'Don't feed bird' signs won't control bird flu
The assumption that getting rid of the pigeons will control the bird flu is a misconception. I agree there is a pigeon problem because the Honolulu Zoo director, Hawaiian Humane Society, and city failed to take the advice of the pigeon experts to correct the problem back in the early 1980s.
You may believe the "Do Not Feed the Bird" signs will make the problem better, as it did for the zoo area, but we now have a pigeon problem all over the island. Honolulu did make "Ripley's Believe It or Not" for having one of the most ridiculous laws in the nation, because anyone can be fined up to $500 and/or thrown in jail up to a year for feeding a bird.
When you're sick you see a doctor. When you have a tooth ache you see a dentist. When you need legal advice you see an attorney. When you have cows and horses running loose all over the place, you get the cowboys. You seek the experts in their field to correct the problem.
Alvin Wong
Producer/director
"Pigeon Problems in Paradise"
Hawaii loses its ambassador of cycling
If Hawaii had an unofficial ambassador of cycling, it was John B. Kelley. In his kind and humble way, John was a leader, advocate and sportsman who strengthened the cohesion within the cycling community and helped pave the way for motorists and cyclists to coexist harmoniously. He was the backbone of the Hawaii Bicycling League for more than a decade, and because of John, bike advocacy exists in Hawaii along with bike education for kids and community rides. There isn't a cyclist in Hawaii who has not benefited from the endless and tireless volunteer efforts of John to promote safe cycling and community involvement.
Now that John is no longer here, we must all step up to fill his shoes and continue the legacy he left for us. Please share the road, be a true sportsman in your competitive and recreation riding, and be the concerned friend that exemplified John's approach in life.
We will sorely miss you, John. Ride well.
Atomman Kimm
Honolulu
Central Oahu park a legacy of Harris
I visited the Central Oahu Regional Park once a couple of years ago, enjoying a Frisbee outing in a spacious open area. Then, late Thursday afternoon, after dropping my granddaughter off for a gymnastics class in Waipio, I decided to cross Kamehameha Highway and run in the park rather than my typical meanderings around the residential streets in the area.
What an experience! For 90 minutes I explored the network of running/walking paths in CORP, enjoying the gorgeous weather and admiring the numerous birds (mostly tiny finches), abundant trees and general greenery. I also passed many fields where folks young and older were playing soccer, baseball and archery. The tennis and aquatics complex tempted me to stop and ogle the fabulous Olympic-size pool where swimming teams were in training.
People were numerous throughout, with plentiful open areas for parking, whether the use be sporting, spectating or picnicking. CORP is a gathering place par excellence. (Best of all for this egoist of 62 years was being hailed by two young and attractive ladies from my Pearl City environs with "Ehh! Surprise -- how come you're out here running today instead of up and down Kaahumanu Street?" Oahu is a small and wonderful world.)
Nowhere was the name "Harris" in evidence, but I believe CORP is a principal legacy to us from Mayor Jeremy Harris. Those who seem to delight in badmouthing him should fling down the TV remote and go visit a world-class people facility. Mahalo, Mayor Harris!
Robert H. Stiver
Pearl City
Better schools start early, at home
I am highly critical of those people who decry Hawaii's public education system. Yes, Hawaii test scores show that we need improvement, but we can't just suddenly "shotgun" improvements in all grade levels. We need to start at the elementary school level and percolate it up through the system. Schools Superintendent Pat Hamamoto is doing an excellent job of encouraging school principals to innovate the latest principles of student learning.
As the chairman for a School Community Council I have experience with how our elementary school complex works together to integrate reading, math and science while encouraging critical thinking.
Instead of "hindsighting" what is wrong with the school system, people should try to be part of the solution, especially parents. Parents must show by example that education is highly important. Read to your younger children, discuss issues with your older children.
I am also proud to work for Papa John's Hawaii, LLC. The company supports elementary school perfect attendance each term with a free small pizza. This is considered a good investment to our future workforce.
Dennis Iwanaga
Honolulu
Declare a ceasefire and get out of Iraq
It appears that U.S. citizens are fed up with the loss of humanity and the war in Iraq, but the elected officials can't come up with an exit plan.
The first step should be an immediate ceasefire. Stop the killing so that the war machine can gracefully get out of Iraq before more people are killed, before more loved ones perish.
May the chant across our nation be "ceasefire."
Carolyn Martinez Golojuch
Makakilo
[ QUOTABLE ]
"It's not OK for well-meaning adults to serve liquor to minors. ... They could be setting in motion a chain of events that could lead to tragedy."
Mark Bennett
State attorney general, on the consequences of underage drinking
Local Republicans garner their forces
On behalf of the Hawaii Republican Party, I would like to thank the hundreds of delegates and guests who participated in the Hawaii State Republican Party Convention last weekend, one of the most well-attended conventions we've seen.
The unity and energy at the convention was contagious, and we could not have done it without the many volunteers who put on a well-organized event. To the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel we say thank you once again for your professionalism and attention to detail.
I would also like to congratulate Mike McCartney on his election as chairman for the Democratic Party of Hawaii. I look forward to open, honest debates with Mr. McCartney.
The two major party conventions this past weekend demonstrated the importance of having citizens involved in politics. The Hawaii Republican Party will do its share to offer candidates who will give the voters a clear choice on Election Day, and we will continue to work hard to ensure a strong two-party system in Hawaii.
Sam Aiona
Chairman
Hawaii Republican Party
Akaka Bill foe distorts Hawaiian history
John Corboy in his
June 2 letter, "Stop repeating lies about Hawaii history," refused to acknowledge the existence of native people. Fortunately, the framers of the document that made Hawaii a state realized the need for a provision to accommodate the native people whose queen was imprisoned and who were struggling to adjust to the fast-changing business landscape.
Unfortunately, written history is usually documented by the conquerors. The age-old tale that Hawaiians voted for and wanted to become a republic is perhaps the greatest lie ever told. It is akin to saying blacks wanted to use their own "black toilets," rather then telling the truth about the segregationist attitude that permeates the statement.
As Attorney General Mark Bennett said recently, providing a forum for Hawaiians to decide for themselves what has already been decided is theirs by the government is the right thing to do.
Pamela Kehaulani Nakagawa
Honolulu
What Hawaii needs is a clever congressman
In Chico Ruiz'
letter to the editor Friday concerning how he would solve the problem of illegal immigrants crossing the border into the United States, he asked, "Any other problems you want me to solve?" My answer is a strong YES.
Would you run for office and replace Dan Akaka? While you're at it, with your quick and witty way of solving problems, I'm sure you can find some way to replace Hawaii's other three members of Congress. I like being Hawaiian, and I'll do anything to keep from becoming a member of a tribe just by the stroke of a pen.
Tere Fase
Honolulu