Cayetano finally gives GOP some credit

Gov. Ben Cayetano's response to the Legislature's override of his veto was, "The Republicans manipulated this into a political issue under the guise of protecting 14- and 15-year-olds. Now our Democrat lawmakers, fearful of the issue being used against them in 2002, have caved in to political pressure." Does he really blame the Republicans? Of the 53 Democrats in the Legislature, only one voted against the veto.

Many months ago the governor said the Republicans in the Legislature are "insignificant" and, after the 2000 election, he said, "32 beats 19 anytime."

Take a look at how many Republican-sponsored bills ever reached the governor's desk for consideration and you'll see how much influence the Republicans have.

It was nice of the governor to give the Republicans credit for something.

Earl B. Dedell
Kaneohe

What erosion would federal funds stop?

It is fact, not fiction, that more sand exists today in the entire Malama Bay, Waikiki, both on the beaches and in the shoreline water. Sand covers the reef that used to produce excellent surfing sites. There is more sand on the beaches there today than ever existed in the past 100 years.

In order to increase beach sand that is being requested by our tourist industry, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), is attempting now to tap into federal funds, which are available for beach erosion projects.

We should be encouraging support for funds to adopt a sand nourishment plan for beach areas in Waikiki where sand can be added. Additional sand should not be placed where it can damage our surf sites and reef habitat. Instead we should take sand off the reef at Malama Bay, give us back our surf sites and allow the reef to grow again.

Instead the DLNR is attempting to push the shoreline farther out into the bay, endangering our surfing sites and further smothering the reef. Now it also wants to place large rock groins in the water along the shoreline of Waikiki, claiming that these monsters will prevent sand erosion of any expanded beach.

Groins have been tried and have a bad reputation in Hawaii and other U.S. coastal areas. In many cases they have failed to prevent the natural ebb and flow of sand beaches.

A name change is in order: It should be called the Department of Land and Artificial Resources. We need less art- ificiality and more keeping in touch with the nature of our shoreline at Waikiki.

George Downing
Save our Surf

[Quotables] "This is basically a major regional park for all of Mililani, all of Crestview, all of Waipahu and Wahiawa and as far town-bound as Pearl City." Ben Lee, City managing director, on the opening of the first phase of the city's Central Oahu Regional Park. "I hope it doesn't cost the city too much if they're going to do this every month. It's a nice getaway. Otherwise, we locals would not be in Waikiki." Cissy Driver, Waimanalo resident dining with her family at the city's first Brunch on the Beach while seated on beach mats.

Beach brunch was another gala for mayor

As we all know. Jeremy Harris is running for governor and has been running his campaign from Honolulu Hale since he was first elected mayor of Honolulu.

No one should be surprised that he has chosen to shut down a part of Kalakaua Avenue so we can have brunch on the beach. He thinks that he's going to win votes by getting local people to Waikiki.

Frankly, if I want to have brunch on the beach, I'll make a reservation at a nice hotel or restaurant.

Harris wants to be governor no matter what the cost. So what if hard-working tour operators, restaurant operators and others in Waikiki have to pay the price?

Such is the style of the man who didn't even have the decency to honor Frank Fasi, the man who invited him to Honolulu Hale, when the voters of Kauai did not want him.

Robin Makapagal
Kaneohe

Young people should lower risk on roads

With all the fuss about our young people racing on Hawaii's streets and the police cracking down on speeders. I have a message for all the young people of Hawaii: Life is too precious to waste away.

I was sad to hear that a 19-year-old died on the H-1 freeway while racing, when his car fell several feet onto the road below. He had just started living his life when it all came to an end. Life is too valuable to end like that.

There is a saying: "In the real game, there is no overtime. Just sudden death." And that is so true. We have only one life to live, and we cannot waste it away. A friend asked me if it matters in hell if we are cool? And I told him, no, it doesn't matter if we are cool when we go to hell. In a world of being cool and popular, is it worth it if it costs you your life? It's not.

The roads of life ahead our young people can lead to be ing very successful doctors, lawyers and teachers if they work hard and stay focused on life. They are Hawaii's future and we are counting on them to stay alive and take the torch to lead Hawaii in years ahead.

Alan Kim
Aiea

Peters' distorts Ka Iwi land dealings

Here we go again, beating a dead horse. The erstwhile Bishop Estate trustee Henry Peters is up to his hackneyed sputterings with his Star-Bulletin column: "State stealing coastline from Hawaiians," July 2. He makes the accusation we've all heard before: The state is stealing land from Hawaiians, and Hawaiians are not being compensated for land taken by eminent domain or lease-to-fee conversion.

As far as I can determine, Peters may be right by saying Hawaiians are not being compensated for the sale of this land. With the millions upon millions of dollars gotten from the transfer of land, I don't know one Hawaiian who has received a dime. Oh, excuse me, no Hawaiians except Peters, his fellow ex-trustees and the lawyers working for the old Bishop Estate, now Kamehameha schools; they got plenty.

In defense, Peters may say the money does go to Hawaiians indirectly by educating their children via Kamehameha Schools. Baloney! Of the nearly 50,000 children with some Hawaiian blood who are of school age, Kamehameha Schools educates approximately 4,000. Hawaii's taxpayers finance the vast majority of Hawaiian school kids.

As for the Ka Iwi coastline, the last time I looked Hawaiians were also citizens of this state and will be able to enjoy this coastline along with the rest of us -- now that the state has control.

Art Todd

---

Letter guidelines The Star-Bulletin welcomes letters that are crisp and to the point on issues of public interest. The Star-Bulletin reserves the right to edit letters for clarity and length. Please direct comments to the issues; personal attacks will not be published. Letters must be signed, must include a mailing address and daytime telephone number. Letter form: Online form, click here E-mail: letters@starbulletin.com Fax: (808) 529-4750 Mail: Letters to the Editor, Honolulu Star-Bulletin 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813