Message to Legislature:
It’s the economy, stupid!

The 1997 Legislature has convened and initial proposals sadly suggest that too many lawmakers remain clueless as to what Hawaii needs to recover and prosper.

Some legislators, through some perverted logic, even seem to think that raising taxes will boost the economy, attract new business and enhance Hawaii's image! Where are the initiatives to slash the Gordian knot of regulations that discourages entrepreneurship?

In simplest terms, the Legislature needs to initiate reforms, cut taxes, improve the educational system, shrink the bureaucracy, cut red tape and provide tangible incentives for families and businesses to stay in or come to Hawaii.

Citizen outrage is growing and our legislators should realize that the time for scatter-brained rhetoric, frivolous posturing and meaningless grandstanding is long since past.

Kerry A. Krenzke

Criminals, young and old,
are setting bad example

What kind of messages are we sending our youth? Freeway vandals are let off without any punishment. Admired professional athletes are accused of sexual assault and drug abuse. Powerful local and national leaders are charged with ethics violations and sexual harassment.

People in positions to set positive examples are sending conflicting messages. Whatever happened to honorable qualities like respect, responsibility, integrity, hard work and honesty?

We need to let kids know that they can't get away with breaking the law. We need to let them know that there are consequences for their actions.

After all, the youth of today will be our leaders and role models of tomorrow.

Kristyn Kitabayashi
9th Grade, Mililani High

Cayetano deserves award
for acting like he cares

I nominate Gov. Ben Cayetano as best actor in a non-supporting role in his new release: "The Educational Governor - The Sequel."

The story begins with our hero expounding on the virtues of education and that the future of Hawaii is with our children in our schools.

In his quest, Ben slashes 3 percent off of the DOE dragon, telling us that all departments must take a hit, including our children, our future.

For special effects, he uses smoke and mirrors in proclaiming that there is no money in the treasury despite an independent fact-finder discovering that this is not so.

As the multitude of teachers become restless and prepare to revolt, Ben sends in his second-stringer to negotiate even though it is only Ben who can made these hard decisions.

This remake of the Waihee classic lacks honesty and commitment. Instead of "Mr. Smith Goes To Washington," we get "Pee Wee's Big Adventure."

Barry G. Wurst
Makawao, Maui

City Council members
are earnestly impressive

A few days ago, I went down to Honolulu Hale, signed up and gave testimony to the City Council's Zoning Committee in support of the resolution to reject the settlement offer from landowners who desire to massively overdevelop Hawaii Kai and the beautiful Ka Iwi coastline.

I was nervous and had no idea what to expect, having never done anything such as this before.

Arriving early, I listened to debate over the smoking ban in restaurants, which I support, and other zoning issues. Then I was given the opportunity to speak. Afterward, I listened to the rest of the testimony.

As a stranger to this body, I was pleased with the warm reception I received. Watching the Council members in action bolstered my faith in our government. These are bright, interested and well-informed public officials.

We have chosen well. I encourage all citizens to go down and see these folks in action. If you feel strongly about an issue, they will hear you out.

Dr. Wayne David Levy
Hawaii Kai
(Via the Internet)

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