Lingle has one vote like everyone else

Linda Lingle was quoted in the May 21 Star-Bulletin stating how she will have more influence in 2002 in the selection of her running mate.

I can't understand why Lingle is not content to let the voters decide who will be the next lieutenant governor of Hawaii. In 1998, she had one vote just like everyone else. I am confident that the democratic process was successful in 1998 and hope that it will continue to be in 2002.

For a politician who has not held statewide office, I find her to be a little too confident about her own coronation and the future of her party.

Greg Johnson
Pahoa, Hawaii

People form their own ideas about Lingle

Rep. David Pendleton thinks he knows from reading the Star-Bulletin what impressions people get about Linda Lingle (Letters to the Editor, May 28).

The impressions that I get from him are that he likes Lingle and would like to share her common goals, beliefs and leadership styles; that he didn't think much of the rest of the GOP and "it's about time that we have such leadership"; that if Lingle were a man, I and others would praise her; that because Lingle is a woman (not for other reasons) negative things are said about her; and that one should be "banished from Hawaii" for even thinking that Democrats and others have that sort of bias.

Is the Democratic Party made up only of men? The fact that Rep. Pendleton is using the "W" card is not fooling me. What I read in the paper is that Lingle feels that there are only two races in the next election, the governor and state House. She plans to help select her running mate and has said, "It is just about power."

George Toyama
Pearl City

Lingle encourages openness in party

In response to Democrats who say that Linda Lingle is the heavy hand of the Republican Party and the rest of the Republicans are pawns: That's absurd.

I joined the "New" Republican Party because its primary goal is to establish a healthy two-party system, while returning integrity to Hawaii's government. At every Republican meeting that both Lingle and I were a part of, I always experienced sharing of ideas and thoughts and at no time was it ever a dictatorship.

Lingle is an outstanding leader and constantly encourages people to voice their opinions whether or not she agrees with their ideas. I've seen her and other Hawaii GOP leaders implement ideas and suggestions from rank-and-file members.

Before the Democrats criticize Lingle for being heavy-handed, maybe they should sit in on a Hawaii Republican Party executive meeting. They may learn the true meaning of a democracy.

Lynn Finnegan
First Vice Chairman
Hawaii Republican Party

[Quotables] "Hearing ukulele and harp play together is a tremendous experience." Moe Keale, Entertainer and this week's Hoku awards ceremony emcee, joking about his near-death experience last March after he collapsed in a gym. "I think it will turn into Hanauma Bay II. Local people will lose their access." David Matthews, Co-founder of Ka Iwi Action Council, on a state plan to install two parking lots off Kalanianaole Highway near Makapuu as part of the first phase of Ka Iwi State Park.

Zoo benefits humans and animals alike

As a wildlife photographer, I would suggest that the proposal in a May 26 letter to close the Honolulu zoo is mistaken. Most humans want to raise a family on their own "40 acres," rather than in a condo on the 25th floor, but free housing and medical services would immediately fill any building in the most congested city in the world, where all the tenants would dream and complain about not having their own separate space.

Every bird in a cage and every dog on a leash wants its own "40 acres," too, but most will be happy to settle for free meals, medical care and housing.

Wild animals don't spend their time prancing around the forest/jungle but, like couch potatoes and zoo tenants, adult wild animals conserve their energy for the truly important things in life: the next meal, the toilet and sex.

Zoos are living libraries where everyone can witness living creatures naturally coping with the weather, temper tantrums, bullies, alliances, defense strategies and the mating game. It doesn't matter if you're a pre-schooler or an engineer, the answers to many questions are brought vigorously to life at a zoo.

Zoos are also the Ellis Islands for animal refugees unable to defend or prosper on their own. Some plants and animals exist today only because zoos provided the protection and the environment necessary for their survival.

From the number of times my photos of the Mexican Gray Wolf and the Margay have been downloaded, it happily seems the number of people who support closing Honolulu Zoo is just about as common as the Dodo bird.

Rico Leffanta

Please save the aerospace museum

As a former Waikiki resident, I made a recent visit to Hawaii and had some time to spare at the Honolulu Airport. I discovered the Pacific Aerospace Museum and enjoyed its many exhibits about the history of flight. Much to my dismay, I was told that the museum would be closing. Its lease was being terminated by the state Department of Transportation because it was selling merchandise on its premises.

Most museums open gift stores as a means of obtaining funds to support their exhibits. There was no objection from the other airport vendors for the Pacific Aerospace Museum to sell its merchandise. The museum charges no admission fee so that all people (including many school children) can enjoy its exhibits and supports itself through the sales from its gift shop.

I am shocked that Governor Cayetano, who calls himself the "education governor," would allow this forced closure. It is especially shameful because one of the exhibits is a memorial to the astronauts of the ill-fated space shuttle Challenger, one of whom was Hawaii's native son Ellison Onizuka.

Aviation is the transportation of the future, and even the poorest child should have an opportunity to learn about the history and dynamics of flight. I hope every resident will rally to save this museum by calling the governor and expressing their displeasure about its closing.

Carol Sword
Kwajalein

Religion can sustain us through hardships

Michael Golojuch writes in his May 25 letter to the editor that, "religion is a crutch" and the "most destructive force on the planet." His words give me the impression that he is an unhappy man, who is trying to come to grips with his own personal demons.

I believe that Michael should take Jeffrey Mead's advice (Star-Bulletin, May 20) and visit Central Union Church. He might find that religious people are not so bad and spirituality can bring him happiness.

For thousands of years, religion has given hope to millions and millions of people. When the going gets tough, only God can give us shelter from the difficulties and anxieties that we constantly face.

Kathy Martin

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