Letters to the Editor
Tuesday, June 18, 1996

Hawaiians are more apt to marry other Hawaiians

Bud Smyser's comment that "part-Hawaiians are our fastest growing population but out-marriages tend to reduce average blood quantum" (Star-Bulletin, June 11) may appear paradoxical.

However, Health Department statistics show that part-Hawaiians are increasingly choosing other part-Hawaiians as marriage partners.

Indeed, part-Hawaiians are the only group with an increased trend toward intra-ethnic marriage in Hawaii today. Thus, the blood quantum of native Hawaiians is going up, not down.

Michael Haas
Director
Center for Research on Ethnic Relations
University of Hawaii-Manoa


Army has been excellent caretaker of Makua Valley

Regarding the Star-Bulletin June 7 article on Makua Beach: The present temporary caretaker of the valley, the U.S. Army, has been trying to be a good tenant. During the last few years it has invested a few million dollars in the valley to fund archaeological and historical research, and endangered species and fire protection.

It has constructed and maintained a road network, plus the employees of Makua Military Reservation's Pilila'au Range risk their lives daily in the search for unexploded ammunition.

The Army also has a five-year plan in place that includes tree- and grass-planting along with native plant propagation.

I am a pro-sovereignty advocate, and continually ask the question, "What would happen to the valley if the Army pulled out tomorrow, or next year?"

I have never received a valid answer to this question. Most of us realize that the state government of Hawaii or even private organizations just don't have the kala available at this time for the upkeep.

Eventually, Makua Valley will be turned over to "whoevah." But the decision on the valley's future should be determined through the eyes of our mo'opuna, as they should be the ones to benefit.

"Woody" Woodworth
Supervisor
Makua Military Reservation
Waianae


Ice show was a delight to the eye and the ear

What a pleasure it was to listen to the music at the recent Ice Spectacular at Blaisdell Arena. The music was broadcast at a sound level that did not distort the music, cause ear pain or require the usual ear plugs.

Had the sound levels been similarly set at productions such as "The Phantom of the Opera'' and a recent Crosby, Stills & Nash concert, they would have been equally as aurally pleasurable.

Although I hold out hope that producers of future musical events will set sound levels that reflect concern for ear health and undistorted sound, I'll still carry my earplugs.

Rick Klemm
Kailua


Corporate greed mars beauty of the south shore

Kaiser Aluminum and Chemical Corp. is pushing forward with its intent to build a private golf course at Queen's Beach. Kaiser's plans call for much more than just pretty greens - a restaurant, clubhouse, driving range, locker rooms and storage barns will destroy the scenic view of the pristine Sandy Beach.

The natural beauty of this area will be further suburbanized by another developer's plans to build 335 expensive homes on the ridges overlooking Queen's Beach. Oh yes, then there is the 140-room "inn" proposed for the base of Koko Head Crater.

Since the early 1970s, developers have sought to transform the south shore into a major resort setting with hotels, a marina, condominiums, a golf course, etc.

Must every open space be paved over for some corporation's profits? Call the members of the City Council and tell them to reject any plans for a golf course at Queen's Beach.

Ira S. Rohter


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