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Election fund levels the playing field

It has come to our attention that at least one candidate in this past election criticized the use of the state's Election Campaign Fund by his opponent.

Our members are concerned that the use of the state's Election Campaign Fund not be viewed negatively by voters. This is a program designed for legitimate purposes.

The present fund provides partial matching funds to candidates who voluntarily agree to certain expenditure limits. Also, to quality for matching funds, a House candidate must raise a minimum of $3,000 in donations of not more than $100 per donor.

The program is designed to encourage candidates to raise campaign funds from a broad base of supporters and not depend on larger contributions from special interests. It also encourages limits on campaign expenditures.

To the extent that we can reduce the perception and reality of the undue influence of special interests on government, we will be restoring the faith of the people in government and in democracy.

Jean Y. Aoki
Legislative Chairwoman
League of Women Voters of Hawaii

Servco seems driven by profit motive

In your Nov. 3 article, Carol Lam, a Servco Pacific senior vice president, said the company has been "a part of this Hawaii community for a very long time." She also said that Servco will use the property under the Columbia Inn in the best economic interests of Servco. I assume this means regardless of what the community wants.

Hawaii is clearly experiencing wrenching change, not the least of which is a cultural change from values and behavior of "old Hawaii" to "profit-driven" Hawaii. Servco has a long heritage dating back to its founder, the grandfather of the company's current president. I can't help but wonder how he would view this for-profit incentive.

Is this decision indicative of the new corporate culture at Servco and its many subsidiary enterprises? What portends the future? Will it lead to the best offer to buy out Servco to fulfill its current owner's best economic interest?

David Miho

Rehashed story about firing was inappropriate

As a longtime supporter of the Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF), considered one of the 10 best in the world, I expected an upbeat commentary on its 20th anniversary year. As the first three days of films show, Chuck Boller and his staff have done a wonderful job in continuing and expanding founder Jeanette Paulson's vision. We are in their debt.

Therefore, I couldn't believe it when, 10 months after Christian Gaines was fired as HIFF executive director -- and on Nov. 2, the eve of the 2000 festival -- you thought it newsworthy enough to run the story, "Former HIFF director still stung by dismissal."

There was nothing new in the article, which rehashed material in the press at the time. In fact, in perusing your story, I got the impression Gaines engineered the story to embarrass the HIFF staff and board.

If he has a problem with them, he should deal with them directly, not air a personnel problem in the press.

Lynne Matusow

Quotables "It's nice to hear that...but I must focus. We all have the same goal: to get to Virginia (the NCAA Final Four)." Maja Gustin WAHINE MIDDLE BLOCKER After the University of Hawaii women's volleyball player was named Western Athletic Conference player of the week "(If) Democrats have difficult races, it's primarily because of self-inflicted wounds." Governor Cayetano On how local candidates from his political party will fare in the general election "I've got 10 weeks to quack." President Clinton Saying his lameduck status won't keep him from speaking out

Remove giant antennas from residential area

AT&T recently erected multiple cell phone antennas immediately adjacent to homes in Mililani Mauka. This was done overnight in Gestapo-like fashion, without notification of those who live in the residential neighborhood.

While it's been neither validated nor disproved whether radio frequency (RF) radiation causes detrimental health problems such as cancer, Alzheimer's, leukemia, heart disorders and birth defects, AT&T nevertheless placed these antennas within a few feet of homes.

In the face of such uncertainty, one thing is fairly certain: Young children are always among the hardest hit of all health hazard victims.

If AT&T firmly doubts the health risks of these antennas, it certainly would have placed them on the rooftop of its own administrative headquarters on the high grounds of the Mililani Tech Park. But was this done? Absolutely not.

We ask AT&T to demonstrate increased community-mindedness by removing these antennas from Mililani Mauka and its many young children.

Ed Uchida

Wong's contribution not related to estate

Last Tuesday's front-page story, "Former trustees funneled money to lawmakers," referred to a $250 campaign contribution I received in 1994 from former Bishop Estate trustee Dickie Wong.

Former Senator Wong and I shared a common political interest in enacting stronger gun control measures for our state.

The contribution was received in the midst of my efforts as Senate Judiciary chairman to push for stricter handgun control measures, which passed that session. Contrary to your report's implication, it had nothing to do with any matter involving Bishop Estate.

Reynaldo D. Graulty

Sovereignty may scare off tourists

As a member of the vast right-wing conspiracy, I find myself supporting Hawaiian sovereignty. But there may be a serious drawback. Many people on the mainland may feel angry about paying out billions of dollars to support Hawaiian programs, thus resulting in lost tourism dollars. This could represent perhaps billions more than would be paid to the Hawaiian people.

Ronald Edmiston

Smear of Bush obviously didn't work

I deeply admire and applaud your unbiased Nov. 4 editorial, "Last-minute attempt to smear George W. Bush." What a contrast with an Advertiser editorial, which tried to divert voters to Al Gore because Bush was convicted of drunken driving 24 years ago.

Bush paid his fine and learned from that mistake. It is a part of growing up. Many Americans drink beer, so why bring up this character assassination a few hours before the election?

Bernardo Pascua Benigno

Mililani

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