Whether it is his intent or not, going to Atlanta tells AT&T and other companies that the state is for sale to the highest bidder. Meanwhile the little guy, with nothing to offer in the way of payoffs, has little chance of sitting with Governor Cayetano for five hours to talk business in Georgia or anywhere else.
Governor, you seem to have a growing ethical deficiency on your hands. A few words of advice: If you are offered free anythings (especially expensive anythings) that may potentially conflict with the state's role as an unbiased entity, refuse the offers.
If you have legitimate state business, we taxpayers should pay for that. If you want to go off on a vacation to Atlanta, to the Philippines or anywhere else, you should pay for that out of your own pocket.
Brennan C. Lee
Am I wrong for thinking like a pessimist with the lingering memory of the World Trade Center bombing; the destruction of Oklahoma City's federal building; the bombing outside a military compound in Saudi Arabia; the "unabomber" (though it is only speculated to be an act of terrorism); the downing of a Paris-bound Boeing 747; and most recently, the pipe bombing at Centennial Olympic Park?
I've become so acquainted with terrorism that I've followed this typical response toward its undeviating strike: Initial disbelief. Reality sinks in. Sit back and tune into the gruesome details. Then pray that such an incident will not happen elsewhere.
But then again, I refuse to grant the wishes of corrupt terrorists: To have yet another American lose hope. That those terrorists have not taken.
Warren A. Kaneshiro
On most summer weekends and all holidays, parking is impossible at the park. If you want room for your family or a birthday party or any group, you need a volunteer to get to the park at 7:30 a.m. to reserve your space.
If the camp were rebuilt, it will almost need its own police substation to control problems at night. Reserving it will be "first come, first serve" - so it will be a free hotel for fishing tournaments, windsurfing events and canoe paddling tournaments. Any bona fide group will have the right to use it.
There will be danger to occupants from outsiders. Lawyers will love such a facility where the city is liable for everything from alcohol and dope problems to muggings, to simple slips and falls.
The camp will invite all of those problems and more. If you were homeless and living on the beach and saw all those nice little cabins with beds, what would you do?
Let common sense prevail. The city has a good plan; let's use it and expand the park.
Edward M. Slavish
Kaneohe
Camp Kailua was acquired for the purpose of expanding Kailua Beach Park. What has occurred is that a vocal minority has obstructed the well-thought-out plans of the majority.
I use Kailua Beach Park almost daily. I and many others like me would like to see the plans that the city has for that park reach fruition.
Bud Pinkosh
Kailua