Public, private entities waste too much water
On my way to surf in Waikiki I have noticed decorative plants hanging on the road side of Kalakaua Avenue until it turns into Monserrat.
It has been discouraging to watch at least two employees driving, then stopping to water each one. It seems extravagant and a waste of money, water and especially gasoline.
I am not sure if the plants are native to Hawaii but do know they grow in my yard like weeds and I never planted them. If we really need these decorations, maybe we could use drought-resistant plants? Maybe there is a city employee who would enjoy or benefit from walking or riding a bike to water them?
Also, I was enjoying a movie at the Kahala theater and upon exiting noticed the rubbish can full of plastic bottles. I asked an employee if they recycle and he said no.
I hope that the Consolidated Theatres management will consider recycle bins, if they don't want or need the HI-5 money they could donate it to a local school. Please!
There are so many little things we can all do to make a huge difference. Environmental awareness is a big beautiful overhead wave that we can all get stoked about!
Colleen Kudo
Honolulu
Supply and demand governs our behavior
Supply and demand; whenever supply is lean and demand is heavy, the price of any commodity will rise (seller's market). The antidote to that dilemma should be not to buy that product. Then, supply and demand has a better chance to balance out.
Conversely, whenever supply is plentiful and demand is low, prices must drop. So that's when we can buy all we need or want to (buyer's market).
Gas prices of today are a case in point. People are grumbling and complaining about the exorbitant prices we must pay at the pump.
Solution: don't buy gas. Then how we goin' quench the thirst of our "guzzlers"? Easy - catch DaBus, walk, ride a bicycle, buy a moped, bum a ride, don't travel unless it's a matter of life or death.
Anything is easier said than done, but the choice is yours.
Tetsuji Ono
Hilo
Dole students heard Delima’s message
Among the Hoku awards made earlier this month was an awardee whom we sometimes take for granted. Frank Delima, winner in the comedy album category for "Hawaii, I Love It," is also a very successful presenter in Hawaii public schools.
One of the most important skills any person can learn is getting along with others in a culturally diverse community. A single presentation is not a magic bullet, but Mr. Delima makes his points with humor and sincerity and gives his audience thoughts to ponder about their own attitudes and behavior. Middle school students can be a tough audience, especially when it comes to lessons about life, but at a recent school assembly Delima was able to keep our students glued to his every word.
Frank, thank you for being such a great resource for the youth of Hawaii. I sincerely hope this program continues to be offered because our kids need to hear your important message.
Myron Monte
Principal
Dole Middle School
Gay marriage can bring in big money
Letter writer Tracy A. Ryan
(Star-Bulletin, June 25) asked that Hawaii not fall behind other states in same-sex marriage civil rights legislation and stated no earth-shaking event has befallen jurisdictions, such as California, where they are allowed.
I beg to differ. News reports tell us that almost half a billion dollars will go into the ailing California economy over the next three years thanks to same-sex unions. That money could have been coming into Hawaii starting 10 years ago and, by now, it would probably have paid for our entire rail system (if it ever gets built). Boy, did we miss the boat (or train) on this one!
Walter Mahr
Mililani
Don’t veto task force for medical marijuana
As advocates for the nearly 4,000 seriously ill patients registered with Hawaii's medical marijuana program, we were distressed to see a bill to study the program on Gov. Linda Lingle's list of potential vetoes.
HB 2675, SD 1 simply calls for a task force to examine ways of improving the program. Since the law was passed in 2000, many such attempts have failed; this is a compromise passed with little opposition.
The governor's rationale for a possible veto, that it could interfere with the federal prohibition against marijuana, makes no sense. Since our law was enacted, other states have passed laws setting up medical marijuana programs, including requirements that the state regulate production and distribution. The task force is charged with studying programs in other jurisdictions.
Patients are asking for changes to the program. When we polled then-candidate Lingle in 2002, she said that she would "uphold the state's medical marijuana program." We ask her now to please act in the spirit of this compassionate law, and listen to the voices of those who are counting on this task force to recommend some much needed improvements.
Pamela Lichty
President
Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii