Economy is still governor's priority

Your Dec. 8 editorial was wrong when it said that Governor Cayetano's second inaugural addressed failed to mention the need to restore the health of the economy. In fact, he said, "We will work with small and big business to improve the business climate, promote entrepreneurship and attract new capital to Hawaii to bring about full economic recovery."

The governor also pledged to "build on the improvements made over the past four years in reducing the high costs of business, the burden of regulation and taxes." After citing several accomplishments to improve the economy, Governor Cayetano said, "And working together, we will do more."

An inaugural address is usually a brief speech that serves as a vision statement. Specific information about new economic programs are typically given in the governor's proposals to the Legislature.

Janis Togashi
Communications director
Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism

Cayetano, Lingle are two great individuals

I voted for Linda Lingle because I liked the idea of someone taking a fresh look at our old problems. I must say, however, that I am impressed with the governor. I do believe he means what he says, and that he has helped small business.

As a small-business owner, I experienced and appreciated the governor's efforts to reduce worker's comp rates. I am encouraged that he has the experience of the last four years, and the optimism for the next four.

It is also encouraging that, true to her campaign, Lingle believes that we must work together, evidenced by her class act at the inauguration.

Liz Perry
Co-Owner, Old Waialae Road Catering

Ward didn't hear message from voters

Gene Ward's Nov. 21 letter shows him to be a sore loser.

First, he complains that Neil Abercrombie outspent him. This is nothing but sour grapes. As the Star-Bulletin reported during the campaign, Ward traveled to Washington, enlisted House Speaker Newt Gingrich, and tried hard to raise money from mainland sources, including the national Republican Party.

What's more, Ward succeeded: The half-million dollars that he spent on his campaign wasn't chicken feed.

Ward's complaint about "negative campaigning" is just a second helping of sour grapes. Abercrombie ran ads pointing out Ward's ties to Gingrich, his votes against education funding, and his vote against the community's right to know about hazardous substances stored nearby. These ads dealt with legitimate issues and focused on Ward's record. They told the truth.

In contrast, ads aired by Ward stooped to personal attacks by using highly unflattering and outdated images of Abercrombie; appealed to bigotry by demonizing gays and lesbians; and downright lied about Abercrombie's record by falsely claiming he voted for a congressional pay increase when, in fact, he voted against it.

Ward should face facts. People voted for Abercrombie because they approve of the job he's doing for Hawaii's working families. Voters sent a message to Ward, but he still didn't get it.

Pua White

Child support agency's efforts are laughable

Thank you for running your series on the state child-support system, and some of the letters written by women who are receiving late checks or who must suffer mistakes made on amounts they should have been receiving but were not.

Here is my story or, should I say, my joke of a story:

Over the past year, I received (inconsistently) a child-support check each month for $8. That's right, $8. That's $2 per week, which makes it even more ludicrous. It probably costs more to process and mail the check.

Approximately six months ago, the checks stopped. I guess the $8 a month became too much of a hardship for the father of my son. In addition to not receiving any more payments, I received a letter from the child-support agency saying payments would stop when my son turns 18 next February.

Of course, who knows what will happen to the $10,000 owed to my son that has not been paid.

Fortunately, I put myself through school and am now working as a registered nurse. I consider myself financially stable.

It is too bad that a system set up for the children can't provide for them by getting deadbeat dads to own up to their responsibility, especially for those like my son who are turning 18.

Robin Ikaika

Don't believe everything you hear on the radio

Recently, false statements have been made on a particular radio show about me that, for my fans, I feel I have to clear up.

I want listeners of that show to know that I would never storm out or walk off a job, no matter how bad the situation may be.

I was not even at work at the time when I supposedly stormed out. I was out sick for that entire week.

The two DJs seem to take comfort in defaming my character on a daily basis since I left the station, just because I had the good sense to move on and look for something better.

For the past seven years, I have spoken on the radio of nothing but morality, professionalism and doing the right thing in any situation, so it is unfathomable that I would do what was said.

I'd like to thank those fans who believed in me and know that I would never do anything of that nature.

To those who did believe those out-and-out lies: Why are you so willing to believe the worst about a person who has worked so hard to do nothing but the best?

Shilynne Cole

People like Gabbard who deny rights aren't heroes

For some reason, Mike Gabbard is still obsessed with denying equal rights to homosexual couples, as shown in his new ads opposing domestic partnerships.

Whenever I see him on television, Gabbard appears to be self-righteous and hateful. I can't understand why some people consider him a hero, as in my opinion he is the farthest thing from one.

If you want a real hero, look at Martin Luther King Jr. or Susan B. Anthony, both of whom fought for equality in this country.

When people begin calling an intolerant, ignorant person a hero, we are all in trouble.

H.K. Meulemans

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