As one era closes, a new one may begin by saving part of the mill and manager's residence and converting them into a plantation marketplace.
We can establish a museum with exhibits, photographs and videos preserving memories of our plantation life. A variety of shops can serve visitors with Kau foods and crafts.
Schools can become involved by running one of the shops in the marketplace and having students sell student-made products. A farmers' market can offer fresh local produce, meats and fish. Co-ops can market Kau crafts, foods and other items statewide, nationally and internationally.
The supervisors' houses nearby can become comfortable bed-and-breakfasts. Hiking, biking and horseback tours of Kau's beautiful coastal and mountain regions can be organized.
Such a marketplace can provide jobs for Kau people and continue to preserve our culture.
MELISSA
MARQUES
Pahala, Kau, Hawaii
In your reference to the commission's ruling, you suggest in your editorial that the commission's ruling should basically put the matter of a conflict between Blanco's two government roles to rest.
The conflicts law the state Ethics Commission applied in the Blanco case deals with conflicts between government positions and businesses in which one may have a financial interest. This law was enacted to deal solely with the problem of government vis-a-vis private-sector conflicts. The law was not meant to, and does not address, conflicts between two government positions.
The state Ethics Commission has no jurisdiction to rule on whether dual government roles are in conflict. It is inaccurate for your paper or for anyone else to imply that the state Ethics Commission has ruled favorably (or at all) on an issue it has no authority to address.
DANIEL J.
MOLLWAY
Executive Director, Hawaii State Ethics Commission
This issue is not about:
- Blanco's honesty, competence or integrity.
Whether or not the governor speaks to him about the university.
- The availability of talent to serve on boards or be a $70,000 executive assistant.
- Which governor appointed Blanco and which appointment came first.
This issue is about public confidence in government and whether a person should be a university regent and at the same time be in a direct subordinate position to the governor.
We contend that this situation is not a routine situation with possible conflicts dealt with by disclosure and recusal but a major fundamental and institutional conflict which seriously diminishes checks and balances and public confidence. It is also about an independent corporation like the university being run as much as possible at arms length from the downtown executive and legislative branches who tend to micromanage and meddle.
The role of a regent demands the reality and appearance of independence, loyalty and strong advocacy for the institution, faculty and students with not a doubt that his allegiance is to anyone but the university.
DESMOND BYRNE
Chairman, Common Cause Hawaii
"Hawaii Five-O" was the longest running police drama on television and the series was seen throughout the world. Jack Lord played Steve McGarrett and worked long hours to maintain the high quality of this mega-hit series. This police drama brought billions of dollars to Hawaii, publicized Hawaii worldwide and was a boon to tourism. Since statehood, Jack Lord has been Hawaii's most important benefactor a Hawaii hero!
I propose that we rename the Honolulu International Airport, "The Jack Lord International Airport," as a lasting memorial to this outstanding man.
WILLIAM D. NUESKE