Serious opening The state Legislature began its 2002 regular session in a somber, business-like tone this morning, with opening day speeches echoing a patriotic theme of duty, freedom and public service following the Sept. 11 terrorists attacks.
for new session
Patriotic themes and smaller
crowds mark Legislature's first dayBy Pat Omandam, Crystal Kua and Stephanie Healea
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ckua@starbulletin.com
shealea@starbulletin.comA smaller-than-usual crowd gathered at the State Capitol for the event, but not all were there to offer well-wishes to lawmakers or for the traditional opening-day food.
Joe Mocarski, a pilot for Hawaiian Airlines, was among a group of people who gathered petition signatures this morning to oppose the merger of Hawaiian Airlines and Aloha Airlines.
Mocarski, a member of Citizens for Competitive Air Travel, said the group fears the merger will lead to higher air fares and fewer flights.
The group plans to present a petition to Gov. Ben Cayetano in hopes he can stop the merger.
They also want the Legislature to pass a resolution questioning the merger.
"We feel that a lot of the legislators know in their heart, know that this is not a good thing," said Kai Cabanilla, a Hawaiian Airlines records agent.
"Anti-trust laws were built to protect us. Mr. (Greg) Brenneman found a way to get around it and to use it for his benefit and who's going to benefit? We're not going to benefit from it," she said of the man who would run the merged airline.
Elsewhere on the Capitol Rotunda, Alan D. Price and other members of Hawaii Citizens for Safe Drinking Water held their own petition drive and also staged a mock vigil against fluoridation.
"The evidence clearly shows that fluoridation is not safe," said Price, adding it is neither economical nor effective as most of the water supply is used for other purposes than drinking.
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