The state has a vital interest in maintaining that presence and the jobs it generates. That point was emphasized by representatives of the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii and shipyard and metal workers groups at a hearing on the prospective homeporting of a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier at Pearl Harbor. That could among other things create more work for the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, which has experienced major job reductions in recent years.
Most of those who testified opposed bringing a carrier to Pearl Harbor and said the armed forces aren't wanted in Hawaii, but it's not likely that they spoke for a majority of local residents. People here generally support the military presence in Hawaii. More of them should make their voices heard at these hearings so the sentiments of the community are adequately represented.
The policy of excluding foreigners has left the Philippines far behind its neighbors in economic development, a situation that Ramos has worked hard to improve. The Manila government must convince the financial world that these decisions are aberrations if it hopes to continue to attract sorely needed capital.
Governments provide public services, sometimes for a fee. But those fees should not be onerously high, particularly when the service concerned is the provision of information. The bill should be revised to include more restraint.
Where are all those native Hawaiians who claim pride in their heritage? The Kamehameha Day celebration is the biggest event of the year for Hawaiians. But a tour operator from Indianapolis has upstaged them.
Rupert E. Phillips, CEO
John M. Flanagan, Editor & Publisher
David Shapiro, Managing Editor
Diane Yukihiro Chang, Senior Editor & Editorial Page Editor
Frank Bridgewater & Michael Rovner, Assistant Managing Editors
A.A. Smyser, Contributing Editor