I know we have abundant resources and the commitment grows every day as new families become homeless. We need to demand changes. Everyone needs to share the responsibility.

POLITICS

REJECT BILL TO REDUCE SUPERFERRY FUNDING

The introduction of a bill by Sens. J. Kalani English and Shan Tsutsui to reduce funding for the Superferry appears be nothing more than a backdoor or last-ditch effort to either block or delay the start date of the Superferry.

I'm sure both of them will be able to justify their actions, but then most politicians seem to have the ability to justify everything they do, no matter how egregious.

The project needs to move forward as soon as possible, rather than delayed or canceled. The transportation possibilities offered by this project to the residents of this state are boundless compared to our present transportation alternatives.

Their fellow senators should recognize this bill for what it is and reject it without debate.

SEWAGE

WE MUST RETHINK OUR PRIORITIES AFTER SPILL

The fact that the city knew the sewer line that broke needed to be replaced is inexcusable, particularly because that specific main had been a known problem since 1998.

I guess Waikiki beautification and a halted curbside recycling program are more important than public health and safety, not to mention the negative effects on the environment and marine life.

We, as Hawai'i's citizens, need to rethink our priorities and make our concerns known to our leaders and lawmakers.

TAX RELIEF

VOTE THE DEMOCRATS OUT OF LEGISLATURE

Gov. Lingle proposed good, solid, workable ways to return some of the state's revenue surplus to taxpayers. But, as usual, the Democrats in the Legislature refused to cooperate. Any hoped-for tax relief will not happen this legislative session.

How refreshing it would be if the Democrats would put the people before politics. In this election year, the people should put themselves first and vote to replace the do-nothing Democrats with Republicans who would support tax relief for those who need it most.

GOOD INTENTIONS

DISABLED PEOPLE DON'T ALWAYS NEED HELP

I'm 19 years old and in a wheelchair. This afternoon I had an experience that's become common. I was getting off the bus when a man next to me tried to help unhook the straps from my wheelchair. I asked him politely to let me do it. He did. When I unhooked the seat to put it down for others to sit, he reached his hand out and held it up. I pressed harder and asked him to let me do it, but this time he wouldn't let go.

This attitude that handicapped people are helpless is very irritating. I have no complaint against the man personally. He was trying to be helpful. My problem is the misconception that I am unable to take care of myself.

In the future, I ask that if anyone sees someone handicapped going up a hill, opening a door at the mall, or putting the chair down on the bus, rather than jumping in and assuming you should help, ask us first.

I'm not putting down Good Samaritans. I admire their intentions. It's just gotten to be degrading and embarrassing to be helped everywhere I go for the past 19 years.

GAMBLING

THE LAS VEGAS FACTOR

Regarding the increase in gambling here in the Islands (or at least, more people getting caught at it): Could it be that so many people here gamble due in part to the fact that we're drilled into believing that Vegas is the ultimate vacation destination. Yet we don't even have the Lotto here?

HOMELESS

O'AHU'S CHURCHES ARE INDEED STEPPING FORWARD

Two letters that appeared in the April 5 Advertiser deserve a response from those of us who advocate for solutions to the housing crisis in Hawai'i. It was gratifying to see Sharon Black's hopeful letter in the April 6 edition.

Regarding Crystal Scurr's letter "Closing park correct": There is still the question of why the entire park needs to be closed. There should be a way for the park to be shared. In rotation, a portion of the park could be repaired, a portion set aside for those without shelter and the rest dedicated to public use.

The homeless community is organizing itself with a council that is ready to establish guidelines for the proper use of public space; members will monitor themselves for safety and keeping the space clean. The public needs to support their efforts.

J. Matsuoka's concern in "Churches should pick up the burden" is also mentioned by Ms. Scurr. I'm happy to let them know that churches, temples and synagogues all around the island have been involved with those experiencing homelessness for many years, including food programs, passing out blankets and finding them places to stay.

Immediately following the Ala Moana Park eviction, both Kawaiaha'o Church and Central Union Church opened their facilities to those evicted; as many as 60 people are staying at Kawaiaha'o each night. Several other churches, Temple Emanu El and Family Promise are helping with providing them food.

As a matter of fact, over 30 congregations of all faiths in Honolulu and Windward O'ahu have committed themselves to the Family Promise program of providing transitional housing to Hawai'i's houseless citizens in their facilities. This inter-faith network of congregations is making a contribution to the immediate needs of families without shelter and assisting them toward a self-sustaining livelihood.

On March 5, we opened a rotation of congregations in Kailua and Kane'ohe with two participating churches in Honolulu. More congregations are being recruited to complete the Windward rotation, and we plan on opening a full Honolulu rotation in October. Congregations interested in joining us can call Family Promise (261-7478) or John Heidel (261-4585).

Hawai'i's faith communities are definitely involved. We look forward to cooperating with all people of good will in finding solutions to our housing crisis.

WARNED YEARS AGO

WAIKIKI SEWAGE PROBLEMS NOT NEW TO HANNEMANN

Our mayor has a very short memory for sewer conditions in Waikiki, as he was warned many years ago when he was chairman of the City Council.

I well remember hearing Robert Rodman, former vice president of the Waikiki Residents Association, testifying to the City Council about how much the Ala Wai Canal was being polluted by leaks from the decrepit and unsafe sewer collection pipes and especially about the main force that runs from the Beach Walk pumping station. Rodman stressed in his testimony that he thought leaks from that main force pipe were the major cause of the epidemic of canoe paddlers' skin infections.

In 1997, when the city was planning new showers for the renovation of the Kuhio Beach area, Rodman reported to the Waikiki Residents Association and testified at city planning meetings that he had seen mothers washing their baby's dirty diapered bottoms under the outside showers and that these feces were then washed, with the shower runoff, out into the Waikiki beach swimming water, instead of having shower runoff going into the sewer lines.

Subsequently, when the city applied to the City Council for a shoreline management permit for the Kuhio Beach project, Rodman was able to convince Councilwoman Donna Kim to include in the shoreline management permit a Condition F, which states the "runoff from the outdoor showers shall not enter the ocean." However, it was not done that way. The waste from diapered baby bottoms still goes right back to the beach swimming water.

If Mayor Hannemann had listened to Rodman over 10 years ago and taken action then, we probably would not have these problems today.