Why isn't the 70 percent
majority speaking out?

Where are the local people and the Christians? Only 150 people testified on same-sex marriage at the Legislature several weeks ago. The senators rushed us through like cattle. My concern is that they may word the constitutional amendment in a way to leave the open door for homosexuals to marry in the future.

We are fed up with our politicians, who are not standing up for what the people of Hawaii truly feel is best for our families. Some powerful politicians are wavering, because a tiny group of mainland homosexuals are constantly pounding at their doors. Meanwhile, the majority of local people seem silent and politically complacent.

After a final law is passed allowing homosexuals to marry, it will be too late. We need to make the time today to step away from our busy schedules to rally, petition and make a loud outcry against the passage of same-sex marriage.

Caroline Morioka
Pearl City

Some really cool info
on replacements for Freon

Regarding the Feb. 12 article, "Freon alternatives have questions": After production of R-12 ended in 1996, there were no other alternatives for car air-conditioners and the industry hurried to accept the not-perfect R-134A. Now RB-276, "Free Zone," is another accepted replacement.

Difficulties exist converting air conditioners from R-12 to R-134A because R-134A is not compatible with existing oil, seals, gaskets and other components. It may cost over $1,000 to modify an automobile's air conditioner to accept R-134A, and the cooling capacity may be reduced.

"Free Zone" is a direct replacement for R-12. It is compatible with oils, seals and metal components, and no modifications are required. It operates at a lower pressure and can improve cooling of the system.

"Free Zone" has been thoroughly tested by Spauches Laboratories, and the U.S. Defense Department approved it as a replacement for R-12 in its equipment a year ago.

Car owners can continue to use the remaining and costly R-12, pay to modify their air conditioning systems to use R-134A, or can simply replace R-12 with "Free Zone."

Robert Crivello
Cool Products Inc.
Kailua

UH sports ticket prices
should be re-evaluated

With respect to your Feb. 21 editorial on the UH Athletics Department setting higher ticket prices, that is a step in the right direction.

I would also hope, however, that the university might also look at dropping prices to attract fans to less popular attractions.

Then maybe we wouldn't have to sit through the litany of media types telling us that we need to come out and support these worthy athletes.

Eldon Akamine
(Via the Internet)

Lawmakers mustn't quash
free-speech rights of firms

There is language in both House and Senate auto insurance bills which would encourage outrageous violations of freedom of speech.

In spring 1996, Insurance Commissioner Wayne Metcalf charged State Farm Insurance Co. with a deceptive trade practice for running newspaper ads that Metcalf claimed contained allegedly false information about the effect and operation of a "pure" no-fault plan.

The purpose of the ad, however, was not to sell insurance but to convince the public that Governor Cayetano's veto of the no-fault plan should be overridden by the Legislature.

The Honolulu Community-Media Council vigorously protested the commissioner's action as interference with free speech and a violation of the First Amendment. Ultimately, the hearing officer dismissed the charges against State Farm.

Now, both the House-approved auto insurance bill and the proposed draft of a Senate auto insurance bill contain a section which makes it a violation of the Unfair Trade Practices Act for "an advertisement, announcement or statement (to contain) any assertion, representation or statement with respect to legal services, medical, rehabilitative or other services or goods covered by motor vehicle benefits, which is untrue, deceptive or misleading."

This language will once again enable the insurance commissioner to chill the free speech rights of those attempting to engage in a debate over the efficacy and appropriateness of various motor vehicle insurance bills.

We strongly urge readers to contact their legislators. Ask them to be sure that any auto insurance bill that is passed NOT contain any language, such noted above, penalizing free speech.

Richard S. Miller
Chairman
Honolulu Community-Media
Council

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Same-sex archive