It floors me to see the governor and the state Legislature approve a project creating two new parks when the state is in a serious economic situation. The cost of these two parks to taxpayers will be $6.5 million. What happened to the financial straits that we're in? Are we out of the danger that there won't be any layoffs, furloughs, raises in property taxes, etc.?
Even Donald A. Bremner of the Kakaako Improvement Association opposes the project.
In these times, we should just make do with what we have.
JAMES K. YAMAMOTO
It was stated that beauty pageants promote artificial beauty rather than intelligence and generosity. As Miss Hawaii World, I have been very involved in the community and especially with Prevent Child Abuse Hawaii. Previously, I worked with the elderly, in an emergency room and with battered women. I have given generously of my time and of myself.
In regards to the intelligence issue, this is a joke. Intelligence is a very important factor in pageants and it is demonstrated in the interview phase. Often the interview phase is the most important and determines who will be the winner. I graduated with honors from Punahou School and then attended college on the mainland earning a degree in biology. This fall I will be starting medical school. According to the American Medical Association, women represent only 19 percent of all U.S. physicians. As you can see, pageant winners are not bimbos.
There are strong stereotypes about beauty queens being beautiful to look at, but having nothing else to offer in terms of role models. I used to think that way too before I became involved. We shouldn't be judging others when we don't have the real facts.
JULIE ANN CHANG
Miss Hawaii World
I must wonder if it was really God's will to have Jesus die just to create another "us" and "them" in a world already disastrously divided. The Bible, as I read it, may allude to homosexuality in a few passages, but it clearly rebukes hatred and unforgivingness from start to finish.
There are few virtues in the testaments or in life more precious than love. Make no mistake about it, when we discuss same-gender marriage, we are discussing love.
BETTINA DOWDLE
At a time when increasing violence, the growing gap between the haves and have-nots, and other signs of social disintegration seem to be forever changing the Hawaii we once knew, Sister Roberta's life and vocation of aloha have given me incentive to continue to strive toward Martin Luther King's "beloved community."
Her love for the police officers she worked with showed us the light of God's love. This is especially meaningful during this Easter season, when so many people seem to be living in the shadow of the cross.
Thank you, Sister Roberta, for renewing my hope and trust in God. Although there is so much news of despair and hatred, the power of God's healing love can be victorious. You are an inspiration!
BOB W. ST. SURE
Pearl City