Letters to the Editor
Friday, May 17, 1996

Maybe local contractors deserve bigger break (not!)

The governor's press secretary explains (Letters, May 14) that taxpayers will actually save by giving local contractors 15 percent more than mainland contractors during the bidding process.

Apparently our state is such an efficient contract administrator that we will get "the most bang for our buck" this way. She even suggests that it will reduce crime and drugs! Wow! It is such a great idea that maybe we should make it 50 percent instead of 15 percent.

Thomas O. Matsuura


We need to rethink policy on renewable energy

The environmental disaster caused by this week's heavy fuel oil spill in Pearl Harbor is a reminder of just one of the adverse impacts of Hawaii's overdependence on fossil fuels. Clean-up costs are expected to run in the millions. And no one knows how much environmental damage has been done.

The state could significantly reduce its dependence on oil if it would vigorously promote the use of its abundant renewable energy resources. Unfortunately, renewable energy development in Hawaii is no longer a priority. Some state leaders maintain that energy is a minor concern, a relic of the 1970s energy crises. Others have attempted to eliminate energy-related tax credits and to gut the state's Energy Division. Hawaii's electric utilities have often impeded large-scale renewable energy development efforts.

Vocal public support is needed to reverse this situation. Write your legislators, government and utility officials and the Public Utilities Commission. Let them know that you strongly support renewable energy development, and that you expect them to protect Hawaii's environment.

David Rezacheck


Souki should concentrate on economy, not gambling

It portrays the height of arrogance and the depth of insensitivity when House Speaker Joe Souki tries to assuage the public that this year's legislative session was actually "successful."

Souki spent far too much time strategizing the ultimately doomed passage of gambling, which his own party opposed.

It is obvious he lacks a vision of the state's economic future, at a time when Hawaii's economy is far from robust.

Instead, Souki is already concerning himself with the passage of gambling during the 1997 session, while scores throughout the country caution about its ill socio-economic impacts.

To create a greater, revitalized Hawaiian economy - which will be of benefit to all - gambling should not be reintroduced next year.

Bill Sharp


Young drivers are dying because of weak laws

In the past six months it has been painfully evident that Hawaii's teens and young adults are drinking and taking drugs and then driving - five dead in Hawaii Kai; four in Hilo; two in Kahului.

During the 1995-96 legislative bieunnium, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) presented three bills to deter impaired driving:

These bills received minimal consideration. None had any public hearings in the Senate.

The Legislature is proud of passing a bill to increase the penalty for persons promoting or distributing methamphetamine (ice), but it didn't tell the public that any ice or other drug user who is driving impaired is escaping prosecution because they can't be tested for these substances.

MADD believes highway safety should be a priority. Our youth are dying while these important measures are stalled.

Theresa Paulette
President, MADD


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