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Judge Fong won't be held accountable

Let's try to believe that Judge David L. Fong was not aware of anything illegal going on in the three hostess bars and the massage parlor that he and his wife leased space to, even though:

It was in the same building where he and his wife shared an office.
He represented a lessee cited for allowing prostitution on the premises.
He was in a good position to sit and judge cases involving undesirable sex-oriented businesses.

Since Fong did not even try to avoid the appearance of impropriety, the Commission on Judicial Conduct must at least slap his hand, right? Don't be fooled. The commissioners will find that Fong did nothing illegal, won't they?

Larry Hurst

Taxpayers may foot bill for longlining mess

In his Saturday Insight article, "The Turtle Sanctuary Shibai," Bill Mossman pointed out who benefits from Judge Ezra's ruling. He should also have mentioned who actually pays for the ruling.

Federal statutes such as the Endangered Species Act allow environmental organizations that file lawsuits in federal court to recoup their attorney's fees. So who ends up paying? Will it be the longliners, the National Marine Fisheries Service or taxpayers?

Henry Okamoto
Retired Fishery Biologist

Quotables "We've got a long ways to go, there's no question. We're the last state to see solid and sustained improvement." Paul Brewbaker CHIEF ECONOMIST AT BANK OF HAWAII Adding that, nevertheless, the local economy has finished recovering from the slowdown of the early 1990s. He predicts that bankruptcies and foreclosures in the islands will continue to fall. "I heard him (June Jones) called a prophet today. I find it stunning that in one year, he became the most popular person in the state." Eric Adelson SENIOR WRITER FOR ESPN MAGAZINE Slated to interview the University of Hawaii head football coach for a feature story on the UH program in the national publication's college preview issue

Kanno's plea
falls on deaf ears

Mahalo to senator for timely reminder

Sen. Brian Kanno's letter to his constituents was a personal affront to every voter's intelligence (Star-Bulletin, July 11). Kanno stated that he "just realized now it was a mistake" to vote against the confirmation of former Attorney General Margery Bronster.

At the time of her removal, Bronster was leading the investigation and preparing prosecution of those involved in an estate trust that directly or indirectly affects every citizen of this state. Everyone in and beyond Hawaii was well aware of the ramifications of this investigation.

If the average citizen had interfered -- as the senator and 13 of his cohorts did -- they would be charged with hindering prosecution or obstructing government operations. They wouldn't be allowed to get by with a mere admission and apology.

Kanno's actions were the result of one of two things: Either he was part of a politically motivated conspiracy or he demonstrated complete incompetence.

Thanks for the reminder, Senator. I had almost forgotten about your vote. Almost.

Earl Arakaki
Ewa Beach

Kanno ignored constituents

Congratulations to Senator Kanno. He finally spoke out on his vote to oust Margery Bronster as attorney general.

Prior to the confirmation vote, I called his office requesting that he back the one person in this state who had the guts to stand up to the Bishop Estate trustees. After he voted to oust Bronster, I again called his office requesting a tally of calls regarding the vote. I never heard from my elected representative.

Now, he asks forgiveness. Well, Mr. Kanno, I forgive you. I can only imagine the pressure you were under to vote the way trustee Henry Peters told you to. But I want someone representing me who has the fortitude to do what is right for his or her constituents. You, sir, are not that person.

Thomas L. Teson
Makakilo

Legislator's apology comes too late

How nice it was to receive a mailing from state Sen. Brian Kanno, reminding me how he was "responsible" for the construction of the Kapolei Middle and High Schools.

May I remind him that the entire community lobbied for years to secure these schools? For Kanno to attempt to take credit for them is absurd.

It was also nice of the senator to admit, in the same letter, that he made a "mistake" when he voted against the confirmation of then-Attorney General Margery Bronster. I have to wonder, though, if he would have done this if he weren't running for re-election.

Sorry, senator, but you've lost your credibility after what you did to Bronster. The damage has been done, and no letter of apology is going to get you my vote come election day. It's time for a change.

Steve Loring
Kapolei

It's clear that incumbent must go

The world is shrinking. I am currently in Beijing but I've just read your July 11 article on state Sen. Brian Kanno in your online edition.

Even from this distance, it's easy to see that Kanno shouldn't be pilloried for his mistake in helping to oust Bronster. He simply should be voted out.

Steven Katz
Kailua

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