Decision on pursuing tax case a 'slam-dunk'

The Star-Bulletin's Jan. 29 editorial, as well as reporter Tim Ruel's articles, provided an excellent analysis of the issues related to the recovery of taxes owed by ChevronTexaco. The editorial also clearly explained the rationale for the state to seek a legal remedy.

I agree with your conclusion that in addition to aggressively pursuing the tax investigation, if the law firm representing the state can construct a strong case, the state should seek an equitable remedy and not sacrifice the substantial amounts owed to the people of Hawaii for budgetary expediency.

As an attorney, I know that this could be a difficult case. But with compelling evidence indicating the state is owed back taxes and the mainland law firm willing to absorb the costs of fighting the battle, my earlier comment about a "slam dunk" referred to my belief that the state should not have a difficult time deciding to proceed with the case. My statement was not meant to imply it would not be a lengthy and exhaustive process.

Sen. Ron Menor
Chairman, Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Housing

Education series offered new ideas

I want to let the Star-Bulletin know how much I appreciated Susan Essoyan's series "Schools Under Stress" (Star-Bulletin, Jan. 26-29). She not only expressed some of the current problems in our schools, but hit on some new ideas and really did her research.

I was especially impressed with the story on Core Knowledge curriculum. This back-to-basics learning program runs counter to the more commonly used Whole Language approach and already appears to be much more successful.

I'm hopeful that Essoyan's stories open some ideas in both the education and legislative community. Congratulations on a very good job!

Sen. Bob Hogue
R, Kaneohe-Kailua

Hawaii has the school system it deserves

The Star-Bulletin's education series last week missed the real causes of Hawaii's poor public schools: This community does not admire or revere scholarship, and the most powerful entities in Hawaii -- the visitor industry and the state Legislature -- have no need for it, and would be inconvenienced by it.

My thoughts are partly based on eight years as a volunteer reader, and delivering scholarships as chairman of a scholarship committee.

I once awarded scholarships to three public high school students who had the potential to do great things for Hawaii. Then I learned that for ball games, the students are taken out of class to attend mandatory "pep rallies." However, honoring these three exceptional students was done in an empty gym at night with a bring-your-own audience. Is the message not clear to the rest of the student body? Sports are important. Scholarship isn't.

With respect to an educated population being inconvenient, just ask: Does the visitor industry have a greater need for minimally educated, lower-wage employees, or highly educated, expensive ones?

George Berish

It's time to give up on that rusty stadium

Let's give one large cheer for Mayor Fasi. His statement a few years ago could not have more meaning than it has now. He said that we should tear down Aloha Stadium and sell the land for condos. Frank, you were totally right. These aging jocks in the Legislature are going to blow it again.

We have lost control of logic and a sense of reality when our state government will once again try to entice a professional sports team to these shores by flinging more than $40 million into the outhouse called Aloha Stadium. They just don't get it. They built it and nobody has come. Sort of like the Convention Center.

Arnold Van Fossen

Another war will breed more U.S. enemies

On Feb.16, Maui Peace Action will hold the Maui Peace Portrait at Maui Community College. Everyone who wants peace is invited to gather for a group portrait to be made into a beautiful large postcard. This postcard can be sent to world leaders, elected representatives, friends and family. It will show how many people on Maui want to solve problems with Iraq peacefully, with backing from the United Nations, not by a headlong rush to war.

A war will make America less safe and less secure. It will fuel immediate suicidal retaliation, and develop long-term hatred and justified fear of the United States throughout the world.

The arms inspectors say they need more time. Why go to war, endangering our military and killing innocent civilians, before the inspectors have finished the job? Gather with us on Feb. 16 to ask for peace.

Sally Raisbeck
Wailuku, Maui

U.S. is justified in taking on Saddam

With reference to Saddam Hussein and his regime, I can't help but remember Martin Niemoller's famous words: "In Germany they came first for the Communists and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist. Then they came for the Jews and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew." You know how the rest goes.

First, Saddam Hussein went for Iran and it was Muslim killing Muslim. Then he went for the Kuwaitis, and we took action and Kuwait was freed.

Along the way Saddam fired a few missiles at the Israelis. More recently he has practiced genocide against the Kurds. It is well documented that Saddam has executed people by his own hand. His is a regime propped up much like Hitler's, with fascist, fanatic Republican Guards. To those who say, "What has Saddam done to us?" I reply, "Nothing ... well, nothing yet!"

Joe Gardewin
Kapolei

Many contributed to Korean Centennial

Hawaii recently was the site of a unique celebration of 100 years of Korean immigration to the United States. As the Centennial Committee for Korean Immigration, it was our pleasure to offer the public opportunities to learn about Korean culture and meet Korean leaders, artists and performers.

We received invaluable support from the federal, state and city governments, Korean agencies, volunteers and local organizations to produce the Korean Broadcasting Systems Open Concert. These groups and individuals went beyond what we imagined in their commitment and support.

Entertainers included Christopher Cross, the Makaha Sons, the Polynesian Cultural Center and more than 20 Korean performing stars. They were supported by the stage, lighting and sound crew, producers and more than 200 KBS crew members. Local media support was outstanding.

KBS's decision to develop this production in Honolulu illuminates the pivotal role that Hawaii played in the Korean Immigration experience.

The celebration was possible only with the commitment and professionalism provided by all who contributed. We thank them and the Hawaii community for being part of this event and for accepting the centennial as your own, and in your hearts.

Janis Koh
Publicity chairwoman
Centennial Committee of Korean Immigration to the United States

School drug testing is wrong way to go

Drug testing in the schools is not going too far, it is going in the wrong direction!

When we want more money for education, the response is, "You can't solve problems just by throwing money at them." But when the subject is drugs, money is the first response.

Drug testing in schools will be incredibly expensive. When the first test is positive, how will you know it is valid? All testing systems have false positives. When you hold that kid up to public ridicule as a drug user, you know there will be a lawsuit. A lot of lawsuits.

City Prosecutor Peter Carlisle says he can maintain confidentiality. In this town?

When you catch students, what can you do? Arrest them? It is not illegal to have used drugs. Refer them for treatment? That, too, is expensive. There aren't enough competent drug treatment programs as it is; and it will have to be at school expense. Anyone remember the Felix case?

Will you expel the students with dirty tests? Few of those want to be in school anyway. And put them where? State law requires they be in a program. Another lawsuit.

Drug testing in the schools will be an excellent job security programs for lawyers. What message will we be sending our kids? This one: We will spend gobs of money on something that is ineffective, but makes it look like we oppose drugs.

But give you a quality education system? No, too expensive.

Rev. Mike Young
Minister, First Unitarian Church

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