The problem is political and so is the solution. Hawaii will not win at the Legislature until we win at the polls. Electing supposed "new" Democrats only sustains problems. Check the record. Putting the blame on the Legislature is a misnomer. The failure rests with the Democrats; their deeds speak louder than words.
Honest Republican leadership will dramatically reduce government spending and taxes, implement systemic education reform, privatize work programs for the able-bodied exploiting welfare, institute a criminal justice system where punishment is a deterrent, provide for genuine insurance reform, make OHA and Hawaiian Homes autonomous and run by Hawaiians, and so much more.
I remain optimistic that Hawaii will get the leadership it deserves. Great things will happen when power, resources and responsibility are given back to our people.
Fred Hemmings
Kailua
As a naval architect who has designed warships from submarines to aircraft carriers, I know that semi-submersible passenger craft can be designed to navigate the length of the Ala Wai. The convention passenger craft will cost more to build than a bus, may require an operating subsidy, and need some dredging of the canal, but the service would be popular and unique to convention centers the world over.
I recommend that the convention center advertise for proposals to design, build, operate and maintain a waterborne passenger system serving the convention center.
E. ALVEY WRIGHT
Kailua
A three-month vacation is too long for the children. If they attend year-round school, youngsters will not forget what they have learned. This also helps them to be better students.
Michelle Bermudez
Waipahu
This is precisely the situation faced by gay couples.
If Safire wouldn't stand for this himself, why does he think gay people should be prepared to accept some sort of "compromise"?
Rosa Parks didn't fight to sit in the middle of the bus - she fought for the front.
Eric Subert