Mayor Fasi
betrayed supportersMessage to former mayor: goodbye and good riddance
Whatever happened to the Fasi of yesteryear? He was a man whose word was rock solid.I, too, am getting up in years and pray to God that I never see the day that I renege on my given word. People can stand for a lot of things in this world but, if their word is no good, in reality it stands for nothing.
I and many others are truly saddened by this decision, Frank. It may put an end to any other political appointment you seek. We do, however, wish you good health in your retirement.
Bruce Tetreault
Public should ignore Fasi's endorsement
Frank Fasi shamelessly used not only the Republican Party but also his loyal followers. He is like a cult leader guiding his loyal followers to total destruction. This destruction could block Hawaii's chance for economic rebound.I urge the voters of Hawaii not to be persuaded by Fasi's endorsement. Let's just have a good laugh and go on with our original intent. Hawaii needs change and the time is now!
N. Garrett Chan
Fasi badly betrayed ideals of Republicans
Early this year, Frank Fasi requested reinstatement in the Republican Party. Some members of the state committee wanted to reject his request without discussion. I spoke in favor of the reinstatement for several reasons.Our party is one of inclusion rather than exclusion. We are open to debate and welcome different points of view. Fasi promised he would support all of the successful nominees in the Republican primary.
Therefore, it was a disappointment when I learned of Fasi's decision to endorse the governor's re-election.
Fasi could have become a revered elder statesman for the GOP. He could have helped temper the impetuousness of youth with his wisdom and council. Instead, he has chosen not to play this role. Too bad.
Howard Chong Jr.
National Committeeman
Republican Party of Hawaii
Happy trails to Fasi after election loss
Frank Fasi has chosen his swan song: "The old gray mayor, he ain't what he use to be" (and maybe he never was). Goodbye, Frank.Mike Mentnech
Hilo, Hawaii
Former mayor didn't play fair with the GOP
I made no endorsements in the gubernatorial Republican primary race, both out of fairness and also because I didn't want Frank Fasi to feel that the entire GOP leadership was against him. I put aside personal differences and past disagreements to give him a fair chance.Yet, Fasi himself did not play fair. In fact, he lied -- to the Republican Party, his supporters and the people of Hawaii. He publicly pledged his support to Linda Lingle if she won the GOP primary. And less than a week later and in a fit of poor sportsmanship, Fasi endorsed the Democratic candidate.
This once again proves that Fasi is not a Republican, a Democrat or an Independent. And he certainly is not the "Best."
Truthfully, Fasi's endorsement is not critical because he cannot guarantee votes. I believe that many if not most of Fasi's followers will realize that it is Lingle who can and will turn this state and its economy around.
Whitney T. Anderson
Senate Minority Leader
Hawaii State Legislature
Strong athletic program isn't everything
A strong athletic program contributes to a school's success, but not at the expense of a good education and a foundation to become responsible and law-abiding adults. What a sad testament to a school with religious affiliation to allow students and coaches to drink and act recklessly on a trip to Las Vegas.I am so grateful to Iolani School for providing my sons with a good education and for instilling in them good morals and judgment and respect. They were fortunate to participate in many baseball trips where the school provided responsible adults who were totally committed to the safety of the students. They were exceptional!
Gail M. Tajima
Cal Lee has done well with St. Louis team
The Star-Bulletin and especially Bill Kwon, in his Saturday column, seem to enjoy publicly chastising Cal Lee for the trouble his football players got into during their trip to Las Vegas.Perhaps it is because Lee has built such a successful football program that he becomes an attractive target.
Kwon compares the programs at Farrington and Punahou of the 1960s to Coach Lee's 1998 team. We live in a radically different society today, especially concerning attitudes and values of teens.
Alcohol consumption by student athletes and its associated problems are not unique to St. Louis. Supervising a large group of young men on a trip of this nature, with limited resources, is an extremely difficult task.
I was at the football game in Las Vegas. The game was also attended by many former Hawaii residents who now live in Las Vegas. A man sitting next to me lamented that, because of economic hardship, he was forced from his Hawaii home, onto the beach, and finally to the desert in Las Vegas. He also said that the game between St. Louis and Green Valley High was something he looked forward to attending with great anticipation.
The mood of the crowd at the game was that of joy and excitement. It was a magical evening created by the explosive, versatile offense and the dominating defense of Lee's Crusaders. One could feel the pride of being from Hawaii with the football victory.
If Coach Lee does take his team to Las Vegas again, he will be welcomed.
Wayne H. Fujita, M.D.
Aiea
Gay-marriage foes are putting stickers everywhere
I am wondering why some Save Traditional Marriage zealots insist on putting "Vote Yes" stickers on unwitting people at public events and plastering Save Traditional Marriage information on postal mail boxes without asking.It seems senior citizens and children are fair game for these people, who invade one's personal privacy.
Are they avoiding a respectful one-on-one dialogue with the voter? That would explain their mad frenzy to "stick and run!"
Shawn K. Bombard
President Lee is right for his stand on Taiwan
Your Sept. 7 editorial gave readers the impression that President Lee is taking advantage of Congress' friendly gesture and promoting an independent assertion. That is unfair to Lee. His policy is not seeking independence but striving for preserving basic human rights of the 22 million people living in Taiwan.The major hurdle to eventual reunification between Taiwan and mainland China is the obvious huge gap between the totally different political/economic systems and ways of life of the two sides.
The Republic of China on Taiwan is a full-fledged democracy in contrast to the authoritarian society in mainland China, ruled by the rigid Communist regime in Beijing. Personal and economic freedoms are inseparable parts of Taiwanese people's everyday lives, yet pro-democracy activists are still being put into harsh labor camps in mainland China.
Taiwanese are sensible and practical in insisting that reunification with China can be possible only after mainland China develops into a real democratic society.
Shi-mei Tu
Many helped build homes for Habitat for Humanity
Thank you for Lori Tighe's excellent Sept. 21 story about the Habitat for Humanity Blitz Build in Waimanalo. I would like to add only that the contributions of Central Union Church and Hardware Hawaii were substantial. Without them, there would have been no home for the Kaleo family.Central Union Church brought the project into the realm of possibility with its commitment of $40,000 and dozens of volunteers. When Dave Lundquist of Hardware Hawaii came forward with more than $20,000 in lumber, materials and staff time, then we knew we could do the job.
Thanks should also go out to Alaka'i Mechanical, Eric Morgan, Weatherwax Electrical, La'au Structural, Green Field Nursery, Emmanuel Episcopal Church and a host of other generous groups and individuals who made the ambitious three-day build a reality.
In these times when so much of the news is bad, it is wonderful to be associated with all of these generous people with aloha in their hearts!
Ken Armstrong
Executive Director
Honolulu Habitat for Humanity
(Via the Internet)
Request for removal of trustees is welcome
Who would have thought that the state attorney general's office would have done what it did in asking for the removal of all Bishop Estate trustees? Whether the move is politically motivated or not, it is exactly the kind of courage needed in government today.Bishop Estate's trustees have been too arrogant for too long. It's about time they are held accountable. Thank you, Governor Cayetano.
Peter P. Antonio
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