To make an across-the-board statement that there has been an overtime scam at the prisons that continues to this day is only a reflection of the lack of leadership ability that replaces excuses for imagination.

To my knowledge at OCCC, there never has been a systematic plot or plan to defraud the state via overtime abuse. Neither have we caused a shortage nor would we consider such a diabolical scheme, since it's our necks on the line.

If there was such intrigue or conspiracies within the corridors of our facility, authorities should gather the evidence and prosecute instead of defaming public servants.

We ACOs have to endure enough abuse within the scope of our jobs.

R. Martinez

If I am sick and need an ambulance, I do not want to get more sick thinking about the outrageous bill of going to the hospital.

A newspaper story said the insurance company usually pays for it anyway. But insurance companies are supported by guess who? You and me. The higher their costs, the higher the insurance rates.

I am self-insured. I have a major medical policy. The policy has a $1,000 deductible. I must pay any increases.

If I feel sick, I will not take an ambulance. I will call a taxi.

It may cost $28 from my house to the hospital but, guess what, I will save $322 over the proposed idiotic rate increases.

Napoleon Delmonte

I was wrong. Later that night, in the early morning hours of May 15, a pipeline break by the Waiau Power Plant two miles away was discovered to have ruptured from rust. A reported 38,000 gallons of oil poured into the East Loch of Pearl Harbor.

I wonder whether the pounding of piles for the Rainbow Bay or Moku Umeume Causeway in April and May had anything to do with the rusty pipe breaking two miles away.

After the break, the harbor's saviors were out in force within a day. Within a week, the bulk of the oil was sucked out of the water by a bevy of boats and booms that appeared out of nowhere, thanks to Chevron and taxes.

That calls for some applause. It was a great team effort - military and civilian.

Z. Zolo
Aiea

My neighbors are ordinary working people, not the "elite" that Bishop Estate misleadingly portrays in its ads.

Kuapa Isle has no more security than any regular condominium. There is no gate. Kuapa Isle residents are not stealing the land they live on; they are only asking to buy it for a fair price.

It is unfair to call us thieves or greedy. It is not a question of "good vs. evil," "right vs. wrong," "greed vs. Hawaiian children," etc.

I do not have the billions of dollars in reserves to drag this case out in the courts. I do not have vast real estate interests to protect. I only ask not to be lied about and vilified.

Yuri Hananoki