SHOULD BE BANNED AS CRIMINAL

The purpose of raising game birds (roosters) is to fight them and/or to sell them. There is no legitimate agricultural or showmanship activity occurring.

I have yet to discover a "rooster show" at any venue in Hawai'i, other than a cockfight.

Roosters are being raised to fight to a bloody inhumane death while criminals bet money that goes to support organized crime. Gambling is not a legitimate "cultural right" and this is the essence of what cockfighting is about.

I challenge our state and city representatives to do the right thing and end this shameful legacy. Our laws need to reflect the cultural norms of the majority citizens, not a minority of criminals who are twisting the word "culture" to legitimize their criminal activity.

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

CAREER DIPLOMATS SUPPORT OBAMA

The need for America to re-establish its international credibility and leadership has emerged as a major theme in the presidential campaign, as reflected in your recent coverage of election developments.

The current administration has abandoned with dismaying results the principles of bipartisanship at home and close coordination with allies abroad which served as the foundation for our nation's foreign policy for two generations.

More than 200 former career diplomats with long experience in the conduct of U.S. national security strategy under both Republican and Democratic administrations have called on their fellow voters, regardless of political affiliation, to join in supporting Sen. Obama.

We strongly believe that he has the qualities needed to restore the respect and leadership we once enjoyed, the capacity to make bipartisanship possible again and the judgment and vision to set our nation on the path to a better future.