Letters to the Editor
Thursday, June 13, 1996

So many reasons support
renovating of Camp Kailua

Shame on the City Council's Parks Committee! I watched cable TV coverage of its June 5 meeting on Bill 39, legislation designed to ensure the destruction of Camp Kailua. Committee Chairman John Henry Felix grasped for excuses to avoid the hard facts presented by camp supporters:

1) Camp Kailua is the best, safest, most cost-effective way for the city to provide oceanside, overnight camping for persons with special needs and disabilities;

2) The camp structures are eminently restorable despite the mayor's efforts to hasten their deterioration;

3) Community volunteers care deeply about the camp and are willing to help restore it;

4) Private operators can manage the camp for the city;

5) There is a growing social need on Oahu for such a facility;

6) Federal law requires the city to provide a camping option for disabled persons.

Shame also on Council members Mufi Hannemann and Rene Mansho for turning deaf ears to the need for the camp and looking for excuses to destroy it. Where are the compassionate and insightful politicians when we need them?

Phil Estermann


Letter writer was wrong:
Hawaii is too a tax hell

The facts listed in the recent letter from Jerome G. Manis, trying to debunk Hawaii's tax hell label, are incomplete and lead to a ludicrous conclusion. Hawaii's top tax rate of 10 percent is higher than all but three states in the nation. Our per capita tax burden is the nation's fourth highest. A single person earning $20,000 a year with no exemptions takes home $1,194 per month.

High taxes and a high cost of living make it difficult to buy a home and save for retirement. Instead of increasing taxes on hard-working citizens, let's give them a significant tax cut so they can keep their earnings and begin to save for the future.

Michael T. Moore


Let people of Makua live
in deserved peace

As Hawaii residents, we must resolve to experiencing the natural beauty of our state alongside throngs of visitors. The few remaining places we have, that are not currently on the tourist path, become very special to us.

Makua Beach is such a place.

I am a haole who has spent considerable time at Makua. Never have I felt anything short of aloha from the residents of Makua Beach. I am blessed by the friendships forged there.

Our governmental leadership can never fully make up for the injustices that prior administrations have inflicted upon indigenous people. So how about making a small gesture to the spirit of humanity by granting the residents of Makua some sanctuary?

Spend the money authorized for construction to rebuild traditional style housing there. Instead of begrudging these people their good fortune, we should be happy for them.

Brad Salmon


Hawaiians are exploited
when necessary by state

Ben Cayetano has his nerve riding in the Kamehameha Day Parade after cutting all funding for the event!

The Kamehameha Day Festivities have been funded by the government of Hawaii - whether monarchy, territory or state - for over 125 years.

General excise taxes generated by participating mainland high school bands, baton twirlers, florists, horse, car and truck rentals and other business associated with the festivities should more than cover its cost.

The state sure knows how to find Hawaiians when it needs people to spread the "aloha spirit," and when it needs Hawaiian musicians, chanters and hula dancers to show the uniqueness of Hawaii to promote tourism.

And Cayetano's administration sure knows how to axe funding for Hawaiian events and organizations. Cayetano is looking to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Kamehameha Schools/Bishop Estate and other Hawaiian organizations to pick up the tab. I applaud OHA's stand to refuse funding.

The state and Cayetano are neglecting their responsibility not only to Hawaiians but to the people of Hawaii.

Vicky Holt Takamine
Aiea


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