Case and Akaka owe voters a debate
I am disillusioned by our political candidates who represent us in Washington and their continuance to avoid the real world issues citizens like me are concerned about. Those staged commercials on TV don't tell us what they are really doing in the office they hold. Politicians have an obligation to be truthful to the voters and to make themselves accessible for the voting public to challenge their competence and ability to continue to serve the people of Hawaii with honor.
Sen. Akaka and Congressman Case, I demand of you as a citizen of Hawaii to face the people, to have a televised debate in front of the people who pay your salaries so we can decide without the smoke and mirrors of your true intentions. We want to hold you accountable for your words of promise. We want you to face the children of Hawaii and tell them how you will make a better and safe world for them. I want to be sure my vote is decided by your record and commitment and not on someone's else's biased opinion based on personal friendship, race, family ties or age. Let's have a real debate!
Johnny Kai
Honolulu
Beverage fee punishes Hawaii's poor people
I can't believe the beverage container fee will be increased in a year. What kind of government puts an extra tax on people who are too poor to afford a car to redeem the containers? The kind that shows no concern for the problems of people struggling to survive in this price hell.
William Moake
Honolulu
Hawaiians, unite under governing body
The island of Kahoolawe is a living symbol of our native heritage. Long-standing groups such as Hui Alaloa, the Protect Kahoolawe Ohana and others in the Hawaiian community have worked tirelessly to halt decades of military bombing and realized the return of that island to Hawaii's people.
Dominic Acain's Aug. 3 letter criticizing Office of Hawaiian Affairs administrator Clyde Namuo for his comments regarding the recent attempt by a small group of activists to lay claim to Kahoolawe only serves to underscore the urgent need for the formation of an elected Hawaiian body that can legitimately speak for the majority of Hawaiians. Until such a governing body exists, groups with divergent philosophies and methods will continue to disagree about who represents the Hawaiian people, preventing progress and ultimately serving the aims of those who would like to see Hawaiians stripped of their indigenous rights as the first people of these islands.
That is why OHA urges all Hawaiians and their supporters -- no matter what their views -- to get involved in the effort to establish a true representative body for Hawaiians. For more information, call 594-1888 or visit www.OHA.org.
Haunani Apoliona
Chairwoman, Board of Trustees
Colette Machado
Trustee, Molokai and Lanai
Office of Hawaiian Affairs
Hirono plenty involved behind the scenes
It was an eyebrow-raising experience to read Brian Schatz's remarks against Mazie Hirono, insinuating she has been twiddling her thumbs (
Star-Bulletin, Aug. 3).
Mazie has worked tirelessly and unselfishly to help other women win election to state offices, and to help young people win recognition. Mazie has galvanized a host of volunteers and contributors in these efforts, men and women, young and old. Her leadership as co-chairwoman of Hawaii Women for Kerry-Edwards played a major role in the strong support for the Democratic ticket in the 2004 presidential election.
If her opponent genuinely thinks Mazie has been uninvolved, he has not been paying attention. Some of us have, and we're wise to what negative campaigning says about the character of the candidate.
Mary Ann Barnard
Honolulu
Get ready for a mess followed by another
Now that the city has announced major repaving of our streets, this is the time for utility companies and water and electric company to plan before this happens. Oftentimes, right after repaving is when the streets get dug up.
Roy M. Chee
Honolulu
Paying tax money for freedom is a waste
I pay about 40 percent of my income to the taxman, both federal and state. What bang do I get for my buck? Just a bunch of hog manure about being free, making the world safe for freedom and democracy, and that all the political hacks are great! Unless the government buckles down and actually works, then America is doomed by the year 2050.
Phil Robertson
Honolulu