KAHANA

STATE MUST FIND PLACE FOR FAMILIES TO MOVE

The families at Kahana Bay have been living there for generations. While no one disputes the state's authority to evict them, it seems inconsiderate not to find a place for them to relocate.

The state holds thousands of acres of Hawaiian homestead land. It would be not only kind and generous, but also appropriate, for the state to give them priority. They might even be able to move their houses.

It is poor public policy to leave these Hawaiians homeless.

TOURISM

WE WIN IF WE ARE NICE TO VISITORS, EACH OTHER

What can we, the residents of all of Hawai'i, do as individuals to create a win-win situation with the industry that feeds our kids and keeps us from having to leave Hawai'i?

I believe that we, as a state, need to just throw a mental switch and cop a whole new and for-real attitude.

If we are most excellent to the tourists and each other, Hawai'i wins. If we're not, Hawai'i loses. Simple. Let's do it! Imua!

VACATION RENTALS

POTENTIAL VISITOR LEFT IN LURCH BY CANCELLATION

Recently, I booked a private vacation rental in Hawai'i for this coming January.

A week after the booking was confirmed and fully paid, the owners canceled it via e-mail, and refused to talk to me on the phone. The same day they canceled my booking, they updated their VRBO ad with a substantially higher price. I am now in a situation where I have nonrefundable airline tickets, and no accommodation through no fault of my own.

This raises several issues, not the least of which is the legality and morality of canceling a binding contract that has been agreed to by both parties, and paid in full.

The private vacation rental industry in Hawai'i is virtually unregulated, and there is no central agency that anyone can approach to help with problems like this.

If I can't count on people to honor their contracts, why should I visit your state? Visitor counts are down 20 percent and could be heading much lower. Any market fueled by desperation and greed, and completely unfettered by regulation and oversight, is a breeding ground for illegal and unethical behavior.

Maybe it's time to re-examine your rental industry and see if there is a solution to what could be a burgeoning problem.

IRAQ

BILL CLINTON ADVOCATED SADDAM'S REMOVAL

Sky Lewis (Letter, Oct. 29) condemns President Bush and VP Cheney for attacking Iraq to avenge the first President Bush.

Actually, President Clinton advocated the removal of Saddam, which led to passage of the Iraq Liberation Act of 1998 by Congress (HR 4655).

The bill authorized the U.S. president to remove Saddam Hussein from power and to return Iraq to normal. The Congress had the option to cancel HR 4655 in 2002, but did not.

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

SEATS EMPTY, LIKELY BECAUSE OF HIGH COST

Went to Cirque du Soleil Saturday afternoon. While it is a fantastic show, which so many kids should be able to enjoy, most of the arena was empty. About 80 percent of the seats were unoccupied, obviously because of the ridiculous prices.

The cheapest decent seat for a child is $60, for an adult $75.

What are they thinking, are they out of their minds? With popcorn, an average family of four would spend $300 or more. Who can afford that? Obviously just the richer few.

Shame on you, Cirque du Soleil!