Iwase lacks vision, experience for top job
Randy Iwase lacks the experience and leadership needed to govern Hawaii. He is so focused on negative attacks that he can barely articulate his own vision, and when he does, it's nothing original or new. He doesn't have a clear understanding of what Hawaii's challenges are, nor does he have a plan to address these now and into the future.
Thankfully, Gov. Linda Lingle has proven to be effective in getting things done during the last four years. Her leadership is working. In fact, she's the best leader we've seen in a long time.
Phillip Barker
Kaneohe
Iwase should not pit 'us' against 'them'
Randy Iwase's racism has gone too far, and it saddens me to think the Democratic Party has turned in this direction.
In last Friday's debate with Gov. Linda Lingle, Iwase said an "Iwase Democrat" is someone who is born in Hawaii. In all of his speeches, he constantly points out that he is better than Lingle because he was born and raised in Hawaii. It's as if his biggest life "achievement" is his place of birth, and it probably is, but it certainly is not a prerequisite for being a good governor, nor is it appropriate to tout this difference as a deciding factor in the election.
Like Iwase, I too was born and raised in Hawaii, but unlike him, I am not so close-minded to think that he knows best just because he's from here. Lingle has been involved in public service in Hawaii longer than Iwase and has much more insight, knowledge and experience of Hawaii's government than he does. Besides, Hawaii is a place that draws strength from its diversity and welcomes people who are not from here into our homes and families. Shame on Mr. Iwase for losing sight of this.
Jason Castromayor
Ewa Beach
Wilcox nurses deserve respect, a better deal
I received an early morning phone call this week offering me a six-month registered nurse travel position at Wilcox Hospital. There are more than 80 positions available (the striking nurses' positions). As a member of Hawaii Nurses Association and a striking nurse, of course I turned it down.
The travel nurses are offered a comparable wage plus $2,000/month housing allowance. Imagine how much the agency is making. Imagine how much HPH is spending to bring in these nurses rather than settle the strike! Do the math, Hawaii Pacific Health, and settle this strike.
Joan Kutzer
Kilauea, Hawaii
Selfish use of gas drives prices upward
To those who complain that the price of gasoline is related to the repeal of the gas cap, I submit another cause. The issue is supply and demand.
Until Americans lose their love affair with gas guzzling SUVs, the demand for gas at the pump is going to remain steady and the price will stay the same or go higher. Also, if Americans really cared enough to conserve on fuel, they would obey posted speed limits. Speeding uses more fuel. Just from driving the H-2 and H-1 everyday, it is obvious that people are not concerned about conserving. The bottom line is, Americans are too materialistic, obstinate and selfish to sacrifice for the good of the economy and the country.
James Roller
Mililani
Letter exaggerated toll lanes' capacity
Panos D. Prevedouros's argument for high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes is inaccurate (
Letters, Star-Bulletin, Oct. 8).
Prevedouros claims three HOT lanes "can transport upward of 18,000 vehicles per hour." Anyone in the urban transportation profession knows this is wrong.
Moving "18,000 vehicles per hour" would require at least 10 lanes, not three.
Where would 18,000 vehicles park? Has anyone ever seen a downtown parking garage able to hold 18,000 vehicles?
City Councilman Gary Okino is correct when he says "the merits of adding toll lanes over rail transit is flawed" (Letters, Oct.6).
Wes Frysztacki
Urban transportation consultant
Kapolei