Anti-gambling crowd doesn't reflect Hawaii

Unemployment claims in Hawaii have been higher than ever since Sept. 11 and many jobs, particularly in tourism, still are in jeopardy. I work two jobs in the tour industry and I know many individuals who have lost their jobs.

Something must be done to revitalize tourism. I testified at a public hearing of the House Judiciary Committee in favor of establishing a single resort casino at Ko Olina. I believe this would create thousands of construction and resort jobs.

The hearing was a farce. The testifiers represented generally the same "no casino" coalition of special interest and church organizations. Many appeared to read scripted text. I was angered to see the committee base its decision on such a narrowly defined group. This anti-gambling coalition does not represent the true color and fabric of the islands.

It is easy to condemn something for religious and moral reasons, but we all should recognize that unemployment itself is a pervasive ailment with its own social and economic woes. Where is the moral and responsible obligation here? Church and state issues should definitely remain separate.

Karen Nagata

Vegas treks show support for gambling

Your Feb. 7 editorial against gambling said, "Actually, most Hawaii residents recognize the harm that casinos could bring in social problems and the damage to Hawaii's image as a family vacation destination."

You based that statement on a poll in which a whopping 601 people were asked what they thought. Considering that Hawaii residents flock to Las Vegas in the thousands, your statement clearly doesn't wash. Do these Vegas visitors think about gambling-related problems that Las Vegas may be experiencing while they pour money into the slot machines? I doubt it.

The only way to gauge what most Hawaii residents think is to bring this issue to the only poll that counts: the voting booth.

Why are our politicians afraid to let the people decide?

James Ko

[Quotables] "It took years off my life." Bode Miller U.S. Olympic skier, after winning the silver medal in the men's alpine combined event. Miller was lagging after the downhill and the first of two slaloms. To win the gold, he would have had to ski an unheard-of 2.44 seconds faster than Norway's Andre Kjetil Aamodt in the second slalom. Miller somehow managed to ski 1.81 seconds faster than Aamodt to win the silver medal. -- "I have never seen anybody ski so fast as this guy." Andre Kjetil Aamodt Norwegian men's alpine combined gold medalist, on American skier Bode Miller's incredible second-place finish.

Hawaii's precious coral needs protection

My family and I visited your blessed state in January.

I have a concern, though. When we went snorkeling with a tour at Kaneohe Bay, I saw that the coral there was dead. The tour guide gave lip service to not stepping on the coral, but I had to remind three adults to float while adjusting masks and cameras.

After we returned to New Mexico, it continued to bother me that one of the very things that make your state and our world so awe inspiring -- sea life -- was being killed by the very people who support your economy.

There is a solution: Require all tourist snorkelers to wear flotation vests or supports such as "noodles" regardless of their swimming abilities. I understand this is a requirement in Florida where they, too, understand the importance of preserving the environment while still enjoying the economic benefits of the tourists.

It would be best if residents also wore vests while snorkeling to ensure they are not damaging the coral.

Lisa Ayres
Tijeras, N.M.

Return hurricane money or leave it

In defeating the measure to return the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund to the homeowners and policy holders who were coerced to pay into the fund, the House Democrats are one step closer to losing their majority.

Rep. Charles Djou and the House Republicans are right in saying that the fund is not the state government's money, but the money of all those who were forced to pay into it, and that it should be returned to them.

They are also right in saying it would be an economic stimulus, because people then would have the money to spend, thereby helping Hawaii's sluggish economy.

If the House refuses to return the money from the fund to those who paid into it, it should leave the fund intact to be used only for the specific purpose for which it was established.

To raid the fund, as Gov. Cayetano insists upon to balance the state's budget, would be no less than thievery.

Either return the money or keep the fund intact.

Drew Kosora

Parking not always a hassle in Waikiki

Your article "Penalized for Parking in Waikiki" (Editor's Scratchpad, Jan. 24) was timely, as the Waikiki Improvement Association and businesses in Waikiki have a solution for residents who want to park in Waikiki.

So that residents can enjoy dining, shopping, Sunset on the Beach and other activities, Waikiki businesses have developed a simple parking program. A special "P" logo has been designed and is displayed on an A-frame sign at participating parking garages. When the sign is displayed, the garage is offering parking at $1 per hour.

Ten garages are participating and more are coming on board.

Rick Egged
President
Waikiki Improvement Association

Mandating lower rates will hurt consumers

Regarding legislators who are considering mandating lower health insurance rates, this is a typical knee-jerk reaction from lawmakers who don't think long-term. It may be a popular idea among a few today, but when health plans are forced to cut expenses down to the bone, it will be an unpopular reality for doctors, hospitals and other health-care providers.

Why? Because health plans may have to reduce the fees they pay to those delivering medical care. This may force some physicians to leave Hawaii for greener pastures. In the end, it will be the medical professionals and consumers who suffer from government interference in the private sector.

Here's a tip for legislators: Don't mortgage our health care future for a little financial relief today. Leave our health plans alone. Focus on building a strong economy and putting people back to work. Save the knee-jerks for the soccer field.

C.T. Marshall
Kailua

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