Where there's demand, there are customers

Regarding Paul David Yee's Aug. 21 letter about the sex industry, if our government really wants to go on a crusade against these "sex-oriented businesses," let me kindly remind everyone about the rule of supply and demand.

Rather then playing wack-the-mole with these "businesses" and hoping they'll go away, how about dealing with the demand aspect?

Otherwise, we're essentially nowhere, except back to where we started.

Sechyi Laiu
Via the Internet

Not only Hawaiians have respect, aloha

There was just too much anti-West (read anti-American) propaganda in Ikaika Hussey's Aug. 21 "Other Views" column to address it in a simple letter to the editor. However, I take particular exception with a point or two:

Hussey states the land "is abused by people who come to Hawaii and never pretend to care about us or our home." Yet when it comes to disrespecting the land, roadways, water, ocean or ocean wildlife on an individual-by-individual basis, no one has more disregard for these things than the kanaka maoli. That's just an obvious, everyday observation.
Hussey fantasizes that Hawaii will turn into some kind of utopia if we somehow reinvent history by clinging to these "values." Yet I don't really see this in practice by those who claim them as their own.

The so-called aloha spirit is practiced in many other countries and by people of many faiths. My advice is that here, like anywhere else, you've got to make your own aloha spirit.

Kevin Gagan
Mililani
Via the Internet

Quotables "I don't care if anybody believes me; the main thing is I'm speaking the truth. That's all I care about." Frank Pauline Jr. Murder defendant Testifying that he falsely confessed to being involved in the rape and murder of Dana Ireland on the big Island to get police favors for himself and his relatives "I thought that it was very culturally insensitive for them to plan this big alcohol bash and...encourage everybody to dress up Hawaiian, wear their fake coconut grass skirts and fake leis." Aaron 'Aina Akamu 1997 Kamehameha Schools graduate and president of the Hawaii club at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire Explaining why he complained about a luau-themed fraternity/sorority party on the campus, which led to its cancellation and a deluge of e-mail criticizing his stance

Natatorium condition is an embarrassment

Mayor Harris is right on track with his intent of fully restoring the Natatorium in honor of those who served in World War I. He should be commended for his determination to fix what is long overdue.

Unfortunately, there are some people who feel otherwise. Shame on them and the Kaimana Beach Coalition for filing a lawsuit against the city and wasting our tax dollars.

Today, tourists see the remnants of what once was a beautiful piece of architecture and landmark in Waikiki and ask why it is fenced off and closed. How embarrassing.

Scott Walden
Via the Internet

Patriotic propaganda over pool is in play

Mayor Harris and his Natatorium friends are no more patriotic than anyone else. We all equally love our country and honor our veterans. This should never be questioned.

I take exception to the mayor using patriotic rhetoric to gain support for his plans by intimating that people not behind his Natatorium agenda lack a sense of patriotism. This is manipulative dirty pool (pun fully intended).

Also of concern is the fact that the project's most ardent supporter, the Friends of the Natatorium, is also vying for the contract to maintain the facility. This reeks of impropriety.

Juan Rivero
Via the Internet

Of course counselors should be regulated

State Auditor Marion Higa argues that regulation of mental-health counselors is not needed because 1) counselors "pose little risk of serious harm to consumers," 2) "the state cannot assess and assure competency," and 3) the state's cost of regulation may raise the cost of services and restrict entry into counseling occupations.

If there is no need for regulation of mental-health counselors, why are there regulations for social workers and psychologists? Why can't the state assess and assure competency for counselors when it does so for other mental-health professionals?

I trust that state lawmakers can see through the politics by ensuring that Hawaii's counselors meet minimum standards.

Tracy Trevorrow
Via the Internet

No place is safe from crazed gunmen

It really hit home when I heard that the community center I attended while growing up in and near Granada Hills, Calif., was struck by violence ("Gunman wounds five at Jewish center," Star-Bulletin, Aug. 10).

Some people think that Hawaii is safe from violent anti-Semitic crimes. But then, had you asked anyone from Granada Hills, they would have said the same thing.

Jeffrey Esmond
Kahaluu
Via the Internet

Boy Scout decision is misunderstood

I was greatly saddened by the opinion expressed by Janice Judd in her Aug. 11 letter regarding a New Jersey court's decision to allow homosexuals in the Boy Scouts. She describes it as part of our society's continuing moral decline that will lead to more Columbine-type tragedies and threaten the innocence of our children.

Columbine and the attack on the Jewish Center in Los Angeles did not occur because a court rightly affirmed the civil rights of a particular group of citizens. They occurred because of hate and intolerance to others perceived as different and therefore inferior to the assailants.

Here in multi-ethnic Hawaii, it would be unthinkable for many of us to ever make a racial slur. Yet somehow the idea of prejudice and discrimination in the sexual orientation arena has yet to be fully recognized.

Judd also challenges parents who support the court ruling to allow their sons to participate in a weekend camp with a homosexual counselor. Pedophilia and homosexuality are not the same thing. They do not go hand in hand. Neither, I might add, do heterosexuality and morality.

Judy Sadoyama
Via the Internet

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