Give the teachers a raise
if the future is important

There has been so much talk from the Governor's Office about education in Hawaii. Past and present governors have said that our educational system should be second to none, and have the best instructors and facilities. But now the teachers are ready to strike and it appears that Governor Cayetano is willing to let this happen.

His actions show that Hawaii's education will always take a back seat to everything else.

Cayetano stated that there is no money to give teachers a raise. Did he receive a pay raise last year? Did the members of the state Legislature receive a pay raise? Why not our teachers? Are they not as important to this community as the governor and the Legislature?

Take a stand - not for the older generation or for politics as usual - but for the younger generation. Give the teachers what they need. Do whatever it takes.

Stephen Jonas
Kapolei
(Via the Internet)

Rights for gay couples
shouldn't bother anybody

Hooray for Dr. Shay Bintliff (Letters, Feb. 4)! She really hit the nail on the head when she wrote about caring for people for what they are, and not putting down gays, people of other races, fat people, etc.

There are so many more things to get upset about than two people of the same sex being in a legal partnership: homelessness, teen smoking, elder and keiki abuse, spouse abuse, and the high cost of living, to name a few. When there is a constitutional amendment to outlaw these things, I will be among the first to vote for it.

In the meantime, I don't care if gay partners get tax breaks, visitation and survivors rights or health insurance from their partners. And I think it is absurd to talk about the holiness of legal "marriage." A few words mumbled in front of a justice of the peace is not holy matrimony.

Wake up, Hawaii! Gay unions are not going to put the state down the tubes, but bigotry and hatred of one's brother, straight or gay, might.

Patricia R. Sherwood
Mililani
(Via the Internet)

Misleading newspaper ad
promotes divisiveness

A Feb. 5 advertisement in your newspaper, announcing a "seminar" that would "open a window of understanding into the real world of homosexuality," was misleading, exploitive and dangerous.

Most researchers and physicians agree that homosexuality, like heterosexuality, is an inherent component of an individual's total psyche. Both forms of sexual expression require society's acceptance and support if individuals are to lead healthy, productive and fulfilling lives.

The ad described homosexuality as an "addiction" and equated it with prostitution, alcoholism and "deception, obsession, guilt and suicide." Such mean-spirited and inflammatory messages are a disservice to homosexuals and the general public.

The "truth" is that homosexuals - like heterosexuals, bisexuals, transgendered individuals and others along the sexuality spectrum - flourish when they are accorded the respect that all individuals deserve, no matter what their sexual orientation.

Instead of promoting divisiveness, we should all be making an effort to find ways to support each other, particularly those among us who historically have been discriminated against.

Nancy Kern

Incentives are plentiful
for Hawaii home-buyers

Rob Perez's Jan. 27 article, "Soft prices, hard times," was most enlightening and informative. I wish to echo the findings in the article: While the housing market is sluggish, unprecedented buying opportunities exist for prospective purchasers.

There are deeply discounted prices, low mortgage interest rates and seller incentives, including discounted interest payments, maintenance fees and closing costs. First-time qualified buyers may also be eligible for state low interest (3 percent) downpayment loans and mortgage credit certificates that convert interest payments into tax credits.

To further stimulate housing purchases, the state will soon issue Hula Mae bonds, which will provide below-market interest rate mortgage loans to qualified purchasers. In addition, Governor Cayetano is proposing a 2 percent tax credit for qualified purchasers of new affordable units. Under the "2x2" program, purchasers can qualify for tax credits of up to $4,000 per household.

In summary, while the housing market is bleak, unprecedented opportunities in prices, interest rates, developer discounts and state-sponsored programs are available to those seeking their American dream.

Ron Lim
Special Assistant for Housing
Office of the Governor

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Same-sex archive