Nominee has background,
motivation for the job

I would like to express my strong support for Jan Sullivan, who has been nominated to become director of the city's Department of Land Utilization.

Jan attended the William S. Richardson School of Law from 1980-1983. She was one of our top students academically and was the articles editor of our Law Review.

Since graduating she has been in private practice, primarily working in the land and real estate area. She has become one of Honolulu's leading practitioners in this area.

Jan has done important pro bono work, representing residents of central Oahu who were concerned about the effects of high-voltage electrical lines being constructed in their neighborhoods.

She has been a board member and officer of the nonprofit corporation Mutual Housing Association of Hawaii, which has developed low-cost housing and helped to train residents to manage their buildings.

In allowing her name to be put forward by the mayor, Jan Sullivan has committed herself to use the skills and experience gained from the private sector to help plan and manage the controlled growth of our island.

Jon M. Van Dyke
Professor of Law
William S. Richardson School of Law
University of Hawaii-Manoa

Hawaii is thinking global
in business

As a former resident of Oahu, and a businessperson who has traveled quite extensively, I have noticed that the Hawaii business community is beginning to adapt itself to the needs of international customers and clients.

It wasn't long ago that we all thought that tourism would be the cure-all for everyone. There was even a lackadaisical attitude on the part of many individuals about the future of Hawaii.

The change is already occurring in small ways. The marketing activity of Hong Kong is an example of what can be done and what shouldn't be done.

The former mayor of Honolulu was not out of line when he suggested that the infrastructure of Oahu be streamlined to accommodate a port of entry where east could meet west.

It is only a matter of time. The people who deny the future are the same people who said the sugar industry would never leave Hawaii.

Barry Michaels
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
(Via the Internet)

Forty Plus helps Hawaii
keep experienced workers

As a life member of Forty Plus of Hawaii, I commend Peter Wagner on his fine story about managing job loss after the age of 40 (Jan. 21). In these days of downsizing and shrinking budgets, Forty Plus is in the forefront of Hawaii's struggle to retain top-quality managers and professionals.

The organization helped 28 people find new hope and a new job last year by systematically marketing their hard-earned skills and experience.

Without the efforts of Forty Plus, Hawaii's "brain drain" would be far more severe. Our state certainly can't afford to continue losing the talents of such knowledgeable men and women.

Laura Morgenstein

British Columbia may get
‘wonderful’ no-fault system

We in British Columbia are blessed with a socialist government that is systematically re-engineering the province in its own image. Next is the old concept of no-fault car insurance.

This hasn't been tried in the U.S.A. for over 10 years because it doesn't deliver the lower insurance rates promised.

Many Americans such as Ralph Nader have come here to fight this, and for that I thank him and all you great Americans for helping us Canadians fight a battle that is not yours.

Second, I warn tourists to watch out if they are planning to visit B.C. this summer. If you get in an accident, you won't be able to sue for damages - it could mean financial ruin. It might be better for you to stop at the border and see Seattle instead.

Third, how do I apply for U.S. citizenship?

Rick Gambrel
B.C., Canada
(Via the Internet)

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