Explanation is needed for drop in SAT scores
Public school students have taken the latest version of the SAT ("Hawaii SAT scores decline," Aug. 30). Now here's a test question for Hawaii's public education leaders:
SAT scores across the nation dropped slightly, but Hawaii's scores fell further than that, making the gap between Hawaii's scores and the national average even wider than before. Are Hawaii's falling test scores caused by a deterioration in the quality of public education in our state, or is there some other cause? In either case, explain.
John Kawamoto
Honolulu
Protesters should know they can't divide state
At a statehood day celebration Aug. 18 on the grounds of the palace, a nasty confrontation developed when a very strident group of protesters invaded this most democratic and joyous occasion with bullhorns and inappropriate language and behavior (even their children joined in the profanity). This so-called sovereignty movement needs to recognize a very important point of law.
"The Constitution does not provide for the separation, dissolution or division of any state or any part of any state."
Since Congress proved it will not allow the division of the state of Hawaii along racial lines when it effectively killed the Akaka Bill, it must be recognized by all, including Senator Inouye, that further efforts in that direction will only squander even more political capital. The so-called "plan B" recently touted is beyond divisive and the proponents need to recognize this and put an end to their atrocious behavior.
Think -- initiative, referendum, recall.
Bud Ebel
Waianae
Akaka akin to old man clinging to license
I do not profess allegiance to any political party special interest. I believe that we should vote for the person, not the party. I watched with interest the one and only debate Thursday night sponsored by AARP. I now understand why Senator Akaka and his campaign want only one debate.
I felt great sympathy for this senior citizen. His delivery of his opening and closing remarks were fragmented and without substance. Answers to questions were not forthcoming. Rather, his rhetoric could be considered by many as the Washington zig-zag, without ever offering specifics. I have great respect for Akaka. However, after listening to his stumbling, nonresponsive answers, there is no doubt in my mind that it is time for him to step down.
He reminds me of the old man who refuses to give up his driver license, although he's aware that he is a liability to the driving public. I appreciate all that he has done as our representative, but there comes a time when the reins must be passed. Leave on a high note.
John L. Shupe
Honolulu
Forget the debate, it's voting that matters
The U.S. Senate is not a debating society. The role of a senator is to represent the wishes and interests of his/her constituents and to defend the greater good of our nation. Daniel Akaka has done this for many years and is doing so today. His courageous votes against an endlessly destructive U.S. occupation of Iraq, against federal snooping into our private lives, against tax giveaways to the superrich and for the ability of ordinary people to seek bankruptcy protection all attest to this.
Akaka continues to represent the core beliefs of the large majority of Hawaii's people. Meanwhile, Ed Case's pro-Bush votes on these issues show that he is out of touch with what we in Hawaii see as the federal government's proper role.
Noel Jacob Kent
Honolulu
Case doesn't realize need for Jones Act
The Star-Bulletin's Aug. 29 article reports that Rep. Ed Case calls Sen. Daniel Akaka "ineffective." Before Case throws that stone he should make sure he is not a target for the same accusation. The case in point: opposition to the Jones Act.
In spite of his career crusade against the bipartisan support for American cabotage laws, Case has been unable to secure a hearing for his proposals to kill the Jones Act.
One reason is his use of misleading "facts."
The Jones Act does not cost Hawaii residents thousands of dollars as he claims. The very organization Case cites to support his view revised its estimate in 2002 to a figure equaling $5.50 annually per Hawaii resident. In 2004 that same organization said it could not quantify a real cost.
Considering the Jones Act provides jobs paying Hawaii family wages and benefits, ensures the highest degree of environmental protection, delivers excellent service and maintains infrastructure and skilled workers important to our island and national security, it is easy to understand why Akaka sees good value in the Jones Act.
Neil Dietz
Chairman
Hawaii Chapter of the Maritime Cabotage Task Force
It's time for Akaka and Jones Act to go
It should be clear who won last week's debate. Dan Akaka had to read from his printed cards to answer the questions, while Ed Case responded to each question in a clear, dignified way with no hesitation.
Akaka is supported by special interest groups, large corporations and unions. Matson Navigation has given campaign contributions of more than $200,000 in the past few years.
The Jones Act is a major cause of the current inflationary environment affecting every person in Hawaii. Case is for repealing the Jones Act. Akaka wants to keep low-cost shippers out of our market. We have the highest shipping costs of any state because of the Jones Act.
Akaka claims the Jones Act saves jobs, but it clearly does not. There have been many small businesses closing on Kauai in the past few months; the reason is Hawaii's inflation rate is approaching 6 percent, three times the national average. High-cost shipping is a major cause. It affects all of us today; it will affect our children and our grandchildren in the future. Akaka must go; it's time for a change.
Norm and Nina Caris
Anahola, Kauai
Akaka and Inouye make the best team
The current Senate team is the best -- Senator Akaka with this seniority can authorize programs and funds for Hawaii, and Senator Inouye appropriates it. That's the current team we have in D.C. delivering monies, programs and opportunities to Hawaii. A senator with no seniority cannot authorize anything for Inouye to appropriate. Do we want a transition now?
Akaka and Inouye vote with each other for a stronger voice for their programs and ideas they believe in. Breaking up our congressional Senate team may have one vote canceling the other.
During the debate, Akaka was able to talk about the millions he had appropriated for various programs, while his challenger could only talk about what he would do. We need to keep our current, very effective Washington, D.C. team.
Christian Maile Peters
Honolulu
Honor and integrity are what really count
"You never know where you are going until you understand where you have been." This old and true saying has withstood the test of time just as our own Sen. Danny Akaka has withstood the test of time -- with honor, aloha and integrity. He has my vote!
Myrna B. Murdoch
Honolulu
Dems do disservice to fine public servant
I mean no offense to Senator Akaka; he is a good man who has, throughout a long career of public service, consistently demonstrated the best qualities of our local culture and aloha. But as a voter, I am disappointed that he has chosen not to retire to his rightful place of honor among other leaders who knew when the time was right to leave the public scene.
What I saw in the debate was painful. It reminded me of a greedy family (in this case, the local Democratic machine) keeping their loved one on life support so they can keep drawing the pay checks.
Can't elected officials, even once, put the long-term public good above party politics? Answer: Obviously, no.
Gary Meyers
Honolulu