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Why are lawmakers stalling on fluoridation?

I couldn't agree more with Tim Shiroma's Jan. 27 letter urging our legislators to consider community fluoridation for our state.

All major public health authorities in the world agree that there is no more cost effective way to protect our teeth from decay. Among those who take this stand are the American Medical Association, American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatricians and the World Health Organization.

Fluoridated water systems have been studied by experts for decades. All have concluded that fluoridated water is safe for people of all ages and is the best way to improve dental health. What are our legislators waiting for?

Sure, a vocal minority has expressed concerns. But I expect our legislators to consider public policy based on fact, not fiction. We don't need another study. We need action by our lawmakers.

For the sake of our keiki and kupuna, please save us from the pain and suffering associated with poor dental health. Fluoridate our water now.

Stacy Patten
Kaneohe

Something is suspicious about Bahamas trip

The full-page ads extolling the benefits of gaming in Hawaii by the Hawaii Coalition for Economic Diversity struck me with a "boom." How appropriate that one guy in an ad had his fingers in his ears, so he couldn't hear the arguments against its legalization.

As has been reported, Jim Boersema represents Sun International, the company that is making the pitch to our governor and legislators to build a casino/hotel. Governor Cayetano's buddy, Charles Toguchi, is also a lobbyist for the same hotel.

The governor went with both of them to the Bahamas to look at Sun International's casino. It doesn't take much imagination to see where this proposal is headed.

My, what a difference two years can bring. Back then, Cayetano was against a lottery. I guess he didn't think it would bring in the millions that was being proposed for education now.

Kelly Westfield

Scalia appearance merited more coverage

My son and I attended the Davis Levin First Amendment Conference (Star-Bulletin, Jan. 27).

It was apparent from the get-go that Justice Antonin Scalia was up against a tough crowd. Nevertheless, the clear winner of wit and humor was not Nadine Strossen of the ACLU but Justice Scalia.

Your report should have reflected his credibility. He repeated often that society needs to look within its legislative branch of government for guidance, that to leave it up to "free-falling evolution" is not the role of the judiciary.

He should have been received with much more aloha than the crowd gave him. He performed with honor and dignity, something unrecognizable over the last eight years. What a shock it must have been for Honolulu to witness such principle and consistency.

Ken Berg
Ewa Beach

Quotables "I am determined that the resignation is the only right thing to do." Noburo Yonamine DEMOCRATIC STATE REPRESENTATIVE FROM PEARL CITY Saying that he will resign at the end of the legislative session after his arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol "Give the message to Pearl City: Too bad, you got it, deal with it. We've already got our share of social problems." Earl Arakaki EWA RESIDENT Happy with the Ewa Neighborhood Board's vote against moving a juvenile sex offender treatment center into an existing psychiatric hospital in the area. The state had originally planned on putting the center in Pearl City.

Interview the friends of center, not foes

Once again, you are reporting the opposition of citizens to the Hanauma Bay project, interviewing the same two people from this tiny East Honolulu Community Coalition. Why doesn't your reporter talk to the many members of the Friends of Hanauma Bay?

Most of us are well-educated about the project and would welcome his questions. More people are for it than against it.

And why don't you report that the two major protestors were found to have been untruthful when they testified as to their interest in Hanauma Bay? This includes one who lied about his visiting the bay frequently. He hadn't been for years before this whole issue surfaced. Still, your reporter still sees fit to give this prevaricator credence and a forum.

Give us a break and report what people who have been members of the Friends of Hanauma Bay for the past 10 years have to say about the project. We are overwhelmingly for it.

Penelope Hazzard
Former President
Friends of Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay center is needed

One would think by now that the small group of people who are against the planned education center at Hanauma Bay would see the short article in your newspaper on Jan. 23, and realize that they have been turned down by the Board of Land and Natural Resources for a very good reason: The plan is a great one.

I spend one morning a week as a volunteer docent at the Hanauma Bay Education Program at the beach and thus, weekly, learn first-hand the need for education for the visitors, including residents. I wish some of the residents who want to lessen the effect of the education planned in the center would spend a half-day at the bay to see and hear what we do.

The next step of the 1990 Action Plan for the bay is to have the proper facilities so that Hanauma Bay can be enjoyed by visitors and locals both now and in the future.

Roy Gritter

Conservative voice is needed in media

Honolulu would be well served by including an opposing viewpoint among Hawaii's liberal-minded newpapers, radio stations and TV venues. If the reader/listener/viewer is presented with a conservative voice, perhaps it would lead to a more informed citizenry and cause people to become involved in the community.

Russell Matusiak

Hike in 'tip credit' is needed by restaurants

Regarding House Bills 166, 669, and 356: If we must have an increase in minimum wage, we cannot stay in business without a substantial increase in the "tip credit." The average waiter or waitress, who would get an increase with a new minimum wage, is already earning more than $100 in tips in each four-hour shift. This is in addition to the wage.

We are just starting to get out of our eight years of a terrible economy. This could be the end of many small businesses that have been just hanging on.

Fred Livingston
Owner
Crouching Lion Inn,
Matteo's, Sunset Grill,
Trattoria, Davey Jones Ribs

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