We must choose to let native species live
The
article in Monday's paper makes it very clear: If we do not control introduced, now feral animals and invasive plants, Hawaii will lose its unique, indigenous species.
Once they are lost, they can never be replaced.
The choice seems obvious.
Mark A. Koppel
Umauma, Hawaii
Being Hawaiian means protecting ocean life
In response to the
Star-Bulletin's Nov. 21 editorial, "New rules help ensure that we will have fish in the future," I would like to express support for the Board of Land and Natural Resources' decision, which acknowledges the need for regulation in protecting our ocean resource.
I attended the hearing on lay gillnets and it made me sad to hear so much hatred and anger toward a regulation that would assist in saving some of our marine resources. I understand that some people rely on lay gillnet fishing as a source of income. However, the time has come when we no longer have a choice. We need to regulate now to save the resource for future generations.
I believe that being part-Hawaiian is a privilege and with this privilege comes responsibility to the resource first. It is my kuleana to protect the ocean, and I have tried to send this message of caring for the ocean by paddling from Upolu Point on the Big Island to the shores of Niihau. I question those who fight for the right first rather than the resource, and ask, what have they given to protect our ocean?
Let's just agree that we need the regulation, and then work toward having Hawaiian communities inform DLNR of their specific needs and potential exemptions. Then we can stand together as one and save our ocean!
Donna Kahakui
Honolulu
Visit was full of fun, relaxation and aloha
For the last several weeks I have been holidaying in Hawaii. On my last day here before leaving to return to New Zealand, I thought I would make a few comments.
My stay has been fantastic. Without exception, the staff in the various venues that I have attended have been helpful, enthusiastic and professional.
I congratulate the drivers of TheBus. It must be enormously frustrating to be asked by every tourist who gets on the bus, "Do you go to Waikiki?" particularly when the sign on the front is fairly clear about destination!
This is the first place I have ever been where the foot paths are mopped every day. I have never seen the like and was duly impressed when I noted it happening outside of my hotel and the stores around it.
Every server in every restaurant where I ate (which included Duke's, the Navatek 1 and a large number of other venues) were courteous and professional, with plenty of smiles and help if there were questions about the menu.
Unlike President Bush's aide, I found Bobby G's to be a fantastic place to go to and have relaxing drink and perhaps a wee dance. The resident bands are brilliant!
I had the opportunity to go to the Aloha Stadium to watch the University of Hawaii Warriors play a spectacular game of American football -- not a whit of which I understood, but where I had a fabulous time.
I have nothing but praise and high recommendations for the weather, the islands and the people who live here.
Perhaps the only fly in the ointment is, surprisingly enough, the tourists who have come here like me. It would perhaps be nice if you could instill in your visitors the same aloha spirit you have developed to care for your guests. With some annoyance I saw staff treated with disrespect and ignorance.
I wish you well in the future, and I will be returning for more fun!
Kurutia Seymour
Wellington, New Zealand
Toll road would add to traffic nightmare
I wish more City Council members came to the transit meeting in Kapolei on Thursday, Nov. 16, to hear our concerns about traffic and our support for rail. While we welcome all transportation projects that will improve traffic congestion in Ewa, of the four alternatives that are proposed by the city, the only one that makes sense in the long term is rail transit.
The two-lane elevated toll road is not the answer because it just puts more cars on the road. When you exit the toll road, you'll find yourself stuck in traffic trying to get to your final destination, and any time you saved will be lost. And at $8 each way, Leeward residents would be penalized because they are the ones most likely to use these toll roads. In all fairness, if we charge tolls for West Oahu residents, shouldn't we start charging tolls for Windward residents to use the Pali Highway, Likelike and the H-3, and Honolulu residents to use Kalanianaole Highway, Moanalua Freeway and the H-1?
The best solution is a full 28-mile rail route that links Kapolei to downtown Honolulu and the University of Hawaii-Manoa. This rail system could be used for commuting, and throughout the day to provide realistic alternatives to traveling by automobile.
Maeda C. Timson
Kapolei
Hotel rooms require N. Shore hospital
I'm sorry to hear of Kahuku Hospital's possible demise. I had two children there in the 1980s. One delivery required an emergency C-section (God bless Dr. Ben Branch). I might not have made it to another facility in time.
My story is only one among the thousands of people who needed medical attention immediately, not later with having to travel to Castle Medical Center or Wahiawa hospital. It's still only a two-lane road, one each way.
Everyone better think again about the possibility of five more hotels -- what's up with that? Come to Hawaii, but don't have an emergency on the North Shore, because it will take an hour to get to the hospital in an ambulance.
Momi Greene
Keahole-Kona, Hawaii
Health care essential to Kahuku community
Having medical care is essential to the well-being and peace of mind for those of us who live in the Kahuku community. As employers with 665 employees (85 percent of whom live here in the area) and 300,000 guests per year, access to health care is one of our top priorities. Turtle Bay Resort and Kuilima Resort Co. have been working closely with those involved with the effort to save Kahuku Hospital and ensure continued emergency care in the community. It is a complex process and will take some time for us to determine the best steps forward. Like many of the North Shore and Koolauloa community leaders and representatives, we are committed to finding a solution.
Unfortunately, in the opinion of some, this seems to have been reduced to a simple matter of health care vs. resort development. This really couldn't be further from the truth; in reality, we are mutually dependent upon each other. Having adequate health care services for the community and the resort is essential, and building a strong economic driver helps to sustain health care services for our community. All of the components to building a strong, flourishing community are important. At a critical time like this, we need everyone's kokua. We invite others to join with us to help find solutions for our community.
Nicola Jones
CEO, Kuilima Resort Co.
Bob Boyle
Managing director, Turtle Bay Resort
Democrats should push for Iraq pullout
I was pleased with the midterm election results. The day after the elections, George W. Bush said he would listen to reason now; by implication, he was not listening to reason prior to the midterm elections.
I think the Democratic majority in both the House and the Senate should advise the Bush administration that they are not going to fund the war in Iraq any further and to begin to make plans to bring the troops home. After all, the midterm elections were largely a referendum on the Iraq policy and the voters have spoken.
Furthermore, I think we should re-evaluate our support of Israel and vote whether or not we should continue to support Israel. I think the Holocaust happened, but that does not give Israel the right to occupy other people's land and build settlements, as they have done in the past.
Phil Robertson
Honolulu
Stryker Brigade deserves support
Boy, have we come down a few pegs since our forefathers rebelled against taxation without representation. We now have the voice of the Star-Bulletin urging the ceding of the fight for the Stryker Brigade training and taking the easy shortcut to appease the vocal minority ("Army should rethink Stryker Brigade quest,"
Editorial, Nov. 24).
For those with short memories, the Stryker concept was to prepare our nation as a leading force for peace in the future.
Remember Gen. Eric Shinseki"s tenure as Army chief of staff -- developed plans for a quick light force to put out brush fires. The overall concept required the stationing of brigades at specific bases to be dispatched within 96 hours. Are we simply to lie down and accept the opposition of small religious and civil groups? And though we haven't seen the snail darter of past years, can other native bugs be far behind?
The selection of Hawaii is of strategic importance in the Pacific-Asia region. The urgency of this training is a critical factor in the battle of Iraq. There's talk of additional troops needed. Will we be the only state with the distinction of failing in our obligation to the Stars and Stripes?
Leonard Chun
Kaimuki