Mayor stings Oahu taxpayers with debt

Oahu waters that sting us monthly with visits from the ubiquitous Portuguese man-of-wars have a bigger surprise in store for us. Beyond the reef, Mayor Harris has been building his legacy by floating one bond after another into a flotilla of debt poised to come ashore and ravage Oahu by smashing the city's excellent bond ratings, choking the economy and burying generations of taxpayers in financial obligations.

When the tide of time brings this fleet of debt ashore, taxpayers will remember Harris's circus maximus of grandiose, unnecessary and wasteful photo-op parties and prettification projects that led to this volume of spending and borrowing.

The magnitude of the mayor's legacy may be compounded if he succeeds in restructuring all the city's debt into one gigantic, ticking time-bond to debilitate a few more generations of taxpayers.

Richard Y. Will

Other islands could use Harris's influence

I have family on Oahu and I visit often. Each time I go there, I am amazed by the wonderful places all over the island for people to gather and enjoy Hawaii's natural beauty, play sports and take part in family activities. I told my sister that it seems like every time I visit her there are more and more such places and opportunities. She said the reason is Mayor Harris.

After thinking about this, I concluded that the kind of work he does for the people of Honolulu can be done statewide. I would like to see his positive influence on the Big Island. He's got my vote for governor.

Andrew A. Kahili
Hilo

Israel, U.S. must stop terrorizing others

Terror ... What is terror? Yes, it is suicide bombers. Yet, far more, it is the Israeli government bombing and strafing Palestine. In the same vein, it is the U.S. government attacking and carpet-bombing Afghanistan and threatening other countries, particularly Iraq and the infamous blockade against Cuba.

I've no brief for suicide bombers, no matter their motives. But one can understand why they do what they do.

Despite the death and destruction of the last few months, enough is enough. Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon must meet with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat unconditionally. But only after Sharon withdraws his troops from Palestine.

The time is long overdue for a genuine peace and recognition of a Palestinian state. The deaths of peace-loving Palestinians and Israelis demand it.

J.J. Kaufman

Gays' only 'choice' is whether to be honest

Melvin Partido Jr.'s letter to the editor stating that "homosexuality is a choice" shows a lack of understanding of what homosexuality is ("Boy Scouts follow a 'godly' path," Star-Bulletin, April 18).

A homosexual is not a person who has sex with members of the same sex. A homosexual is physically capable of having sexual relations with someone of the opposite sex, but that won't make him heterosexual. A heterosexual person is quite capable of having sexual relations with someone of the same sex, but that won't make him homosexual.

No, a homosexual is not a person who has sex with members of the same sex. Rather, he or she is a person who is physically and lovingly attracted to members of the same sex. You certainly do not choose to have this attraction. The only choice you make is whether or not to live your life fully and honestly based who you truly are.

Loyd Clayton
Hanapepe, Kauai

Rescued dog already has been quarantined

Since my wife and I were aboard the cruise ship Norwegian Star when the crew was rescued from the Insiko 1907, I have been following the stories of the dog, Forgea (Hok Get). Isn't it ironic that the poor dog will have to be quarantined for at least another 30 days? They certainly know where the dog has been for the last 30 days.

You might say the dog has already been quarantined ... but then, we don't want to confuse anybody with the facts, do we?

Arnold Goldberg
Nevada City, Calif.

Radio station's format is like a cool breeze

Mahalo a nui loa to KHUI, Hawaii's "newest" radio station, for including Hawaiian music in its format.

Except for Hawaii Public Radio and a notable few other stations, most local frequencies play the same music -- a short playlist of nationally popular songs and pseudo-reggae music. KHUI's format, which mixes traditional Hawaiian music with some of the most popular non-Hawaiian songs written and/or performed by local artists, is like a breeze of fresh air.

It's "ear-conditioned" radio.

Mahalo ia 'oukou no ko 'oukou malama 'ana i ko makou mau pepeiao.

Keith Haugen

It's time for voters to shake their apathy

It makes me sad to see that some people are apathetic and ignorant about our government officials. I know that there is a broken trust with our elected officials and many of us are fed up. I honestly think that the Democrats want us to be apathetic and ignorant so they can keep their jobs and continue business as usual. The only way government can change is for everyone to start caring about the future of Hawaii.

It's time we all vote and bring new blood to our Legislature next year, and send a clear message to all elected officials that they will be held accountable.

It's time to stop the apathy and ignorance. In this important election year, change is necessary and we all have to work for it.

Alan Kim
Aiea

Taxpayers' budget views should be heard

I was one of the 600 people who came to city hall to oppose the cuts being proposed to the Harris administration's budget. It was an incredible evening because so many people made the trip to city hall and waited patiently all evening to address the City Council.

We kept hearing from Council Budget Chairwoman Ann Kobayashi that the budget cuts are necessary to protect the taxpayers. Well, there were 600 taxpayers in the building who were trying to tell her how they want their money spent. It was as if what we said didn't matter.

We just want the Harris administration budget submitted to the Council to pass in its original form because it provides for basic services without raising taxes or fees, and it funds the vision and neighborhood board community-based projects all around the island.

Council members should listen to the taxpayers who took the time to go to city hall to express themselves at the budget hearing.

Patty Kahanmoku Teruya
Waianae

Why not regulate the cost of everything?

Yes, gasoline prices are too high. But I also think soda prices are too high. In fact, soda, on a per-ounce basis, costs more than gasoline. Does this mean the state should cap soda prices? Why not? While they are at it, why not cap the price of houses, electricity, food ... the list goes on.

Would it not be a wonderful idea to link the price of everything to West Coast prices? Ah, but remember when Californians were paying an arm and a leg for electricity? That alone proves the folly of trying to link the price of a commodity on a regional basis.

The only way to exact a measure of revenge on the oil companies for their monopolistic ways is to enact a higher corporate income tax. Then it might behoove the oil companies to reduce the level of profitability in order to minimize taxes -- without incurring draconian consequences on gas station owners and employees.

James Ko

Aloha was a relief to stressed visitors

Last month my husband and I spent nine days on your enchanting island of Oahu. We had planned to visit last summer to celebrate our 25th anniversary, but two deaths in the family prevented it. We were ready for our trip this year.

We want to thank you all for making our trip so wonderful. Tourists can be a real pain, especially the numbers that swoop down on you all, but you sure made a big difference to a couple of very frazzled people.

Everywhere we went, we were made to feel welcome: the Chinese Church of Christ where we worshipped, the Trattoria Ristorante, the Maritime Center and countless other places. We were impressed with The Bus and used it everywhere we went. I especially appreciated the nice guys at Hawaiian Fire Surfing School, who taught a klutzy 50-year-old woman how to surf (my husband sat that one out).

In short, please be patient with us tourists, because you're doing a lot of good in a lot of lives. We hope we don't have to wait another 25 years to return.

Tom and Cari King
Pocahontas, Ark.

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