Djou, Lagareta fail to derail transit
City Councilman Charles Djou has wasted time and taxpayer money trying to derail mass transit and to cause trouble for Mayor Hannemann.
Djou and fellow Republican Kitty Lagareta have tried and failed three times to manufacture a controversy about the awarding of transit consulting contracts.
Their initial challenge to the State Procurement Policy Board was immediately tossed out; Lagareta's lawsuit was dismissed in April by the Circuit Court; and now the Federal Transit Authority has also rejected their claims.
Whatever political intrigue or business jealousy motivated their behavior has failed to gain any credence at any level in any venue. It's time for them to set aside their petty assaults and start working to solve problems, not create them.
Corey Correa
Hawaii Kai
'Roadshow' failed to prepare for Hawaii
I am a fan of the "Antiques Roadshow," but I must say the show's crew lacked cultural sensitivity on their visit to Hawaii. Our diversity and history make us the most unique place in the world, which was totally disregarded by the show.
I was amazed that the show did not account for the fact that the majority of Hawaii's population is of Asian descent and that people would be bringing Asian treasures. Two appraisers, based on their behavior, were clearly overwhelmed and stressed with handling the entire Asian artifacts category.
The lack of preparation in retaining more Asian appraisers became painfully apparent when after the first two-hour wait, we had to wait for another two hours to get two minutes of time from the appraiser.
Also, there was no category for Hawaiiana nor Polynesia. I felt strange, even though I had no items myself nor am I Hawaiian, watching people with beautiful Hawaiian pieces having to wait in a line under the category of tribal art.
I do hope "Antiques Roadshow" comes back to Hawaii soon, but this time with a better understanding of who we are.
AnnaMarie Preston
Honolulu
War based on lies sullies Constitution
Many veterans, including myself, do question this unholy war in Iraq because of the sheer weight of the lies surrounding why it was initiated in the first place. If there's any justice in this world, it's past time to show itself! Are people really that blind? Please wake up; our Constitution is being soiled!
C. Douglas Kouka Allen
Waianae
Public schools need uniformed dress code
The state Department of Education can agree on the same calendar year for all public schools, so they ought to do the same with the dress code.
Public schools are sending letters home that require both the parent and child's signature addressing the dress code and the consequences for not complying. I have yet to see the schools actually follow through with consequences.
There are some schools that have students purchasing T-shirts with the schools logo or mascot on the front and the color depends on the schools colors, while at other schools the students are wearing whatever they want.
It bothers me when I see students in middle school dressed like they are going clubbing or wearing T-shirts with profanity on them, not to mention students who wear expensive fashions.
I would rather send my child to school without having to worry about what's in and what's not.
The department should come up with a simple solution to enforce the dress code within all public schools.
Hazeline Palakiko
Kapolei
Iwase's energy stance is shortsighted
Even with glasses, Randall Iwase is still near-sighted (
"Gathering Place," Aug. 24). He fails to see that the gas cap and regulating gasoline prices are merely short-term attempts to artificially alter prices, whereas the long-term solution lies in fostering energy self-sufficiency. He also fails to see the big picture: It's not just about slashing gasoline prices, its about our states security.
We can try to control imported oil prices as much as we want, but it still makes us vulnerable to global forces we cannot control. A disruption in our imported oil supply would result in a serious crisis for our island state, not just for our wallets.
Imagine Hawaii producing its own energy and taking control of our energy future, rather than being controlled. Energy self-sufficiency is not a fairy tale, its in the works. Landmark legislation has been passed to kick-start research, development and industry investment.
But it's going to take a visionary leader -- one who thinks outside the box, and who is passionate, optimistic and committed to working with all sectors -- to make it a reality. This leader is Governor Lingle, not Randy Iwase.
Philip Barker
Kaneohe
Easy voting may not produce wise choices
While we may have one of the lowest voter turnouts in the country, we should not force or encourage people to vote because precinct officials are lonely. It is up to an individual to decide whether or not he/she wants to vote.
We should stop formulating all kinds of ridiculous election tactics that belittle the vote. Voting kiosks at the mall? That is too expensive and increases the chances of fraud. And I doubt that it would increase voter turnout. That should not be the price for wanting a high voter turnout.
If a person's conscience does not care enough to vote without having to be pressured by others (or irritated by gangster rappers), or does not know the issues to make an educated decision, it would be best if those not wanting to vote stayed away from the polls.
The last thing I want is some guy winning 60 percent of the "enny-meany-miney-moe" votes in office for the next two to six years.
Gary Garo
Honolulu
Akaka's opposition to war merits vote
While I think we owe AARP appreciation for sponsoring
Thursday night's debate between our senatorial candidates, I was disappointed not to have more focus on the Iraq war, one of the major differences between the candidates.
I am looking to have a team in Congress that will challenge the president's Go-It-Alone-Cowboy approach to foreign affairs. We simply do not have the resources to be "Super Cop" to the world. Senator Akaka opposed the war from the start and, for this, I will be casting my vote for him come Sept. 23.
Brandy Ching
Honolulu
Isle Democrats fail the party's legacy
If any one has any questions as to what Sen. Dan Akaka has done for the Hawaiian people in their struggle for justice, ask him what he did during the Bishop Estate turmoil. Didn't he stand tall for Loke and Dickie and Henry? He and all of the "old line" Democrats stood tall, didn't they?
The Democratic Party has become everything it set out to change so many years ago, and my late parents would be ashamed of what is being done by the party today. Ed Case is facing the same kind of attacks that Tom Gill and Cec Heftel faced for daring to say the emperor had no clothes. The party lives on, as usual.
Louis Vierra
Haiku, Maui
Akaka's stand on shipping is important
Hawaii voters should know that one key difference between Ed Case and Daniel Akaka is their stance on the Jones Act.
The Jones Act, which protects U.S. merchant shipping interests, is an integral part in providing quality service to our customers. People who want the act eliminated are not looking at the overall impact to the Hawaii market, especially the neighbor islands.
We have been in the wholesale food distribution business on Maui for more than 50 years. Our customers depend on our ability to provide fresh produce, meats and dairy products on a daily basis. This starts with on-time service from our suppliers and shippers.
Also, Kahului Harbor is overcrowded. We have no room to add any more ships in our harbor, especially foreign vessels.
We thank Sen. Daniel Akaka for supporting the Jones Act.
Stephen E. Smith
Vice President, Purchasing
VIP Foodservice
'Re-gifting' campaign funds isn't right
I'm still bothered by the reports that Sen. Daniel Inouye gave $300,000 of his campaign funds to the Democratic Campaign Committee on the mainland, which the senator's office said it hopes would help support Sen. Daniel Akaka's campaign. I know people who donated money to Senator Inouye -- under some pressure, I might add.
And what does he really need it for anyway? He's not running for four more years. So when I see him turn around and use it for some other purpose, I wonder if that's an appropriate use of money people donated to his campaign.
If they wanted it used for other campaigns, shouldn't they decide that for themselves?
Why should Senator Inouye be deciding for Hawaii voters who to support in a completely different race?
Roxanne Yadao
Honolulu