Makaha students know the value of reading

I was delighted to read Diane Chang's Jan. 1 column about Makaha Elementary School and heartened to hear that its students had so much community support for its book drive. However, the most exciting part of the story for me was the fact that the school's student leaders decided to get books for all of the other students as a Christmas present.

In this era of television, video games, hand-held electronic toys and other distractions, reading books and newspapers seems to no longer be a normal recreational activity for youngsters. How wonderfully reassuring that there are elementary-age students who value reading enough to make it a priority for themselves and their classmates.

Hooray for the students at Makaha, their parents and their teachers!

Susan Fuller
(Via the Internet)

Clinton's actions were origin of crisis

In all the comment and emotion that has been expressed over this national crisis, three incontrovertible points are little mentioned:

1) Had it not been for the admitted actions of the president, the problem would not be with us regardless of how it was pursued.

2) The admitted actions of the president would be cause for court martial in the armed forces (of which he is the commander in chief) or dismissal from the civil service, yet the executive branch seems exempt. Clinton is seen by many to be above the law.

3) Most worrisome is the man's judgment. How can the nation depend on Clinton to solve a myriad of problems, many involving military action and diplomatic decisions? He can affect the lives and well being of millions.

The nation and its defenders must have confidence in their commander. It is an awesome responsibility.

James T. Pettus
Colonel, USAF (Ret.)

Texaco dealers hurt by state order

Our "business-friendly" government strikes again. It threatens to put a dozen or more Texaco dealers out of business.

Texaco was ordered by the attorney general to sell all its assets on Oahu. otherwise the national joint venture between Shell and Texaco would be blocked. Oahu Texaco dealers are being held hostage to satisfy the vengeful desires of a deputy AG.

We, the Shell and Texaco dealers, fought for six months to overturn the AG's consent decree. The entire Legislature, our congressional delegation and even the governor agreed with our position that only harm would come from a forced sale.

The governor said in a TV interview, "I agree with the dealers, but I can't fire (the attorney general), so I can't tell her what to do." And yet he takes credit for "telling" her to investigate Bishop Estate!

Today, exactly what we said is coming true: No major, responsible marketer would even consider coming to Hawaii because the potential is too small and the business climate so bad.

Therefore, a "restaurant" company was the highest bidder for the Texaco stations. It, through a subsidiary, has offered Texaco dealers a grossly unacceptable lease package that will deprive dealers of their franchise rights, a national credit card and national advertising. All of their costs will increase and there will be no benefit to the public.

It is not too late for the AG to withdraw the consent decree and admit that these actions have not been in the public interest.

Bill Green
Shell dealer

Don't rap taxi protesters without knowing all facts

In response to Darrell Large's Dec. 26 letter, whatever happened to investigating a matter thoroughly before passing judgment? Large, the president of the Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii, should learn the facts about those suffering Charley's taxi drivers (136 petitioners on record, out of 225 drivers) who have every right to be upset with Charley's management and for standing up for their rights.

One has to arrive at the conclusion that Large is totally mesmerized by Dale Evans' so-called "compassion." While she is magnanimous with her offer to help tourists who are in trouble, wouldn't it be nice if she would share some of her aloha spirit with her drivers once in a while?

Instead, I am deeply perturbed and a bit disappointed that Evans is providing complimentary taxi service for "victimized tourists" for publicity purposes.

Rafique Muzhar Islam

Balloonists weren't mistreated by INS

In reference to Dave Donnelly's Dec. 28 column, in which he discussed the Immigration Service's response to the arrival of balloonists Richard Branson, Steve Fossett and Per Lindstrand to our shores: As an immigration officer, I wanted to convey a few thoughts on the subject. But I wish to emphasize that I am not speaking on behalf of the Immigration Service.

The service does not waive inspections of people arriving from foreign places simply because they are among the rich and famous. Can you imagine what the public outcry would be if we did? The law exempts only certain people from inspections, such as active duty military personnel, NATO members, and several other individuals and groups.

The Immigration Service officer who inspected the three balloonists is, by nature, a very courteous, tactful and diplomatic individual. I was not there at his inspection on that day, but I can assure you that he did not "demand" to see travel documents. However, to "request" one's travel documents, if any are required, is standard practice. If the traveler does not have appropriate documentation, that requirement can be waived if the traveler is otherwise admissible.

Robert E. Griffon

Let's have a smoke-free Fourth of July in 1999

Congratulations on your Jan. 7 editorial to ban fireworks except for special events. The noise and smoke from fireworks this holiday season was the worst ever. It resembled a war zone. Firecrackers, bombs and skyrockets were set off at all hours and continued for days in total disregard of the law.

Legislators should quickly follow Governor Cayetano's call and pass legislation in this upcoming session banning fireworks. Let us celebrate this Fourth of July free from fireworks set off by the public!

H.T. Chang

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