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Mufi shows poor aesthetic judgment

I do not know enough about mayoral candidate Mufi Hannemann to make a decision yet, but I have seen enough of his campaign headquarters to offer my opinion. I am referring to the "Mufi Hannemann For Mayor Building" on Kapiolani Boulevard near Cooke Street.

All of his neighbors have simple, natural-tone colors with understated displays, but Hannemann has bright multi-colors with three-foot-high letters. While it certainly attracts my attention, it also makes this architectural statement: "I care only about my self-interest in getting elected; I do not care about the community."

I am worried that Hannemann's decisions about his campaign headquarters may be an indication of his decisions in office.

Richard Elstner

Foley appointment must be rejected by Senate

The selection of Dan Foley to a seat on the Intermediate Court of Appeals is outrageous and must be rejected by the state Senate.

Ted Becker, past professor of political science at the University of Hawaii and trained in the law himself, taught the importance of "judicial role" -- a judge's conscious decision to follow the law and precedent regardless of his or her own opinions.

We know from his record and statements that Foley, attorney for the homosexual couples in the recent gay marriage case, will not make impartial rulings in future cases regarding homosexual marriage or partnerships.

Any senator who votes to confirm Foley is voting against the constitutional amendment reserving marriage for a man and a woman, which was approved overwhelmingly by 70 percent of voters. Foley would undoubtedly work to subvert and undermine this decision.

J.M. Smith

Quotables "It was inexcusable for the mayor and the people who were responsible to allow this kind of corruption to happen." Frank Fasi FORMER HONOLULU MAYOR Blaming Mayor Harris and Councilman Hannemann for the Ewa Villages scandal "I don't think that the verdict necessarily indicates Mr. Kahapea is necessarily responsible for (the theft of) the $5.6 million." Donald Wilkerson ATTORNEY FOR FIRED CITY HOUSING OFFICIAL MICHAEL KAPAHEA After his client was found guilty of 43 counts of theft, money-laundering and forgery in the Ewa Villages trial

Federal credit unions offer good deals

Rob Perez's July 26 article, "Isle banks lagging on CD rates," was enlightening. Historically, the rates of return on certificates of deposit at local credit unions have been much higher than at major local banks. Conversely, loan rates at local credit unions are often much lower than at the banks.

Credit unions can outdo banks because they are member-owned cooperatives and directed by volunteer members. Credit unions' expenses are often much lower than banks and, consequently, they can give much better deals.

Banks, on the other hand, are public companies owned by their shareholders and are often run by highly paid executives and directors. To remain viable, they must make ever-increasing profits and pay higher dividends to investors.

The good news is that nearly anyone can join a credit union.

Wyman Au
Vice Chairman
Honolulu Federal Employees FCU

Did storm affect political decision?

Having learned from Pat Robertson of God's use of weather as a weapon to punish the wicked, I found myself closely studying the actions of hurricane/tropical storm Daniel.

I noticed that this storm was heading straight for us, threatening to wipe out each of the islands in turn, until Mike Gabbard dropped out of the race for Congress.

Then it turned and raced away from Hawaii. I'm not sure what the lesson is from all this, but I am grateful that we were spared two catastrophes in the same week.

Andrew Thomas

A huge mistake
for Hugh

Football players may get teased anyway

The new University of Hawaii logo sure is pretty. But isn't Athletic Director Hugh Yoshida worried that bullies on the other teams will tease our football players by saying that "H" stands for homosexual?

John Sender

Gay community supports UH, too

First, we need to get the $35,000 back that we paid to that mainland graphic designer. We could have had elementary school students come up with something better.

Then, "H is for Hugh" Yoshida makes a derogatory remark about not wanting to be identified with certain groups. Yet these people are human beings just like him and the rest of the athletic department. They are members in good standing within our community and are not criminals. They also support the University of Hawaii.

No apology can take back what has already been said. What a sad example for Hawaii's children.

Hey, Hugh, you'd better take the license plate off your car. It has a rainbow on it!

Betty Fernandez

Bureaucrats forgot meaning of Rainbows

University of Hawaii Athletic Director Hugh Yoshida and his newly crowned bureaucrats have completely forgotten that -- besides tradition and culture, which are meaningful to many people --the rainbow is a perfect and beautiful creation of God .

It appears mysteriously and majestically out of the heavens and Manoa mountains, and disappears as quickly as it appears. It is symbolically similar to the fleeting nature of gridiron victory or defeat.

Hopefully, someone will exercise some good sense, and bring back the rainbow -- perhaps as a background against the new "H" symbol, instead of meeting the egotistical needs of a greedy money marketeer who apparently has no understanding of our culture.

The Hawaii rainbow is also reflective of the many different races residing in beautiful harmony in this land.

Edwin S. Uyehara
Kailua

Hitler would enjoy UH's new sports logo

The more I look at the university's new logo, the more I think the "H" looks like the German swastika. So why don't we just call it the New Hawaiian Swastika?

Hitler would love it.

Alvin Shinkawa

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