Why did judge give state more leeway?

Federal Judge David Ezra's decision to extend the state's time line to comply with the Felix consent decree is puzzling. A year ago, the judge found the state, on top of being in violation of the federal special-education law for 25 years, in contempt of court for ignoring the consent decree to a gross extent for six years, in virtually every aspect of special education.

A couple of months later, on Aug. 2, 2000, he gave the state an extension and a schedule. At that hearing, the judge sternly and repeatedly warned the state nothing would be waived and there would be no leeway.

But last week Judge Ezra waived the schedule and gave the state more leeway. Actions speak louder than words. Will Ezra require the state to obey the law?

John Mussack
Special education teacher
Department of Education

Fluoride is safe way to fight tooth decay

Congratulations to the Star-Bulletin for its thoughtful and insightful Aug. 16 editorial supporting Lanai's decision to fluoridate its drinking water.

Tooth decay is one of the most serious health problems facing our state. Poor dental health is costing taxpayers and all residents tens of millions of dollars every year. We must take steps to end this before we needlessly spend more money and tens of thousands of Hawaii's residents continue to suffer needlessly.

The solution is to fluoridate Hawaii's drinking water. Fluoride has been proven for more than 50 years to be safe and effective in more than 60 percent of the country. Unfortunately, recent controversy has been generated by well-meaning but poorly informed individuals who have been led to believe that fluoride is toxic or somehow will harm them. It is simply not true.

Fluoride is a mineral naturally found in all groundwater. When we talk about fluoridation, we're talking about adjusting the level of fluoride naturally found in water to a level that provides optimum benefits without causing any adverse health effect.

Hawaii ranks dead last in the nation in dental health, with school children's tooth decay rates more than double the national average. These aren't simply statistics: They paint a portrait of personal suffering and wastefulness of state resources that is made even more appalling by the fact that we can be doing something about it but up until now have chosen not to.

The residents of Lanai have taken the opportunity to make an immediate and lasting difference in the health of their community at a very low cost. They will benefit from better dental health.

We can all learn a lesson from the wise people of Lanai who have said "yes" to fluoride. having better dental health is, as the Star-Bulletin editorial stated, really that simple.

Mark H.K. Greer
Chief, Dental Health Division
State Department of Health

Fluoridation helps only chemical producers

Putting fluoride, a toxic industrial waste, in Lanai's water to ensure a certain level of fluoride benefits only the creators of the stuff, primarily the phosphate fertilizer companies, and of course, some of the promoters.

Adding a specific amount of fluoride to the water will not result in the residents of Lanai getting what the proponents claim is the optimum amount of fluoride. Those who drink a lot of water will get a lot more fluoride than those who drink much less. There is no dose control. There is only control of the amount of fluoride put in the water.

The "no dose control" is but one of many reasons to not fluoridate Lanai's water. But for this reason alone it is irresponsible for the state Health Department to provide funding for, and to promote, fluoridating Lanai's water.

Proponents of fluoridation claim that the risk of tooth decay is significantly reduced by the daily ingestion of an "optimum" amount of fluoride. This is simply not true, and making the claim repeatedly cannot make it become true.

Robert G. Briggs
Retired engineer
Kailua

[QUOTABLES] "Can we eliminate all cockfighting? I don't know. We would certainly hope so. Hopefully, with people's help, we can." Eve Holt, Hawaiian Humane Society spokeswoman, on the launch of a radio and print media campaign to enlist the help of the public in stopping cockfights in their neighborhoods. "Alan Greenspan does not want another recession on his watch." David Wyss, Chief economist for Standard & Poor's Co., before the Federal Reserve, led by chairman Greenspan, cut interests rates a quarter-point yesterday. It was the seventh rate cut this year.

Halau should be made for multiple purposes

Bravo for the City and County of Honolulu's plans to build 11 canoe halau. On Maui, two halau were built through a private-public partnership and the resulting facilities have played an important role in our community.

Many programs are held in these facilities throughout the year. During the summer there are programs that involve all ages of children that teach cultural values, self-respect and the importance of being drug-free.

Instead of building canoe garages, I encourage and commend the concept of building facilities that can be multipurpose and provide a safe and convenient environment for all ages to meet and learn and experience the magic of ocean activities.

The Honolulu example should be duplicated on all the islands. Our keiki deserve the best we can offer. Using good materials and design will assure long-term benefits to the community. Investing in canoe halau is investing in our youth.

Nicole Spalding
Junior, St. Anthony High School
Member, Hawaiian Canoe Club
Maui

Army should depart Makua Valley, islands

For more realistic combat training, the Army professes that it needs to use Makua Valley. The Catalina Islands off California would be a more appropriate site since the striking distance to Asian countries is approximately similar in distance.

The United States has the world's most advanced technology and arms. Most military personnel have expressed how much they hate this rock and can't wait to get out of here.

Well, they express my sentiments exactly. Love us or leave us and don't let the door kick you in the okole on your way out.

David M. K. Inciong II
Pearl City

Go ahead and splurge on concierge

To be completely sated,
Call Ward Consolidated.
Their friendly concierges
Soothe all manner of itches and urges.
If aloofness is your passion,
They'll place you in a roped-off section.
For a paltry annual $40 fee,
Long lines you'll bypass haughtily.

Richard Y. Will

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