UHPA was out of line to endorse Linda Lingle
Along with many of my colleagues in the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly, I was shocked to read about the board's decision to endorse gubernatorial candidate Linda Lingle. I was even more appalled a few days later, on receiving an "open letter to all UHPA members."Instead of providing substantive information, it was a political diatribe -- complete with hyperbole, innuendo and even errors of fact.
University faculty devote their lives and careers to certain shared values, particularly commitment to high standards of accuracy, validity and reliability. While these qualities all tend to be diminished during a political campaign, a union of professors should hold true to a more academic approach. Unfortunately, it appears that a small group got carried away by rhetoric.
They don't speak for those of us at the University of Hawaii who have taken an objective look at Governor Cayetano's performance. He gave his full support to UH autonomy. He had the courage to approve increases in faculty salaries while grappling with extreme budget shortages.
Since faculty members are notoriously independent thinkers, I think we will weigh facts against promises and vote for Governor Cayetano on Nov. 3.
Lee Putnam
Anyone who saw rally knew it was for Democrats
Anyone who saw the recent ASCFME meeting on state time at the Hawaii Convention Center would know it was a one-party political rally, not a state employees' "informational" session on company time.Given that there were more than 1,000 state employees, including the lieutenant governor and governor, present, any astute private-sector executive could conclude that these public servants are dispensable, since government functioned very well without them in spite of the infraction.
As for the party's union leaders, Russell Okata and Gary Rodrigues should be heavily fined and jailed for violating campaign laws. This could signal an end to the plantation-mentality politics that have stifled our economy and provide more room for an emerging democracy in Hawaii.
As for the opposing Republican and Green parties, they should be given equal time at the Democratic Party's expense, trebled for damages.
Ivan L. Kam
How much time does Ben need to get it right?
Ben Cayetano's latest TV ad about not being "stupid" is the biggest con of all times. No, he is not responsible for the horrible state of the Asian economy. He is, however, responsible for this state's horrible economy.Cayetano has been a part of Hawaii's government since 1974 -- in the Legislature and two terms as lieutenant governor. How much practice do you need? And why didn't the public know about the horrendous economic debt that Hawaii was in until after he was elected governor?
No, Ben, the majority of Hawaii's voters are not stupid, because the majority of the voters did not vote for you in the last general election. They split their votes on the other two candidates.
Robert Francisco
Aiea
Vandalism mars lofty concept of democracy
As a high school history teacher, I lecture my students on the importance of our participatory democracy. Until recently, I hadn't personally been involved in politics because, like many people, I hadn't found a candidate who inspired me.Then I met Brian Schatz, who impressed me with his entrepreneurship in his community and commitment to service. I volunteered to work on his campaign, and was delighted to put his bumper sticker on my car and yard signs for him around my house.
In the last month, however, I've had three yard signs torn down. In addition, the campaign bumper sticker on my car has been ripped off, and someone scraped its side with a key.
This disappoints me. In a state known for the aloha spirit, it seems sorely lacking in this situation. How sad that not everyone participates in politics in a positive way.
B. Bogue
Judge appointment process is tainted with politics, too
I agree with Diane Chang's Sept. 4 column, "Exercise some restraint on electing judges." It's probably not a good idea to have candidates for judge holding signs on the corner and taking in campaign contributions -- but look at how we get our judges now.The members of the Judicial Selection Commission propose to the governor a list of candidates they feel are competent and have the experience to uphold community values. The problem is that the people on the commission are political appointees.
The latest is Gary Rodgrigues, head of the United Public Workers. He was appointed by Senate President Norman Mizuguchi, as a reward for Rodrigues' support of Mizuguchi's close election win in 1996.
Maybe it's too much for individual people to decide who should be our judges. But it's also too much for our elected representatives to decide who will judge our cases, when they owe their political lives to individuals who have cases that will likely be decided by these same judges.
This has been going on for years and Judge Watanabe is just a symptom of the system that has been perpetuated by a corrupt selection process. Ever hear of the Bishop Estate trustees? Same thing.
Garry P. Smith
Ewa Beach
Beach restroom facilities are appallingly filthy
As a recent visitor and former 10-year resident of Hawaii, with family and many friends still in the islands, I am appalled by the condition of public restrooms at your beaches.Unless tourists spend their whole vacation in Waikiki, they will be confronted with beach restroom facilities that are filthy and putrid, with broken toilet bowls and changing areas.
I've traveled throughout the world, including many Third World countries, and find it difficult to remember conditions anywhere near what I recently experienced at Pupukea Beach, Waimea Beach Park and Kahaluu Beach Park in Kona.
After leaving Hawaii, I traveled from Oregon up through Washington, British Columbia, Alaska and the Yukon Territories, which cover vast amounts of territory. The restroom facilities in all of those places were impeccably maintained.
As your economy depends so heavily on tourism, the mismanagement of the parks system is absolutely incredible. There are no excuses for this.
Mary A. Widel
Miami, Fla.
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