Don't expect real estate prices
to never go down

Is more affordable housing really a "disaster" for Oahu? According to your own graphics on Feb. 3, median home prices in Leeward Oahu more than doubled from 1987-1992. Today's home prices are still nearly double their 1987 level. Not bad.

No one ever promised that home prices would surge onward and upward forever. Stocks go up until they are overpriced for the stock market and then they fall to levels more realistic for the economy that supports them. Real estate isn't much different.

The foreign money that fueled the real estate market in those days was produced in an entirely different economy. Now, fresh outside money has dried up and the Oahu home market will have to survive on the wage levels paid here.

Your article also pointed out that there are a large number of foreclosures affecting new home buyers around Kapolei. These are often young people who have begged and borrowed from relatives to get down payments. Even after all that help and with the new "low prices," they still can't make it - even with two incomes.

It is only common sense that home prices are sure to fall further, at least as long as the average two-income couple is unable to support them. And is that really so bad for those of us who live and work here on Oahu?

Robert Steinberg
Waianae

Parents-in-law are still
in shock over shooting

This is in response to Leo Anderson Akana's Jan. 16 letter. We have not, for a single moment, forgotten or sidestepped the fact that our daughter could certainly have been harmed as a result of our son-in-law's actions against Don Mike Gillis. Indeed, she has been harmed, as has his son, his family, her family, the list goes on. We have thanked God for Malia from the day she was born.

We are in a very awkward position, in that we will always love Duane and abhor what he has done. My comments were simply that - comments of shock, disappointment and disbelief of something so tragic from someone so dear. We have all been through enough, so please, let's not make it any more difficult for everyone.

Kathi Cavaco
Kailua

Tobacco companies must
finally be held accountable

Bravo to Governor Cayetano and Attorney General Margery Bronster for taking on the tobacco barons ("State sues tobacco firms for care costs," Feb. 4). While tobacco companies are pocketing billions in profits, we've been paying hundreds of millions to care for the victims whom they leave behind.

In 1995 alone, medical treatments and other smoking-related expenses cost Hawaii nearly $330 million. And the costs to the families of the 1,000 Hawaii residents who die from smoking each year are far higher.

Despite industry denials, cigarettes are clearly marketed to children - how else to explain Joe Camel? Three thousand kids start smoking in the U.S. every day; 1,000 of them will die from tobacco-related disease unless we take strong steps now to prevent them from picking up their first cigarette.

New documents that have come to light in recent months prove that tobacco industry executives have long known that nicotine is addictive and that they intentionally marketed their products to kids.

Given the circumstances, the state has a moral obligation and a legal right to pursue any strategy it can to protect our most impressionable citizens.

Dr. Melinda Ashton
President
American Academy of
Pediatrics-Hawaii

From the mouths of babes:
Don't destroy kids' dreams

Why doesn't Gov. Ben Cayetano give the public-school teachers a raise? Is it because he has a job and has finished school or because he doesn't care about the students or teachers?

He doesn't know how we're going to feel if the teachers go on strike or understand how it's going to affect our learning. We need teachers! No sense in growing up without an education.

These newspaper articles about the governor not paying the teachers what they deserve are making me very, very mad! I don't want to be homeless and living at Aala Park. I want to learn! I want a job!

If Cayetano destroys the dreams of children, it is really a major mistake. I'm growing up now with a dream of becoming a doctor. Please don't destroy my dream. Pay the teachers!

Tersy Matto
5th Grade
Kaewai Elementary School

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