FINDINGS POINT UP CRITICAL BALANCE OF TRUST

One of the greatest resources in our state is its employees. The vast majority are conscientious, responsible and loyal. They'd generally not blow the whistle on a superior they respect but also suspect may be engaged in wrongdoing. However, that may just be what's needed.

The recent audit report of the DOE's procurement practices revealed problems that were both disappointing and shocking to many BOE members. I was particularly dismayed by the report and realized how trusting we are of most of our employees. Occasionally some violate that trust.

I know we are learning some difficult lessons while serving on the board, especially with respect to the critical but fragile balance we need to maintain between supporting our employees in the DOE and objectively overseeing their performance.

I appreciate the fact that our superintendent has been candid about responding to the auditor's requests and has contracted a private investigator to conduct a thorough and complete investigation.

CIVIL UNIONS

RIGHTS SHOULD NOT BE SUBJECTED TO PLEBISCITES

I was disappointed with your editorial (Feb. 24) in favor of a referendum on civil unions rather than legislative enactment of HB 444. In Virginia, where I was raised, mixed-race marriages were illegal until 1969. My Asian wife and I would have been unable to marry there — we married here. If that measure had gone to referendum in Virginia, it likely would not have passed. Minority rights should not be subjected to plebiscites.

My youngest brother is gay. With tears flowing, he privately shared with me the agonizing truth of his sexual orientation when he was in his 20s. It was not an orientation that he freely chose, especially in our Catholic family, nor could he openly reveal it.

Now he is happy and even proud to be gay and is active in campaigns for equality. He and his partner of 11 years are loved and highly respected in our family. Yet they cannot marry in Virginia or have their union recognized. They are denied basic rights that married couples enjoy in situations of adoption, serious illness, hospitalization and death.

RAIL TRANSIT

LAWMAKERS SHOULD VOTE NO ON SB 1626

We've been talking about rail transit for more than 30 years and the November vote leaves no question that the people want rail transit on O'ahu. But SB 1626 unnecessarily jeopardizes the $1 billion in federal funds to build rail by allowing the state to borrow up to $150 million from the rail transit fund.

Our congressional delegates have said tampering with the dedicated funding source sends mixed signals to Congress. And according to the University of Hawai'i economists, spending on construction will fall $2 billion in the next two years. We will lose 9,000 jobs.

We cannot risk losing the rail transit project and the economic stimulus that it provides to our island and state. We ask our state senators to please vote "no" on SB 1626.

GOOD SAMARITAN

MAHALO FOR QUICK HELP AFTER FALL ON STREET

I would like to thank the man who stopped to render aid when I fell and hit my head on the concrete. This accident happened on Pi'ikoi Street near King on Monday, March 2, during rush-hour traffic. He called 911 and waited for the ambulance.

Thanks also to the EMTs who were very kind and to Dr. Daniel Smith and his medical team at The Queen's Medical Center for their TLC. Mahalo!

MEDICAL LIABILITY

TORT REFORMS CAN IMPROVE ACCESS, PRACTICE CLIMATE

Hawai'i, like many parts of the nation, is experiencing a physician shortage that will result in inadequate access to healthcare if it is ignored. Strong medical liability reforms can help reverse this alarming trend and provide Hawai'i residents with better access to quality healthcare by keeping physicians in the state ("Hawai'i Legislature advances bill to limit malpractice lawsuits," March 4).

In states without reforms or with weak reforms, physicians face the prospect of meritless lawsuits that drive up medical liability premiums and compel physicians to practice elsewhere or not at all. Strong medical liability reforms keep physicians caring for patients, while still allowing a patient his or her day in court.

The AMA will continue to advocate so that no patient has to give up healthcare because of the broken liability system. The Hawai'i Legislature should improve access to care for patients and the practice climate for physicians by enacting this legislation.

TAXPAYERS, INJURED PATIENTS WILL BENEFIT

Medical tort reform does not cost taxpayers a dime. It will actually save money on defensive medicine costs (ordering unnecessary tests to avoid being sued).

In addition, it will decrease the amount that taxpayers pay for malpractice insurance for the medical school and state-run hospitals. It has been a stimulus to the economy in Mississippi and Texas, where medical tort reform passed. We could use that here in Hawai'i.

In Texas, they found that the injured patient benefits since there is not an arbitrary award for pain and suffering (due to caps). Both sides often agree on economic damages, lawsuits are settled earlier, avoiding a trial and the additional expenses, which results in more money for the injured patient and less money for the lawyer.

No wonder the lawyers are fighting this.