New software could save state millions

The Hawaii state government would save millions of dollars every couple of years if it used StarOffice software for word processing, calculations and presentations, and stop using Microsoft Office.

The Department of Defense Information Systems group, angry at Microsoft's ever-changing licensing programs, recently said it would use StarOffice on 25,000 computers.

Also, there are NO licensing fees whatsoever for StarOffice, distributed free by Sun Microsystems. A quick search of the Web shows that it's more than $400 per copy for Microsoft Office. So that just saved $10 million!

According to DBEDT and Census statistics, as of 1999 there were about 100,000 full-time (or equivalent) state employees. Say one-third used Microsoft Office -- at $400 a seat, that's $13 million!

Von Kenric Kaneshiro

Why did Mansho get better treatment?

In light of what has transpired with Councilman Andy Mirikitani, I wonder why the Council chooses to chastise Mirikitani but did very little to Councilwoman Rene Mansho. After all, she stole more than $100,000 from taxpayers over a 12-year period by forcing her staff to do her campaign activities on city time and on city property.

Is it because Mansho is part of their team and Mirikitani is not? It appears that the seriousness of the crime is judged by whose team you're playing on. I truly hope the voters remember these shenanigans during the next election.

Patti Adolphson

[QUOTABLES] "I'm still very excited and I have no second thoughts." Clyde Namuo, On his appointment as the new administrator of the constantly feuding Office of Hawaiian Affairs. A minority group of OHA trustees protested the process used to select Namuo, calling his selection "a railroad job." "I believe my ruling is correct. If it isn't, I'm sure the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals will tell me so." Judge David Ezra, Dismissing a lawsuit filed by David Barrett of Moiliili seeking equal access to benefits provided only to Hawaiians by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the Hawaiian Homes Commission. "We decided, what the hell, let's get a boat and maybe we just might beat somebody." Brent Vaughn, The only crewman aboard Andrews 53 Cantata, Division 3 winner of the Transpacific Yacht Race, who had previously sailed in the race.

Kaikoo Mall is great place to situate court

Kaikoo Mall in Hilo already has many county offices. It is practically dead real estate right now, so locating a courtroom there will not displace existing businesses.

The plan to put a court there is a good idea because of its large parking lot, central location and the convenience of nearby government services.

As for being in an inundation zone, have you looked at our own Federal Building on Ala Moana Boulevard? Or the state court across the street? Not exactly on high lands either.

Craig Watanabe

Queen's dental program must be saved

For more than 40 years the dental clinic at The Queen's Medical Center has provided critical dental, oral and maxillofacial services. Unlike routine dental care, critical care can only be provided safely in a hospital setting. Should the clinic close there will be no facility in Hawaii where these patients can be treated.

Queen's can no longer cover the clinic's annual operating loss of more than $300,000. It is time for the community to find funding to continue the operation of this clinic.

Ernest Scheerer, DDS

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