Sunday morning birds no match for pile driver
I want to thank the government geniuses who permitted the start of the pile driver in the Ala Wai on (EARLY!) Sunday morning.
The pounding started about 7:15 a.m., so I was pleasantly awakened by both the chirping of the birds and the pounding of piles. The birds started to hold their own, but were soon overwhelmed and dispatched with reckless abandon.
I live facing the Ala Wai and know there is plenty of work to be done there, but maybe not so early on Sunday morning. If such work is necessary, perhaps we could tow the rig to the residence of the genius who scheduled the pounding at this time so he or she could get a pound of their own medicine.
Chip Davey
Waikiki
Inouye shouldn't fund Akaka's campaign
I am a long time, active and interested Hawaii voter. More than 34 years ago, I enjoyed going to the polling place at Hauula Elementary School, the voting assistants dressed in aloha attire, a feeling of a community gathering while doing one's civic duty proudly adorning the occasion.
When I moved into town, I got more politically involved, doing both volunteer work and donating financially.
I have helped candidates on both sides of the aisle and always have been proud of the field of candidates that our community puts forth.
This morning I became aware that Senator Inouye has now donated a large portion of his campaign treasury to another candidate (Sen. Daniel Akaka). While I have respect the senator, I believe this is wrong.
When we donate to a candidate, we donate to that candidate. We do not and should not then, by proxy or understanding or any other method, allow that candidate to "sub-contract" or donate from the fund to other candidates. This practice promotes the notion that those of us who donate to Senator Inouye are in step with other candidates of his choice.
Senator Akaka is a wonderful man. So are Senator Inouye and Rep. Ed Case. But our community deserves better than "campaign donations by proxy!"
Thank you, and don't forget to vote!
Patrick J. Gallagher
Honolulu
Kim has what it takes to become LPGA star
Kimberley Kim -- be prepared to see that name in the winner's circle of golf tournaments for the next few years (
Star-Bulletin, Aug. 14). It was refreshing to see the "youngster" raise her hands in victory at the recent U.S. Women's Amateur at Pumpkin Ridge. The significance of her win, however, is in direct correlation her age. She is being groomed the "correct way." Let this girl grow and mature with the game itself, let her experience being a winner, let her grow and mature with her fellow players, let her enjoy the social aspects of being a teenager, but most importantly, let her be herself.
Kim's talent coupled with her charming personality will inevitably make her a favorite with the public and press. Her comments on TV were typical of a teenager, but at her age, that's the way it's supposed to be.
Having been born and raised in Hawaii, but now an "Atlanta transplant," I have followed virtually every golfer from Hawaii who has attempted to make a career of the game. Several have had some success, others have not, and still others are reaping the financial benefits but with no success (wins).
I will continue to follow Kimberly's ascent to become recognized as a winner on the LPGA Tour.
Norman Ching
Atlanta, Ga.
Renting to poor has some hazards
On the Big Island, under the current mayor, it means nothing to Section 8 (government subsided housing) voucher recipients if the landlord takes them to court for causing excessive and extensive damages.
I won the judgment against the tenant, garnished their wages and gave copies of the decision to county housing officials. Yet these voucher receivers are still getting vouchers so they can destroy someone else's property! What about all the other decent people on the waiting list for a chance at responsible renting? What about the landlord who will never again rent to Section 8 people because of a few bad apples?
Until there are serious consequences for irresponsible behavior, and the same rules are applied to everyone, nothing will change.
Landlords need to band together to make some serious changes to the Landlord Tenant Code. Most are unaware (but the tenants know) that that abiding by the legal system can take as long as three months to evict a non-paying tenant whose lease has expired. You would be very lucky to serve documents, have a hearing, mediation, writ and judgment of possession, service by sheriffs, eviction and a proof hearing in 30 days.
Exactly how long could you last without a paycheck?
Pauline Arellano
Mililani