PSYCHOLOGISTS

LINGLE URGED TO VETO DRUG PRESCRIPTION BILL

We have lived for many years now with mental illness in our family.

We have gained firsthand experience by being involved in the local mental health community, and we have for years dedicated ourselves to mental health causes.

This letter is wholeheartedly in support of Gov. Linda Lingle's apparent intention to veto SB1004.

If passed, SB1004 would allow psychologists, who do not have medical education and training, to prescribe psychotropic medications without a deep knowledge of their chemical effects.

This must be avoided, as it has been in 47 other states. We encourage Governor Lingle to veto this bad measure.

LANDFILL

WE DON'T HAVE ROOM FOR TRASH, SHIP IT OUT

Hawai'i's residents suffer from compulsive hoarders disorder.

What's so precious about your trash that you can't ship it off shore? You ship in over 90 percent of what you consume.

It only makes sense that you ship it back out. You're a small land mass. Logic dictates that you can't keep burying your 'opala forever. You simply don't have the room.

Your present dump is so mismanaged that you have incurred the largest fine in landfill history. Why would you choose to inflict further damage on your 'aina?

Europe is completely doing away with landfills. Hawai'i should step into the 21st century and follow suit.

ADDICTION

DRUG PROGRAM NEEDED FOR RELEASED PRISONERS

Your June 26 editorial on Hawai'i's new prison in Arizona rightly highlights what is needed: "More attention should be paid to treatment-based sentences for drug-related crimes."

It is clear that what we've been doing not only hasn't worked, but has been extremely costly.

Taxpayers believe that when drug abusers go to prison, they get help.

That's a myth. By the state's own reports, only 5 percent of those who need drug treatment received it while under the jurisdiction of the state's criminal justice system.

Even the federal government's report, "Principles of Drug Abuse Treatment for Criminal Justice Populations," states that "forced abstinence without treatment does not cure addiction" and that "treatment offers the best alternative for interrupting the drug abuse/criminal justice cycle for offenders with drug abuse problems."

Programs must also be extended to those leaving prison and to community-based programs.

Without the proper programs, our prisons will continue to be expensive revolving doors.

This is why it is puzzling to see that the governor has listed SB932, a bill for comprehensive re-entry services, on her veto list.

DEVELOPMENT

O'AHU'S RESOURCES ARE BEING STRESSED TO LIMIT

I read, with great interest, your article regarding plans for further development on O'ahu.

Already, the finite natural resources of O'ahu are being stressed to the limit.

While the continual provision for more visitor accommodations may indicate economic growth, it will also create further strain on inadequate infrastructure, adversely impact spiraling cost-of-living expenses and intensify the competition for space.

The tourist industry seeks ways to bring more and more visitors to the Islands for fear of going into an economic slump. Yet, it seems equally obvious that that approach can only lead inevitably to "killing the goose that lays the golden egg."

There are harsh realities that we need to contend with: limited resources and being priced out of affordable housing.

'EXTREME MAKEOVER'

ARTICLE SHOULD HAVE HIGHLIGHTED GOOD WORK

I'm disappointed to see that Advertiser reporter Rick Daysog thought it necessary to make us all aware of Momi Akana's salary ("Recipient of 'Extreme Makeover' home earns $100,000-plus salary," July 2).

I would have preferred an in-depth story telling me about all the good she has done for the parents and children of our community since 1996.

Her organization is keeping Native Hawaiian culture alive, and that alone is worth more than anything she'll ever earn.

CRIME

WALLET THIEF ALSO STOLE IRREPLACEABLE PHOTOS

To the person who stole my wallet out of my purse in my cart at the Star Market Mo'ili'ili on June 29: I just want to let you know how sorry I feel for you.

How very sad and pathetic that your life has come to stealing a wallet out of my purse right under my nose.

I am a single mom who tragically lost her husband at a young age. I am trying to work very hard and make a good life for my little daughter and myself. Despite our hardships, I know that we are blessed.

As for you, my prayers go out to you as I'm sure that what was in my wallet did not help you that much.

I will not miss the money or the gift cards that you stole. I will miss the irreplaceable photos of my deceased husband and the special notes from my daughter.

I pray for you — that you can turn your life around. I feel so sorry for you.

OPERA CHORUS

STUDENTS GAINED MUCH FROM YOUTH PROGRAM

My 10-year-old son Robert, a student at 'Iolani School, had an incredibly rich experience this summer with the Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus (HYOC) program.

He and students from different public and private schools gained much from this program, which concluded with a commissioned opera.

Our young people are very lucky to have world-class resources in the HYOC: director Nola Nahulu and manager, Malia Ka'ai-Barrett; an outstanding cadre of Hawaiiana, opera, choreography and hula teachers; this opera's composer, Bert Moon, and librettist Mayumi Shimose.

It was inspiring to see how students gained key values such as respect for others, excellence, humility, tenacity and teamwork.

I am indebted to them and to supporters of this program who have ensured growth in both skills and spirit of our keiki over the past four decades.

With an announcement this past weekend by Mayor Mufi Hannemann that the city will support Operatunities every year, and with the ongoing support of individuals and foundations, the HYOC will touch many more hearts in the coming decades. Mahalo nui loa.

CREATIVE MEDIA

Can't compromise be found to save project?

Gov. Linda Lingle has threatened to veto a bill (SB 1922), passed unanimously by both houses of the Legislature. It provides an ingenious public/private scheme for a new home for the University of Hawai'i's Academy For Creative Media.

SB 1922 appropriates $4.8 million for the academy's world-class programs on condition that PBS Hawai'i spend $5 million to renovate a building on ground it leases from the university. The PBS lease would be renewed at no cost and space would be reserved for the academy.

The governor, I know, supports this bill in principle. However, she is concerned that it may violate Section V, Article IX of the Constitution which prohibits the Legislature from disposing of specific parcels of land to private parties without charge.

Surely, there are grounds for compromise here. True, PBS is to invest $5 million in the property. But paying a nominal rent, for example, might resolve the issue. It would not add much to the cost and could well save the entire project, including ACM's many contributions to our state and its economic future.

Let good sense prevail in both the governor's office and the Legislature. We will all benefit.

WAIKIKI

BADGERING NEW SURFERS IS IMMATURE BEHAVIOR

Growing up in Hawai'i, I was taught to respect the ocean, land and the people. To this day, I hold those values true.

On several occasions at Queen's and Canoe's surf spots in Waikiki, I have seen some of the local surfers badger the tourists with profanity and threats of bodily harm when they drop in on a wave or get in the way. I am continuously shocked and embarrassed at such disgusting and immature behavior.

I expect only patience, understanding and aloha from the locals.

Shame on the few who think they own these surf spots and ruin it for the tourists and other locals.

Out of all the places to visit in the world, these tourists choose Hawai'i as their destination. Shouldn't we make it a pleasant and memorable experience so that they would want to come back? Not to mention, support our economy? Live aloha.