Let 'Lost' find money someplace else

The TV series "Lost" should get lost ("Lost opportunity? High filming costs force ABC network executives to consider relocating," Star-Bulletin, January 26). We should not give corporate welfare -- tax breaks -- to such enterprises.

People should support a living treasure

Rumors have been flying for weeks about Aaron Mahi, the bandmaster of the Royal Hawaiian Band. Is his removal a political payoff? Who is really behind those machinations?

Mahi is a living treasure whose talents have been enjoyed by our communities here as well as on the continent. His leadership has brought the band worldwide recognition. Germany awarded him an order of merit. Why is he being treated so shabbily and unfairly?

Aaron has impeccable credentials; he graduated from the University of Hartford, where he was known as a brilliant musician. He has generously shared his knowledge of Hawaiians and musicology with his audiences and with individuals who have asked for his help. He works hard: 300 performances a year that inspire the listeners.

Mahi perpetuates our Hawaiian culture and heritage. We should be at Honolulu Hale beating our drums to support him.

Realtors group keeps members in the dark

Sen. Ron Menor and Rep. Kenneth T. Hiraki are cosponsors of a real estate agency bill written by the Hawaii Association of Realtors. Major changes are being requested by the association in the way your real estate agent treats you during a transaction.

The only problem is that as of Jan. 18, the association leadership had not shown the bill and changes to membership. And who says the "plantation mentality" is not alive and well?

Carlyle goes back on its rate promise

During the public hearing regarding the sale of Verizon Hawaii to the Carlyle Group held by the state Public Utilities Commission, a high-ranking Carlyle official promised, "We guarantee you that we will not raise rates for 10 years."

It is a matter of public record. But now we find John Cole, executive director of the state consumer advocacy office, has agreed to a four-year rate increase moratorium in exchange for his blessing. And the "moratorium" is not even binding, which means it is not a moratorium at all.

Of course, this agreement was made behind closed doors without input from the general public or any need by either party to be held accountable for what Carlyle publicly promised.

If the PUC approves this sale based, in part, on this ill-advised agreement, and doesn't hold Carlyle to its original agreement with the public, then their malfeasance would be manifested as well.

Capping gas prices will lead to shortages

History has taught us that freely floating prices clears a market and matches demand with supply. It has also taught us that price controls on gasoline are self-defeating and will lead to shortages, rationing, more shortages and general annoyance. Most politicians have been careful not to mention price controls on gasoline, even as oil and refined products set record price after record price.

And remember, a good part of the price of gasoline is taxes that are levied on it, rather than the basic price of oil.