Different convention, different rules

Isn't it ironic that one of the most civilized and progressive states in the U.S. does not allow its own citizenry to hold a constitutional convention, when a majority of its voting population decides one is necessary?

It's even more ironic that this same state eagerly holds a (native Hawaiian) vote and then schedules a convention to create a constitution when fewer than one-third of the population even returned their ballots on the issue!

Garry P. Smith
Ewa Beach

HVCB gets too much funding
from taxpayers

The March 29 View Point column by Paul Casey, giving thanks for another $10 million in funding for the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, is another example of the HVCB's scare tactics. His column is full of "rapid softening," "alarming downturn" descriptions of the visitor industry.

He fails to mention the enormous increases in tourism during the past decade. He ignores the almost yearly increases in hotel room rates and Hawaii's very high room occupancy rates compared to other destinations.

Worse, he overlooks the $350 million convention center and HVCB's yearly $25 million appropriation, paid for by taxes on small businesses and individuals.

Why does the most successful business in Hawaii need massive "welfare" as the state becomes more and more a dangerously one-industry system?

Jerome G. Manis

Fonda and Turner still outrageous

First, we had Jane Fonda spew forth her treasonable venom during the Vietnam War. Now we have her husband Ted Turner, the "Mouth of the South," stating that the recent demise of the 39 Heaven's Gate cult members was a good thing -- since it rids us of another bunch of crazy kooks.

Will they take time out from their "Tomahawk Chop" routine to favor us with additional words of sensitivity?

Donald Barnhart

Tom makes a terrible state legislator

You would think that last year's close election would teach Rep. Terrance Tom a lesson, but this year he is worse than ever.

He refuses to hear bills that the public wants heard.

He berates and cuts off public officials who are testifying, as well as members of his own Judiciary Committee.

Citizens who attempt to testify are patronized and treated rudely. He changes bills before committee hearings so that the public has little or no time to find out what the bills say.

He forces last-minute amendments onto the committee, sometimes without even providing a written text, saying, "You're going to have to trust me on this."

Granted, running the House Judiciary Committee is a tough job. But other chairpersons with difficult committee assignments manage to be courteous and play fair with the public.

Thank goodness there's another election next year.

John Proud

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