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Governor believes state is responsible for jobs

What a surprise to have Governor Cayetano mention my name 14 times in his July 8 Insight article, which attacked my own June 24 Insight commentary, which didn't even mention him once.

The kochoku (rigidity) problem that Hawaii faces is larger than any single person. Yet the governor himself perpetuates kochoku, once we realize that when he says, "the people," he means state government. Thus translated, his article tells us that government -- not business -- should run our job creation effort.

History teaches otherwise. Government-directed economies don't work well, even in Hawaii.

Rep. Galen Fox
R-21st District, Waikiki/Ala Wai

Treat Boys Scouts like 'private' agency

The Boy Scout phrase "morally straight" does not mean heterosexual. The Boy Scout code, including that phrase, predates the use of the word "straight" to define heterosexuality.

Once upon a time, teaching ignorance, bigotry and discrimination would have been in direct opposition to being "morally straight." The Boy Scouts apparently believe that maligning a group of people, misrepresenting who and what they are and slandering them and their intentions is part of their new morality.

Fine. If that's what they want, so be it. The courts have supported their right to injustice.

It is now up to taxpayers and our government to make sure that the organization really and truly is private. No more public or taxpayer funding. No more free or discounted rent for the use of schools or other public buildings, either.

Ken Scott

Quotables "All of our receivers are so big. I'm just trying to get my scrawny butt out on that field whenever and wherever I can." Dwight Carter FORMER UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII RAINBOW FOOTBALL RECEIVER Fighting an uphill battle for a spot with the San Francisco 49ers "This legislation violates our right to self-determination because it predetermines our political status." Kekuni Blaisdell HAWAIIAN ACTIVIST Who is coordinator of Ka Pakaukau, a coalition of local groups that opposes a federal bill introduced by Hawaii's congressional delegation that would give Hawaiians the same status as American Indians and native Alaskans

More awareness needed on injuries to brain

I read with much interest Diane Chang's July 7 column on the latent effects of traumatic brain injury. It was especially pertinent to the work I am participating in as part of the state Department of Health's Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Advisory Council.

I shared the article with our Child and Youth Task Force on TBI, as we planned strategies and activities to address the needs of young people with this injury. The issue of the long-term effects, and the need for increased awareness of TBI, were validated by the families in attendance.

Sachi Taketa

Lions tour guide would make good legislator

I came to Oahu with the Michigan Lions for the recent Lions International Convention and was especially impressed by a special person named Jason Iwai.

When my group arrived at the airport, Jason was there to greet us with leis. He became our taxi driver, using his own car, and gave us a tour of your beautiful island.

He told us stories and about the history of Hawaii. He tried to teach us small phrases of the language and we all laughed when we couldn't pronounce some of them. He gave us his phone number in case we got lost or needed something. It was nice to know someone was looking out for our group.

Later, we found out that Jason Iwai is running for state representative in the 23rd District. If he reflects the people of Oahu, you are truly blessed.

Evelyn Valliere
Avon Hill Lioness Club
Rochester, Mich.

Waihee typifies Hawaii Democrats

The state Democratic Party made an excellent choice in John Waihee as national committeeman. Waihee not only embodies the principles of the Democratic Party, but is responsible for molding Hawaii into what it is today.

As governor, Waihee ran a $500-million budget surplus into a $500-million deficit and let the economy and education of our children go straight to hell. He elevated the fine art of awarding non-bid contracts to political cronies and golfing buddies to new heights.

This practice forced his budget director, Yukio Takemoto, to resign amid scandal to take a job with the Bishop Estate. After his term as governor, Waihee also went to work (in effect) for the estate, helping to squander money meant for the education of Hawaiian children on lobbying Congress to resist placing a limit on trustee compensation.

Roy Frank Westlake

Can't bodyboarders and surfers get along?

As an avid bodyboarder for more than 20 years, I was concerned by Jamey Steiner's July 11 letter. He wrote that while Oahu bodyboarders get two spots all to themselves, Walls in Waikiki and Makapuu, there is no spot for surfers only.

The fact is that surfers "own" the rest of the spots on the island. Surfboards are inherently faster and more manueverable than bodyboards and, therefore, get the vast majority of waves.

There is a hierarchy of wave catching and riding, with longboarders on top, shortboarders next and bodyboarders on the bottom. When all are mixed in at the same surf break, the one who gets to ride it relies on skill, knowledge and anticipation of where the wave will breakÖ and a little luck.

When there is a friendly group, people sometimes share a wave, especially if one prefers going left and the other going right. In these days of crowded surf spots, Steiner might think about sharing a wave, even with a bodyboarder.

Greg Mau

Makawao probe is witch hunt

The Maui County Council seems determined to waste taxpayer dollars by continuing its on-again-off-again investigation of the Makawao Highlands project.

This project has been nationally recognized for its innovations, as it has helped developmentally disabled people while providing affordable homes for a number of Maui families.

The intent of Makawao Highlands, from the beginning, was to convert a difficult and challenging problem into a positive contribution for the people of Maui. This was done legally, with county attorneys reviewing and approving each step of the process.

Please, Maui Council members, focus on some real concerns for our community, and don't waste $30,000 on this politically motivated witch hunt.

Travis O. Thompson
Wailea, Maui

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