Mentally ill need community services

The proposal to virtually close the Hawaii State Hospital appears to be a good one, however, I have several concerns: Will there be sufficient funding? Will there be services -- such as transition homes, day programs, work programs and medical support -- for those placed in the community? Will there be funding and services for future clients with emotional disabilities?

I am concerned that those hospital clients may not receive the support they need in the community. They may even end up homeless.

The Health Department should work with mental health organizations on an educational program to prepare the public for hospital clients in their neighborhoods. There is a lot of fear and ignorance about mental or emotional illness.

Theodore Taba

Teach students about inappropriate behavior

I was disturbed to learn about the students who were allegedly sexually molested by their teacher. Parents should take all necessary precautions to protect their children from being victimized, and should be aware of what is appropriate interaction between a teacher and student. They should share this information with their kids.

For example, the following are red flags:

An overly physical relationship.

One-on-one meetings, especially during non-school hours.

Contact initiated by the teacher, especially over the phone or about activities not related to school.

Teacher's comments regarding the student's appearance or clothing.

Parents should remind their kids that, although teachers should be respected, there is a fine line that shouldn't be crossed.

Trislyn Tom
Aiea

China should stop threatening Taiwan

During his joint press conference with President Clinton, China Premier Zhu Rongji -- while refusing to renounce the use of force against Taiwan -- praised President Lincoln for his courage in using force to bring the South back into the Union. "We should all learn from President Lincoln," Zhu said. Clinton corrected him by reminding Zhu that the Taiwan issue should be resolved by peaceful means.

Zhu's reference to Lincoln is historically incorrect and logically flawed. Until their secession, the southern states had been part of the federal union. Taiwan was never part of the People's Republic of China. In fact, the Republic of China, established in January 1912 as an independent nation, predates the PRC by 38 years.

More important, Lincoln waged war to emancipate the blacks and guarantee their civil rights. What would be the justification if China should use force against Taiwan? Taiwan is a fully democratic society with complete press freedom and freedom of speech. Mainland China's record on human rights is well known.

Godwin C. Chu

"Now they see the magic that I make, the magic like before sailing to other places." Mau Piailug MASTER NAVIGATOR The Micronesian sailor who has taught traditional navigation since the late 1970s, who is being honored by islanders throughout the Western Pacific as he and his Hawaiian crew sail on the Big Island canoe Makali 'i "The whole army's coming." Robert Davis HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT BATTALION CHIEF On the new federal mandate that will send twice as many firetrucks to each routine house fire.

Low budgets, low scores go hand in hand

Responsibility for the abysmal national ranking of 4th and 8th graders' reading scores must lie with the state legislators who have been derelict in allocating sufficient funds each year to improve our stagnant educational system.

According to national statistics on education, Hawaii is ranked 47 out of 50 states in its allocation of funds for education. Moreover, Hawaii only allocates 14 percent of its annual budget for education, while the national average is 21 percent.

Do we need any more statistics to prove that Hawaii isn't doing enough for public education?

Toshio Chinen
Pearl City

SAT Scores Database

Drag racing belongs on the race track

It's a craze among many young and some who are old: Street racing, the thrill of your life. Although it's illegal, people continue to do it.

As you pull up to the line at the stop light, you can't help but notice the guy next to you is revving his engine. You look at him and rev back. It's on.

Screech, as you pull away, racing to the next light. While racing, there is a chance nothing will happen. On the other hand, you might end up in a body bag.

My advice is to take it to the track. The outcome is safer.

Zane Harp
Senior,
Mililani High School

Gas boycott won't hurt the oil suppliers

I have received e-mail suggesting drivers participate in a nationwide "Gas Out" on April 30 in an effort to cripple the gas companies.

I don't think so. Think about it: If a gas station sells 70,000 gallons a week, what difference would it make if it sells 10,000 gallons a day for seven days or six?

The only thing that may happen if consumers boycott the gas stations is that, about the middle of the day on April 30, managers for thousands of gas stations nationwide will notice that it's slow. They'd say to their employees, "Why don't you take off early?"

Hence, we will have thousands of employees short on pay for that week, saving the stations money. And, as most of the stations are owned by the oil companies anyway, that would mean increased profits for them. This defeats the whole purpose of the "Gas Out."

Fred A. Rackle
Wahiawa
Via the Internet

Right to religious expression is denied

The founding fathers were wise to ensure the separation of church and state to prevent tyranny of a single religious entity. They also acknowledged, however, that our nation is founded upon principles of godliness.

Freedom of religion ensures each of us the right and privilege to worship God or not to worship at all. Expressions of personal faith by legislators do not create a state religion.

Many who espouse freedom of religion are actually advocating freedom from religion, which is their right. However, these folks seem eager to deny others the right of religious expression under this guise of freedom.

Mitch Kahle doesn't have to believe in God, but I'm thankful that God believes in me and in him.

Claude Kutaka
Kaneohe
Via the Internet

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