REPRIMAND FUELED BY HATRED OF A FEW

As a lifelong Democrat, I think David Shapiro's "Gabbard reprimand smacks of hypocrisy" commentary (Aug. 12) failed to acknowledge that Mike Gabbard was warmly embraced by the Democrats because he is a widely recognized, well-respected and effective lawmaker. Whether you agree with him on all the issues or not, you have to admit that he gets the job done and a lot of people in Hawai'i like him.

Of course the Dems welcomed him in and gladly added another member to their ranks. Gabbard wasn't the only Dem to oppose the civil unions bill and a lot of other members of the party actively worked against other bills that go against the party platform.

The reprimand of Gabbard is inconsistent and fueled by the hatred of a select few fringe lefty loonies, who have somehow gotten control of the party.

Kathie Greene | Honolulu

INTOLERANCE OF VIEW NOT SO 'PROGRESSIVE'

Karl Buermeyer (Letters, Aug. 10) should get a grip and realize that standing up for marriage and traditional families is not an "anti-gay" agenda.

It's closer to reality to suggest that Mr. Buermeyer and his allies are the ones who need to be more accepting of other points of view.

Here you have a respected legislator in Sen. Mike Gabbard, who is being unfairly singled out and attacked by the so-called progressive wing of the Democratic Party for representing his constituents and voting his conscience.

I just pray that Buermeyer doesn't get his way and one day silence those of us who disagree with him.

GREG CHING | Honolulu

EUNICE SHRIVER

HER WORK SPARKED GLOBAL MOVEMENT

On Tuesday, Aug. 11, Special Olympics bid farewell to its founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver. While the Special Olympics Hawai'i 'ohana mourns the passing of a great woman, the world will also miss an inimitable individual who fought her entire life for equality and inclusion for all individuals, especially those with intellectual disabilities.

From a day camp in her backyard in 1962, Special Olympics has since grown to an international movement with more than 3 million athletes throughout the world, including more than 2,000 athletes in Hawai'i.

Mrs. Shriver believed that there was always more that could — and should — be done. She would constantly ask us "What more can you do?" Her work forever altered the course of mankind by leading a human rights movement to bring dignity, respect, opportunity and hope to people with intellectual disabilities throughout the world.

I encourage you to visit the tribute site established in her honor — www.eunicekennedyshriver.org. — where you can post your own tribute and share your condolences and sentiments regarding the impact of her life and work.

To learn more about Special Olympics Hawai'i or make a donation to the organization, to which Mrs. Shriver dedicated her life; please visit our Web site at www.specialolympicshawaii.org.

Nancy Bottelo | President, Special Olympics Hawai'i

STATE BUDGET

DENTAL HYGIENE BRANCH MUST STAY

In an effort to deal with the budget shortfall, the Lingle administration is planning to eliminate the Dental Hygiene Branch of the state Dental Health Division. This action is of great concern to our professional and general communities.

The branch's programs represent the full extent of Hawai'i's dental public health infrastructure, whose focus and activities target the prevention and control of oral disease in our community.

The branch's nine field dental hygienists, administrative supervisor and program manager provide health education presentations, preventative services at public schools, and dental screenings for students. The breadth and depth of the branch's services is truly unmatched.

During fiscal year 2009, the Branch had direct contact with approximately 43,000 people at around 240 sites statewide.

Furthermore, with the oral health of Hawai'i's keiki amongst the worst in the nation, the closure of the branch will be a detriment to Hawai'i's children and may exacerbate an already serious dental hygiene problem in our state.

We sincerely hope that the administration will reconsider eliminating this valuable public health program.

Dr. Gary Umeda | President, The Hawai'i Dental Association

HO'OPILI PROJECT

FARMS ON ACREAGE MODELS OF EFFICIENCY

When a lot of money is involved the outcome is usually a done deal, and the Ho'opili project in 'Ewa is no exception. Despite the ag zoning, Campbell Estate knew what they had, as did Schuler when they bought the parcel. Oahu Sugar Co. operated on the most fertile piece of agricultural land in the state, with plentiful irrigation infrastructure (developed privately over many decades).

The farms that occupy the remaining open acreage today (that is, the acreage not already paved over) are models of efficiency, because they take advantage of that infrastructure, soil and plentiful sunlight, and because they are located on O'ahu, the market they primarily serve. It is a crime against the people of our island, our state, to develop this parcel. Enough! Self-sufficiency does not come from building more housing on the 'Ewa Plain. We foul our own nest in the name of progress.

Kevin O'Leary | Honolulu