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Sign-holders were not Moses troopers
An Oct. 30 letter by Shane Kincaid scolded Rep. Mark Moses for having "picketers" at a church in Kapolei on a Sunday. Kincaid said they were recognized sign-holders in Moses' campaign. This is not true.A friend of mine, Steve Holck, and I held signs at St. Jude Catholic Church before the three weekend masses of Oct. 21-22. Moses had no prior knowledge of what we did and gave no consent. Furthermore, we have never been connected with his campaign.
We felt strongly about getting the message to parishioners that Moses' opponent -- Maeda Timson, a Catholic and a lector at St. Jude at the time -- is pro-abortion; Moses is pro-life. My sign simply read: "Maeda Timson is pro-abortion. Shame on Maeda."
The position of the Catholic Church clearly states that supporting or procuring an abortion is wrong because it is the killing of an innocent human being within the womb of its mother.
On Sunday, Oct. 29, Steve and I were joined by five other sign-holders also without the prior knowledge or consent of Moses.
Philip H. Moore
Good luck to Big Isle's Green candidates
We are the Greens. We follow the Tao of nature. We assert our responsibility for and identity with our Earth, which is our place of origination.The Green philosophy follows the original conception of Christianity, where nature is God's divine presence. The closer one is to the divine presence, the closer one is to God's grace.
This also implies a responsibility for our temple of nature -- which is to keep it sacrosanct. In other words, to keep it free from pollution, radioactive nucleotides, toxic wastes and other terrors visited on our planet.
Within the Hawaiian spirit of aloha, all of bounteous nature is shared with other members of the ohana. The central principles of sharing and mutual understanding are necessary.
Our best aloha to Keiko Bonk, candidate for Big Island mayor, and Julie Jacobson, candidate for re-election to the Hawaii County Council.
Paul W. Dixon
Volcano
Physicians shouldn't run for office
There are an increasing number of physicians, both locally and nationally, seeking political office. Certainly they have an advantage over the majority of us in that doctors have the work flexibility and wealth which enable them the freedom to run for office.But is politics the best use of a physician's skills? Society, for a variety of historical reasons, spends an inordinate amount of resources to educate and train them. They, in return, are expected to pay back by healing, by applying this costly knowledge.
Therefore, the economic argument should be that medical doctors ought to maximize the benefit to society by working in health care, not politics.
Physicians are authoritarian by the nature of the structure of the profession. Clearly this personality type is not the most suitable to function in a political milieu that demands coalition building.
William J. King
GOP isn't biased against minorities
In Peter Nelson's Oct. 20 letter, he chastises Republicans for ignoring the suffering of blacks in the South and discriminating against Japanese-American veterans in the past, lauding Democrats for taking in these "victims."May I point out that a Republican president freed the slaves for the entire country? A Republican president forced Southern schools to integrate and a Republican general is spearheading the largest movement of its kind to steer minority youth into lasting careers, thus breaking the cycle of poverty.
I would grant that, 56 years ago, there was mindless discrimination against Japanese Americans by both political parties. But to suggest that this ugly spectre is still prevalent in Hawaii's Republican Party is a vicious distortion of reality and an insult to Asian Americans who belong to the GOP.
Art Todd
Kaneohe
Politicos' lauding of Kanno is laughable
I've received yet another mailing from the desperate re-election campaign of Sen. Brian Kanno. In his most recent brochure, I was disappointed to see Mayor Jeremy Harris' endorsement of Kanno, with testimony reading, "Because of his help, we were able to cut the city budget and reduce property taxes...Brian Kanno has consistently put the public's interest ahead of special interests."How ironic that Harris is lending his support to one of Hawaii's most self-serving special-interest legislators. It's a case of politics-as-usual rhetoric that I hope Ewa Beach, Kapolei and Makakilo voters can see past on election day.
Jennifer Curtis
Kapolei
Childless school board member isn't qualified
Garrett Toguchi wants to be re-elected to the Board of Education, but he doesn't have any children. How can a person without kids understand what parents go through in trying to give their kids an education? Parents have a special relationship and responsibility to their children that only another parent could understand.Anya Anthony
Kailua
The Gabbards are a one-issue couple
Board of Education candidate Carol Gabbard and her husband are a one-issue team.Her signs were the only ones I saw improperly posted on along Likelike Highway and on public property at the entrance to public housing, until they were removed by authorities.
Gabbard is a name connected to past exaggeration and dark innuendo. She and her husband are apparently building their own publicity through unsubstantiated charges. Can we have some independent documentation and evidence of these charges?
I suggest voting for BOE candidates Garrett Toguchi, Jacqueline Heupel and Randall Yee. They appear to have broad backgrounds and thought-out positions.
Lance Bateman
Carol Gabbard has education background
I am tired of media people with an ax to grind misrepresenting the experience of Board of Education candidate Carol Gabbard.Some have derisively described her as a candy maker, while describing her opponents as educators, teachers, etc. The latest attempted deception was last Saturday's column by John Flanagan, Star-Bulletin editor and publisher, stating Gabbard doesn't have the experience to be on the BOE.
The fact is she has taught for seven years in the public schools and seven years in private schools, not to mention her experience in tutoring.
Mary Malia
Quotables
"It just makes me wonder.
We have the strongest economy. (Yet)
people say they are voting for someone who
is likable. What about competence?" Mazie Hirono
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR AND LEADER OF
THE GORE CAMPAIGN IN HAWAII
Dumbfounded that the national polls show
the presidential race between the vice president
and Texas Gov. George W. Bush is close
"More worse, we don't even
know how to swim." Allena Tan
EAST SIDE RESIDENT OF THE
WATER-LOGGED BIG ISLAND
Among those forced to flee their homes for
Red Cross shelters after heavy rains
flooded the island
Damien football players can hold heads high
Kudos to Pat Bigold for his superb writing skills and astute perception so well illustrated in his Tuesday column, "St. Louis football team: No mercy" (Star-Bulletin, First Edition). He not only captured the overall picture but deftly described the feelings of young teens particularly sensitive to peer acceptance.Without taking anything away from the skills of the St. Louis team, as obviously neither does Bigold, I'd simply like to state that I am extremely proud of our Damien men, both on and off the field.
Never mind that they are both outnumbered and outsized. They always give their best and never give up. When the game is over, they can hold their heads high as can, indeed, their loyal fans.
Brother Patrick D. McCormack
Counselor, Damien High School
Start building up instead of out
Has anyone found the solution to our traffic problems? I have but no one is listening. The solution: Go up.We build high-rises so we can have more livable space. The Ala Moana Center did a smart thing by adding three decks of parking. That will hold more cars for the upcoming holiday season.
If the Aloha Stadium parking lot can accommodate 8,000 cars on the ground level, two more decks would hold 24,000 cars, enough for a 50,000-seat stadium.
On the Pali Highway, several pedestrian overpasses should be built and the traffic lights eliminated. This would be the safest way for people to cross the street without impeding the flow of traffic.
Finally, an elevated monorail system, stretching from rural Oahu to the outskirts of town, would help traffic immensely. It would replace the zip lanes, which are hardly used.
Going upwards is the most sensible solution for our ever-growing island.
Robert S.K. Kam
Leeward ferry should continue
Commuting from Leeward Oahu is a nightmare, but the Wiki Wiki Ferry project from Iroquois Point to the Aloha Tower changed that. It utilizes the oceans around us and provides an alternative form of transportation.On Dec. 1, however, this project -- which has shown a consistent ridership of 1,000-plus participants per week -- will be terminated.
Those of us who ride regularly have pleaded for continuation of the service because we know that it works.
Our grass-roots efforts to convince Governor Cayetano and Glenn Okimoto, acting director of the Department of Transportation, to extend service have not produced results.
I realize now I was naive to think that a small constituency, with no political connections, could effect change. Whom does government serve? Why are successful projects discontinued?
Working within the system has been frustrating.
Diane C. Rosa
Ewa Beach
Don't single out Catholics for sex crimes
In regard to Mitchell Kahle's Oct. 27 letter, "Catholic Church has history of sexual crimes," I have no doubt that Roman Catholics (lay people, religious, ordained clergy) in all positions have committed sexual offenses, criminal or otherwise, against themselves and others.I also believe that what hit the courts and press is just the tip of the iceberg. Kahle is right by stating that the Roman Catholic Church has had its problems with criminal sex offenders, ordained or not. Criminal sex offenders need to be justly dealt with.
On the other hand, people of all religious beliefs -- Christian and non-Christian -- are no better or worse. Atheists and agnostics don't fare any better. Sexual offenses and crimes against others have been around as long as homo sapiens. The situation won't change.
It is shallow, irresponsible and myopic to single out a single institution as overtly troubled with people who are criminal sex offenders in pedophilia or anything else.
Lawrence M.O. Chun
Kailua
Kahle should stop smearing Catholic Church
Continuing his one-man rant against the practice of religion in Hawaii, Mitch Kahle goes out of his way in his Oct. 27 letter to reassert his faith-phobia. His recitation of assorted and unrelated mainland news stories is nothing but a dirty attempt to smear our local church.The Catholic Church in Hawaii vigorously condemns the sexual abuse of minors by anyone. It does not tolerate such abuse, whether by clergymen or lay employees and volunteers. We take prompt and appropriate action on all allegations of abuse. But we obviously cannot take timely action where no timely allegations exist.
In the local case cited by Kahle, the alleged abuse by a layperson (not a clergyman, as Kahle implies) was disclosed by the victims several years later, after they had left Hawaii.
The accused lay person is no longer a church employee and his case is in the hands of authorities.
Patrick Downes
Editor, Hawaii Catholic Herald
Don't condemn all police for actions of few
Clearly, from the tone of his Oct. 19 letter, Steve Tayama is angry at the events surrounding the tragic death of Dana Ambrose and the appearance of preferential treatment given to Officer Clyde S. Arakawa by the Honolulu Police Department at the accident scene. I share his incredulity that such consideration was given in this incident.But to conclude that HPD thinks our "citizens are stupid" and that "the people's trust has been violated" is a stretch. I don't know too many police oficers but the ones I do know are top-notch.
As a resident of this island for 20 years, I truly believe they are Honolulu's finest. To condemn our entire police force for the poor judgment of a few is unfair.
David Wilson
Vote now on whether to remain a state
I am a local Kaneohe boy who has been living in Los Angeles for three years. I used to be a big supporter of Hawaiian sovereignty and participated in sovereignty events. I believed that Hawaii should secede from the U.S.Since then, however, I have read a lot about our history, especially the circumstances around the overthrow. The general public needs to be informed on what really happened.
The U.S. was not responsible for Liliuokalani's overthrow, nor did it participate in it. Those responsible were her cabinet ministers, who were Hawaiian citizens, NOT American. During our brief time as a republic, it was Sanford B. Dole who offered Hawaii to the United States.
I agree that the public did not have a say in the overthrow and did not vote for Hawaii to become a U.S. territory. I also agree that citizens were not given the option of sovereignty during elections in the 1950s for statehood.
Maybe we should hold elections now with this question being put forth to the people: Remain a state, revert to a territory or become sovereign. That way, everyone will have a say and we can finally put this chapter behind us.
John Valentine
North Hollywood, calif.
Replace golf course with casino gambling
The Ala Wai Golf course is too valuable to leave as is.As a tourist who has come to Hawaii twice a year for the past 20 years, I've seen Waikiki become stagnant for middle-aged people. Mainland-style restaurants and night clubs have vanished. No more Jolly Rogers, Trappers, etc.
Have casino gambling, and maybe one low-rise building surrounded by a nine-hole golf course, a miniature golf course, botanical gardens and water park. Create jobs, fill hotel rooms, expand your tax base. This would be good for many people, not just some.
Ken Locke
Boston
Didn't governor say there's no money in treasury?
In your Oct. 5 issue, Governor Cayetano stated that he would not allow a "small and vocal minority" to stop him from destroying the Ala Wai Golf Course to build an urban park.I am not a golfer, but I am a taxpayer. The Ala Wai provides a beneficial, profitable greenbelt in the heart of Honolulu that has taken decades to develop into the busiest golf course in the world. Plowing it under now would be a colossal waste of time and money.
Aren't there more urgent uses for our taxes? For example, the governor has stated there is not enough money to fund public worker pay raises. The University of Hawaii is so poorly funded it may lose its accreditation. Many public schools are in dire need of improvements.
This year's Legislature passed a budget designed to address the most pressing needs of the public schools, only to have the governor use his line-item veto to delete funding for critically needed improvements. Hopefully, our next Legislature will veto his urban park.
Gloria Kaneshiro
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