Leeward side doesn't want another landfill
Rich vs. poor. So, they want to close the landfill and put it somewhere else. Well, we know where they are going to put it. Yah, Maili, Waianae or Nanakuli! I am happy the mayor is leaving it at Leeward Oahu's Waimanalo Gulch for now. I ask those of you at City Hall and at the state to find other sites for a landfill. Go to the Windward side or how about somewhere in Honolulu.
Thank you Mayor Hannemann for not adding another landfill to our side and doing the pono thing for the people of the Waianae coast.
Patty Kanahamoku Teruya
Nanakuli
Isle residents should vote on Akaka Bill
A big mahalo to Sens. Sam Slom and Gordon Trimble for submitting bills that would permit a vote by the people of Hawaii concerning the Akaka Bill (
Star-Bulletin, March 17). In spite of the comments made by Micah Kane, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands director, and Clyde Namuo, Office of Hawaiian Affairs administrator, the majority of Hawaii residents, including Hawaiians, oppose the formation of a native Hawaiian government.
Like Kane and Namuo, most of the bill's support comes from the administrators and attorneys who will continue to benefit from the victimization of Hawaiians. Why shouldn't the people of Hawaii be allowed to have their say before a bill is voted on by 100 senators from 50 states in Washington, D.C., who have no idea how we live? What are the purveyors of victimhood afraid of?
Earl Arakaki
Ewa Beach
Why did protesters ruin soldiers' evening?
Last Saturday my son, who is stationed with the U.S. Army in Hawaii, and a group of his friends were standing outside a restaurant in Honolulu when they were approached by a group of war protesters. These protesters were rude and confrontational to the point of using obscene language and gestures. One of them, an older man, even told them that they were doing nothing in Iraq but raping and stealing. They were also told by the group that they were not welcome in Hawaii and should "leave the island."
My question to the protesters: Why do you try to shame and ridicule soldiers for doing their job, with your own violence and slurs? They are willing to risk their lives for people like you to be able to walk down the street with your picket signs and your obscene language. You only looked like the village idiot by confronting a group of off-duty soldiers who were trying to have a good time.
I have always supported the U.S. military and will continue to do so wether I agree with our being in Iraq or not. My son and his friends love Hawaii and are proud to serve the military and civilians of its many islands. I just wish they were more appreciated for all they do.
Tina Gaunt
Tipton, Iowa
DOE should not rob Peter to pay Paul
The Department of Education has not abided by a court decision and paid substitute teachers their retroactive pay. Some school libraries might be closing because of new funding rules. But somehow the DOE needs three personnel specialists (as seen in the classified ads). The lowest salary range is $66,000 to $93,000 and the top specialist range is $71,000 to $101,000.
I sympathize with school libraries and as a substitute teacher I feel robbed.
Pat Paterson
Honolulu
Farrington should extend to Mokuleia
The Waianae Coast is like a bottle through which vehicular traffic flows in and out at its neck -- Kahe Point. When the flow stops due to accident, broken water main, electrical wires down or any situation, the bottleneck becomes plugged.
Farrington Highway should continue from the paved end of Makua and continue up the south side of Kaena Point to the 100-foot level at the point then down the north side to join with the paved end of Mokuleia. This part of the highway should be three lanes. Two of the inside lanes against the mountain would normally be two way traffic. The outside ocean lane be for emergency or picture-taking stops. However, at rush hour this lane would become a contra-flow lane.
If there is a shut down on the Waianae coast, there should be a blinking sign at Pearl City before the H1 and H2 split, so the people going home in the evening know which way to go.
Raymond A. Apana
Honolulu