Harris is effective ambassador of aloha
In April, Mayor Harris led approximately 100 tour vendors from Honolulu to participate in the Takeda Shingen Matsuri in Kofu City, Yamanashi prefecture, in Japan. We were all dressed in ancient traditional samurai costumes with all of the other local participants, and paraded down main street with Mayor Harris leading the Hawaii contingent.The governor of the prefecture and mayor of Kofu City will be sending approximatley 600 of their people to participate in the Aloha Week parade this year to reciprocate our participation in their parade.
We are fortunate to have someone like Mayor Harris, who commits himself to improving the tourism industry, not only by rhetoric but by his actions. Oahu's tour vendors appreciate and thank him for his efforts.
Toshio Chinen
Pearl City
Moses did help to secure funding for education
The June 29 letter by Barbara Yadao-Petti showed a lack of understanding of the legislative process. The budget that is passed out of first reading cannot include every district's needs. It is during this first phase, however, that a representative will speak on the floor to highlight the needs of his or her district. Rep. Mark Moses did this.The budget then goes to conference committee, where additional items are inserted. It is this final bill, HB 2500, which did include money for Kapolei Public Library, Kapolei Middle School and Kapolei High School, for which Moses voted.
As a testifier for the Democratic Party, I can speak from experience: Mark Moses was actively involved throughout the legislative session, since he sits on the House Education Committee. He was critical in obtaining needed legislation regarding education.
Marcia Linville
Wastewater storage tanks won't stink up Kailua
Kailua resident Beth Andrewes mixes apples and oranges when she likens odor from the Kailua treatment plant to the wastewater storage tanks now under consideration for her community (Letters, June 25).Unlike the treatment plant, the storage tanks will probably be empty 95 percent of the time. In addition, the tanks would be enclosed, will not be involved in sewage treatment processing and will hold only wastewater that is highly diluted with rainwater.
As an added precaution against smells, the tanks will be flushed immediately after they empty out, odor controls will be in place and the storage tank vents can be located away from homes. Thus, the potential for odor problems with storage tanks is small.
The storage tank concept is just one alternative being considered as part of a long-range wastewater plan for Windward Oahu. The city is committed to working with the community to develop an acceptable plan that will protect both public health and Kailua's beaches.
Kenneth E. Sprague
Director
Department of
Wastewater Management
City and County of Honolulu
Kihano did wrong so now he must pay
Did anyone else feel manipulated and angry at the front-page photo of Daniel Kihano going into federal court with Dr. Calvin Wong? When was the last time anyone saw a physician dressed in his white coat, with his stethoscope hung around his neck, outside of a hospital? If the intent was to gain my sympathy, it failed.I am sorry that Mr. Kihano is ill. However, his illness should not excuse him from the lack of judgment and dishonesty that led him to commit unethical acts. He is responsible for the situation he finds himself in today.
Hats off to federal Judge Alan Kay for handing out some consequences. The voting public was cheated and then lied to about what happened. Elected officials need to be reminded that they are accountable to the voters who put them into office in good faith.
Patricia Greene
Maui economy isn't as healthy as depicted
There's a myth being promoted in our community: the notion that Maui is some kind of economic stronghold. The facts argue otherwise. Maui County's economic performance lags behind the rest of the state while the Big Island is the standout performer among the counties.Let's look at some key indicators:
In the past three years, total personal income per capita grew the least in Maui County. Per capita income growth on the Big Island, from 1994-96, was 9.5 percent; for Maui, it was 4.8 percent.
Too many people in our state have bought into the idea that Maui is a separate world from the rest of us. People want to believe the grass is greener over there, but the facts paint a different picture.
Janet Kawelo
Kailua
Castle yearbook photo of KKK wasn't offensive
Regarding the Castle yearbook episode with the photo of a KKK lookalike, I disagree with everyone who is apologizing for it. Why apologize for portraying something from history?It was a costume event in a learning institution. They generally encourage students to use their imagination and creativity in schools. If it is offensive to print a picture of a KKK outfit, it should be equally offensive to see it in history books, encyclopedias, wax museums and at the Texas rally where the KKK obtained a permit to appear.
Why not be offended by a picture of a male in drag (gender) or by a ghost costume for "All Hallowed Day" (religion). And yes, since it was the white man who enslaved the blacks, any picture of a white man should be offensive! Even the newspaper that printed the picture of the offensive picture should be apologizing.
My suggestion: Get a life.
Ken Chang
Kaneohe
Write a Want to write a letter to the editor? Let all Star-Bulletin readers know what you think. Please keep your letter to about 200 words. You can send it by e-mail to letters@starbulletin.com or you can fill in the online form for a faster response. Or print it and mail it to: Letters to the Editor, P.O. Box 3080, Honolulu, Hawaii 96802. Or fax it to: 523-8509. Always be sure to include your daytime phone number.
Letter to the Editor