Don't contribute money to lousy incumbents

Diane Chang's Jan. 7 column, "Dear Hillary: Check isn't in the mail," gave me an idea that all of us may be able to use on a local level.

Since a large majority of the voting public appears to be displeased with the job our elected state officials have been doing, consider this: Next time they ask for contributions for their re-election campaigns, tell them NO! You could even add something like, "I'm not giving money to people who can't do the job they were hired to do."

Employers will fire, lay off, terminate, dismiss, etc., any worker who doesn't perform, so why can't we as voters do the same?

I also suggest that we let them know now, as the next legislative session is about to start, that they won't be getting any of our hard-earned money unless they show they can do something FOR the citizens of Hawaii, rather than TO the citizens of Hawaii.

Jim Fromm
Via the Internet

Diamond Head is beautiful without lights

A.A. Smyser should have been playing closer attention to his dinner companion and less to Diamond Head ("Light up Diamond Head at night," Star-Bulletin, Dec. 21). It does not need to be illuminated. Diamond Head is ruggedly beautiful on its own.

If Smyser had stepped outside and allowed his eyes to adjust, he could have seen that.

Robert J. Conlan

Quotables "I have a medical condition called Tourette's syndrome. It causes me to make loud sounds, say things I don't mean, or makes my body muscles jerk. I can't control this. I'm sorry if it bothers you -- it bothers me more." Brandon Isokane 16-year-old Roosevelt High School student with Tourette's syndrome The words on a business-size card he used to hand out explaining his neurological disorder "From a retailing perspective, it's going to be an absolute grand-slam home run. You're smack in the center of the retail core." Steve Sofos President of Sofos Realty Corp. On Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s decision to purchase the vacant superblock site on Keeaumoku Street near Ala Moana Center

Who takes responsibility for the dead birds?

While walking Kailua Beach the Sunday after New Year's Eve, I came across several hundred dead birds washed up on the shoreline. I called the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and was told that the birds "probably died as a result of the fireworks."

I first arrived in Hawaii in 1968, so I'm not steeped in all the nuances of culture and tradition. But I fail to see how the lunacy of fireworks does anything to cherish and preserve the aina.

In his letter published on Jan. 6, Troy Adams says that "animal owners should prep for that (New Year's Eve) night." Mr. Adams, who owns the birds?

Paul Ansberry
Kailua
Via the Internet

Legalize aerials; ban firecrackers

After one of the smokiest New Year's celebrations, we are again faced with the task of doing what's right when it comes to fireworks.

Major concerns are health, safety, tradition and common sense, or the lack of it. What to do? Could this debate go on forever, like the one over the chicken or the egg? Is there a way to come to our senses and decide, so that future celebrations will be more enjoyable?

I think so. Since firecrackers create more smoke than aerials, why don't we try banning them and allowing the aerials on Oahu, where they are not legal (unlike on the Big Island)? Besides, they are more beautiful to watch in the sky anyway.

D. Arakaki
Pearl City
Via the Internet

Legislature is blowing smoke about fireworks

The state Legislature is getting ready to set up another smoke screen. For the past 10 years, its members have done nothing about the economy, especially giving help to small business, the backbone of Hawaii.

Now they are making such a big deal about a tradition that has been here since statehood. Granted, the illegal fireworks and smoke may have been a little overwhelming these past few years. But considering this was the millennium New Year's, and there were no trade winds, it's unfair to pass a ban just because of that.

Yeah, there's smoke all right, and it's coming out of the state Capitol.

Brandon Collier
Kapolei
Via the Internet

Get rid of fireworks and pols who support them

Ban uncontrolled fireworks in Hawaii like Hong Kong and China or banish the politicians who advocate the senseless killing and maiming of people and the destruction of property.

There is no proof of a cultural need for fireworks -- except to enrich the fireworks manufacturers.

Chester Lau
Via the Internet

People are exaggerating about smoke, noise

I'm tired of all these babies grumbling about how bad the fireworks were this past New Year's Eve and how it should be banned.

Yes, it was sad that someone died. But everything we do in life has risks. Those of us who play with fireworks know the risks. If we get hurt, we have no one to blame but ourselves.

A New Year's Eve without fireworks is just not a New Year's Eve. It's another day on the calendar!

Kyle Kajioka
Via the Internet

Paper should charge for online edition

As an Oahu refugee now living in rural Hawaii, I am able to continue a 40-year habit of reading the Star-Bulletin by accessing the online edition.

Considering your troubles, I was wondering how I could pay you for your efforts. I almost feel guilty getting your great features and investigative reporting for free. Perhaps if you included the comics page and other diversions online for a $9.95-per-year charge, like the New York Times does, you might make a buck or two.

In any case, hang in there. I hope your circulation has gone up since this plan to close you down became public. If everyone who could or would subscribe did subscribe, I have a feeling you'd be OK.

Come on folks, subscribe! It may be your last chance to guarantee two news voices in our state. There's no TV station that can touch the depth of coverage the Star-Bulletin can muster.

Mike Maddux
Hawi, Hawaii
Via the Internet

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Paper's shutdown on hold

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