Don't tell enemies about our intentions
Regarding the story "House OKs 2008 troop withdrawal; veto vowed" (Star-Bulletin, March 23): By letting the enemy know our decision to pull out of Iraq in 2008, we might as well send a calendar with the date circled in red to let them know when to start killing again. The stupidity of this Congress is unbelievable.
Joanne Fichtman
Honolulu
Grand Ferris wheel beautifies the view
We live up Punchbowl and gratefully start each day with a coffee and our view from Tantalus to Diamond Head to Kakaako. Recently, E.K. Fernandez has started to assemble their carnival on Magic Island for festivities next weekend. The Ferris wheel is obvious and charming. We are reminded of our visits to two great cities, Paris and London, whose skylines were also graced by these engineering marvels.
Could Honolulu find that grace to establish a "Grand Wheel" here?
Peter Cronburg
Honolulu
Kawamoto's generosity is much appreciated
There are no words in the English language that can express the aloha that I have for Japanese billionaire Genshiro Kawamoto ("
Kawamoto to hand over the keys to Kahala homes," Star-Bulletin, March 22).
For far too many in years in the past, not many Hawaiians have lived in Kahala. Kawamoto's return of Hawaiians to their ancestral homelands at Kahala is most welcomed at a time when certain members of the U.S. Congress are questioning the constitutionality of government programs to benefit Hawaiians -- when in fact, those members of Congress should be questioning the constitutionality of the overthrow of the Hawaiian kingdom, its annexation of the Hawaiian Islands and its granting of statehood for Hawaii in 1959.
Viva Genshiro Kawamoto.
Richard Pomaikaiokalani Kinney
Waianae
Why only Hawaiians in Kahala homes?
If Genshiro Kawamoto's offering is true from the heart, then so be it. I am also looking for a place to live in Kahala, rent free, and I will pay $150 a month, too, if necessary. Five bedrooms would be nice, too.
I fail to see the logistics in renting to Hawaiians only -- how about us disabled Japanese, or are we now, suddenly, the displaced members of society? My kids never went to private schools, I was too busy working, so why, now, after Kawamoto contributed so much to the upward spiral of home prices, do they suddenly qualify for rent-free homes and a $1,000 moving bonus? I struggle to make ends meet, but would Kawamoto consider a disabled Japanese lady to live in a rent-free home in Kahala?
There must be an ulterior motive. There's nothing free in life, and Kawamoto's past actions speak louder than words.
How about giving a couple of homes to haoles, Chinese, Filipinos and other races instead of only Hawaiian skin? Why, we born here too, we not Hawaiian? Why should our race have anything to do with things? Someone should look into the discrimination laws.
Kawamoto, I am same race as you, Japanese, how come you not give me a rent-free house, too? I not good enough for you because I not born Hawaiian?
Gayle Nakama
Honolulu
Lawmakers should pass F-14 Tomcat bill
House Concurrent Resolution 180, recently passed by the Public Safety and Military Affairs Committee, asks the Postal Service to make a commemorative stamp in honor of the men and women of the F-14 Tomcat, which retired in September after 35 years of service to the United States. This is a novel idea and a resolution that needs full support from the community, not just from naval aviators, but from all patriots.
The F-14 Tomcat represents a symbol of a time when America stood bravely against world domination by the Soviets, and it is an icon of American ingenuity and resolve for freedom. My father always taught me that the roar of our jet engines meant "the sound of freedom." I hope that the Legislature will agree that HCR 180 is a first-class idea and pass this resolution so that all Americans can remember the sacrifice and service of those who fought to keep us free.
The Rev. Daniel P. de Gracia II
Waipahu
What's all the fuss? We have sovereignty
I was born and raised here in Hawaii. I don't get this push for so-called "sovereignty." Everyone on the planet (and in our island state) already has sovereignty over their lives.
Every one of us has the obligation to get our act together and make the most of our lives. No government handout (free money, free land, tax breaks) can substitute for the actual desire for a man or woman to get his or her life together. Everybody I know has a sad story or two or three, and every individual in our community gets dealt a hand of cards that isn't all that great. But it's what you do with your life that makes a difference, not merely living under the delusion that the government (existing or some newly created one) will come and save us from our lack of motivation and initiative.
We've got sovereignty. Let's use it already.
Eric Ryan
Ewa Beach