Local papers should give McCain equal time

We all have to agree that Barack Obama, a Hawaii native and Punahou graduate, is a great thing and the media loves it. However, what happened to balance in coverage of the candidates? I am a graduate of Punahou School and proud of it. This does not mean I will be voting for Obama. With Hawaii and the nation's economy trending downward, his proposed tax increases will only snowball the effect. How soon we forget about the economy here in the 1990s with Clinton as president. With cuts in military spending, we really felt the pinch here.

John McCain is dedicated to supporting our military and has the experience to lead this country. He deserves more coverage by the news or at least equal coverage. I must say, it is pretty lopsided thus far.

Don't encourage public to pester Obama

We love the Star-Bulletin, however, Tuesday's front page has an "Obama sightings" solicitation. Sen. Barack Obama has come to Hawaii for a long-needed vacation. The people here are known for their respectfulness. In the solicitation it asks for any pictures of the senator, which isn't pono. The Star-Bulletin is turning the people of Hawaii into paparazzi.

The poor man has been on the campaign trail much too long. He deserves a vacation from all of the politics. Please leave him alone to enjoy his time at home with his family. The Star-Bulletin is asking the people of the islands to act like the bothersome fans on the mainland.

Give the Obama family a break and leave them alone.

Troops deserve more notice from Obama

Barack Obama's recent fake "presidential" trip overseas did not include visits to U.S. troops who are voters in various states, and, during his "vacation" to Hawaii, his rally and fundraiser were scheduled but not visits to our troops or wounded (voters) in Tripler Army Medical Center.

Does Obama respect our troops or the veterans from former or current military actions? Many men and women are involved and some are your relatives. Do you want a president who will not acknowledge them? If you are a veteran, do you want a president who will not commit himself to our troops? This is why I feel John McCain should be our president.

Pauahi's will specifies only Hawaiians in need

While I most definitely agree that the lawsuits against Kamehameha Schools have reached new heights, and I agree with the "cash cow" description that some attorneys believe, I feel that if one is to quote the will of Bernice Pauahi Bishop, one should first read it. In an Aug. 8 letter to the editor, reader Billy Acosta stated that:

"In Bernice Pauahi Bishop's last will and testament, she expressed that admission to the school be determined by proof of Hawaiian ancestry, and that preference be given to those who are able to show it."

However, this is not the case. Her will clearly states that a school will be established to educate the poor and destitute children of Hawaii, with preference being given to those of Hawaiian ancestry.

It does not state that all children must have Hawaiian ancestry, or any percentage of blood quantum to qualify to attend. If we're going to follow the will, then follow it to the letter, not what we believe or wished it said.

Plans result in energy savings for city

The Star-Bulletin's Aug. 9 editorial urged the city to consider appointing an energy coordinator to help address "a distressing increase in electricity consumption and utility bills" described in a recent audit. Unfortunately, the editorial failed to acknowledge some important facts.

The increased consumption resulted from the addition of important new facilities that help protect public health and safety. These include an ultraviolet light-based sewage disinfection unit at the Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant, the new Honolulu Fire Department headquarters, the new East Honolulu Police Station, new emergency ambulance facilities in Kalihi and Kapolei, and dozens of new traffic signals and school warning flashers.

The total increase in energy usage for the five years covered by the audit was just 5.7 percent, because the increased electricity demand was offset by energy savings throughout city operations.

City spending on electricity has increased by 44 percent during this period because the cost of electricity has greatly increased for everyone. The city is no more immune from higher electric rates than any other person or entity, and the auditors recognized this. The kilowatt hour rate charged to the city increased 36 percent.

Finally, this administration rejected the idea of an energy coordinator, or "czar," years ago because it is far more effective for key managers and engineers to work together than for one person to dictate standards. Cooperation is the idea behind the 21st Century Ahupua'a Energy and Sustainability Plan and the Mayor's Energy and Sustainability Task Force.