QUOTABLE
"I know it is here; it's all over. It is just what we do about it."
Breene Harimoto
Board of Education member, on the problem of cyberbullying -- using cell phones, computers and other technology as harassment tools.
UH-Manoa needs huge investment
The state auditor's report on dormitories at the University of Hawaii-Manoa (
Star-Bulletin, Feb. 7) is right on the mark about the condition of the infrastructure, but couldn't be more wrong about the reasons for this sad state of affairs.
It is true that many of the dormitories at Manoa are in poor condition as a result of decades of poor maintenance. The same could be said of most of the classroom and research buildings, many of which seem dangerous to even walk through.
However, to lay the blame for these problems at the feet of the current administration is unfair. The current Manoa administration appears to finally have a clear understanding of the extent of these problems, and of the huge investment of time and capital that will be required to make amends. The Manoa campus suffers from decades of neglect due to mismanagement in prior administrations, and more than anything, due to chronic underfunding from the Legislature and the governor.
After decades of neglect, it's time for the state government to recognize the important role that UH-Manoa plays in educating young adults in Hawaii, preparing them both for the local job market and for a richer, more satisfying life. To provide this high level of education throughout the rest of this century will require that much of the Manoa campus be rebuilt from the ground up.
Rather than wasting time and energy laying blame for past failures, we need state leaders with the vision to see where our state, and UH-Manoa, should be 50 or 100 years from now. And then we need to roll up our sleeves and get to work rebuilding our future.
Joseph T. Jarrett
Associate professor
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Dems spite the people just to oppose Lingle
Gov. Linda Lingle is proposing tax relief that will benefit everyone in Hawaii. Among these proposals are a refund, a credit, lifting the general excise tax on basic foods, restructuring the tax brackets to better reflect inflation and raising the standard deduction.
The governor's budget gives back to the taxpayers, while still providing funding for schools, road repairs and other necessary expenses.
The Democrat-controlled Legislature continues to take the position that it will not agree with whatever the governor proposes, despite the benefit to the people -- people these legislators are supposed to represent. It is time for the Democrats to work with the governor and pass her meaningful initiatives.
Mark G. Valencia
Kaneohe
Let lawmakers know we need mail-in voting
"Vote by mail!" should be our rallying cry for the upcoming 2008 elections and beyond. Our dismal voting record for years calls for a change in the way we vote. Let your state legislators know that an election law should be passed this session in which all voters be required to do it by mail. We have got to have more people participating in our electoral process and get involved.
The international and domestic issues facing us are important enough to get people electing representatives who share their viewpoints. Iraq, victims of Hurricane Katrina, our local people who have suffered in the rainfalls and countless other problems face us.
Call or write your legislators and get that law passed.
Roy E. Shigemura
Honolulu
Proposal threatens Molokai lifestyle
The
Feb 1 letter to the editor by John Sabas supporting developing Molokai's La'au Point merits clarification. Although his letter claims to speak for the residents of Molokai, Mr. Sabas is a general manager for Molokai Ranch. Noticeably absent in the letter is how constructing 875 acres of beachfront mansions benefits the residents of Molokai.
The community faces the real threats of no more water and a future cleaning mansions. Instead of allowing the corporate takeover we must support the Molokai residents in their uphill battle. They have sustained a subsistence lifestyle for thousands of years and deserve to continue without being displaced.
Chris Cramer
Honolulu