Hawaiians: Take pride in individual thinking

Why do Hawaiians continue to perpetuate the big lie, Ka Wahahe'e nui? We bemoan the fact that we can't get together. Everyone is telling us, "Unite, unite!" "All you Hawaiians do is fight, fight, fight."

But shouldn't we be proud of our independent thinking? There is power in many ideas that lead to discussions, debate and solutions. On the other hand, can anyone show us one issue that all haoles agree on? All Chinese? All Filipinos? All Japanese?

We Hawaiians did unite to uphold our gathering rights, to smash the Autonomy Bill and its "global ceded lands settlement." Together, we are rebuilding our nation -- cautiously.

We must not let anyone criticize us for our diversity. Perhaps it is safer for us not to be little wind-up toys following a leader in utter, mindless adoration. There are too many of us for the boys to bribe.

Lela M. Hubbard
Aiea

Could Star-Bulletin's demise be an omen?

Ever since the news of the closing of the Honolulu Star-Bulletin broke, I have been trying to make sense of it. The most insightful news article on the closing was in the Japanese newspaper, the Hawaii Hochi.

An article in the Sept. 16 issue quoted an excerpt from a book by Helen Chapin, "Shaping History: The Role of Newspapers in Hawaii" (UH Press, 1996). It described the way Star-Bulletin employees learned their paper had been sold to Liberty Newspapers and their former owner, Gannett Corp., had bought the Advertiser.

It ended with the prediction, "Phillips, by agreement, is not to 'sell' the afternoon paper for 20 years, but nothing precludes the Star-Bulletin from being shut down. Will there be 'death in the afternoon' for the Star-Bulletin?"

Another source of insight came from a book by Ben H. Bagdikian, "The Media Monopoly," which devotes quite a few pages to the maneuverings of the Gannett Co. It makes me fear not only for the Star-Bulletin but for the future of the Advertiser and journalism in the state of Hawaii.

Gloria Kaneshiro

Constant building is no way to achieve paradise

We like cruise ships to come here and wonder where we can berth them all. We build a convention center and wonder how we're going to deal with all the traffic. We start a ferry system, then wonder if people are going to get out of their cars.

We build a war memorial, then wonder if it's worth maintaining. We have the filthiest stretch of canal on the planet, and wonder if it's worth cleaning. We overbuild Waikiki, and wonder how we can bring back a sense of place (whatever that means).

We hold a football game, and wonder how to get the fans there on time, amidst horrendous traffic jams. We're building, and building, and building, a shopping center to satisfy the likes of New York and Dallas combined. I wonder.

Then the Star-Bulletin wonders why we are left off a list, compiled by Money Magazine, of the most agreeable places to live in America. Thank God, we can't do anything about the weather, our sole abiding solace.

John L. Werrill

Quotables "What would I call my first book? Probably something like 'Jessica Sudduth's First Book." Jessica Sudduth UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII VOLLEYBALL PLAYER Doubting she has the imagination to write a book like those of favorite author Danielle Steele "They brushed aside the views of the American people and betrayed the vision of Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy, who set us on the road to this treaty so many years ago." President Clinton Denouncing Republican leaders for the Senate's rejection of the nuclear test ban treaty

Rice lawsuit seeks reverse discrimination

If the U.S. Supreme Court rules in favor of Harold Rice, its decision will be a wanton act of reverse discrimination against the indigenous people of Hawaii who, since 1893, have borne unwillingly the weight of the white man on their backs.

J.J. Kaufmann

Don't blame GOP for failing schools

I was surprised -- and confused -- by the Oct. 1 letter, "Democrats care more about schools than GOP," written by a Bixby Ho, "McKinley High Class of 1998."

Ho's letter went from praising Democrats Jack Burns and Les Ihara Jr. to support of the State Student Conference, to attacking Republicans. I had a hard time following the logic.

He alleged, "The Republicans don't care about Hawaii's kids."

Who says so? Which Republicans is he talking about? I have participated in the State Student Conference and think it is an excellent vehicle for bringing students and lawmakers together to discuss educational issues. I participate in literacy, learning center, reading, writing and career events at the public schools, and so do my Republican colleagues.

As a public school graduate, and father of four sons -- two graduated and two still in the public system -- and a member of the Senate Education Committee, I couldn't understand Ho's attempted connection with lack of care. Nothing specific was offered.

He continued, "They (Republicans) think that the 'rotten' schools in the public education system should be shut down to help our budget. This is insane."

It certainly is insane because the Democrats have controlled Hawaii's government and education system for nearly 40 years. Republicans argue it is not a budget problem, but one of lack of leadership. Test scores have plummeted, repairs haven't been made, parents are ignored and textbooks aren't available. Democratic leaders -- not Republicans -- have continually urged closure of many public schools, most of which were not "rotten." They have also resisted charter schools, student-centered schools, and schools-within-a-school, all in the public system.

Sam Slom
8th Senate District
Minority Floor Leader

Fundraising effort vital to academy's future

I was delighted to read your Sept. 28 editorial supporting the Academy of Art's "Renaissance Campaign: Building a Legacy for Tomorrow." This important fundraising effort will ensure our programs and activities remain vibrant in spite of Hawaii's economic malaise and dwindling financial support from federal and state funds.

The academy remains committed to providing arts education programs to the State of Hawaii into the next millennium. This campaign will help us build the infrastructure to support the growing needs of our constituents while also providing new attractions to promote tourism.

George R. Ellis
Director
Honolulu Academy of Arts

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Hawaii Revised Statutes
Ka Leo O Hawaii - UH student news

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