Center can raise funds from private sources

It was distressing to learn of the last-minute appropriation inserted into the state budget by Sen. Brian Taniguchi to bail out the Japanese Cultural Center on Beretania Street to the tune of $8 million (Star-Bulletin, May 9). This was done without public hearing or open discussion by the Legislature.

One day during the center's construction, I happened to walk by the site and noticed the sign that accompanies such projects. I saw that every architect, every designer, every engineer, every contractor -- in fact, every name on the sign was Japanese.

If this private center and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce want to raise money, they can go to the Japanese community and obtain the necessary funds in a heartbeat. They didn't need outside help during construction and they do not need it now.

In tight financial times when important public projects go unfunded or underfunded, this bailout reveals the power of political insiders who disregard the good of all the people to secure money for their private, pet projects.

The center should not be "saved" with public funds, as a parent "saves" a child who has become financially distressed. Governor Cayetano should veto this sneak attack on the public purse.

Michael G. Palcic

Well-intentioned plan is inappropriate

I fully agree with your May 10 editorial ("Taniguchi's rescue goes overboard") concerning the use of taxpayer money to purchase the land under the Japanese Cultural Center.

This is a no-brainer, however well-intentioned, since the center is a nonprofit organization and already has the tax breaks that many of us taxpayers do not. If this legislation ever does see the light of day, I will sue the Legislature for misuse of funds.

I realize that the state cannot be held responsible for many of the idiotic laws and appropriations that come from the square puzzle palace, but some of its members can and should be thrown out of office.

Richard Pickering

Schools need money more than center does

Who in his right mind would want to bail out the Japanese Cultural Center for $8 million (Star-Bulletin, May 9)? If the people involved with the center can't maintain the cost of their building, then they should close it down.

I don't understand. I thought the state was having financial difficulties. I can think of many ways the $8 million can be spent. For one, the public schools are in need of repairs.

By the way, Sen. Taniguchi, can you request another million dollars? I'm having a hard time keeping up with my bills. Perhaps you would like to bail me out, too.

Melvin Ono
Mililani

Buddhist high school will enhance diversity

It was rather enlightening to read about Hawaii getting the first Buddhist high school in the nation (Star-Bulletin, May 16). I realized that Hawaii is an excellent home for such a school, as invaluable cultural and religious diversity can be added to our state's rich history.

As a Buddhist, parent and educator of my own children, I strive to instill in them the sense of global unity and universal purpose that exists in our faith, which I found local Buddhist groups and churches either neglecting or doing little about. Quite frankly, it's my opinion that Buddhist groups have unintentionally kept to themselves for much too long when they should've been reaching out to the community.

While Buddhism has typically been viewed by Westerners as an isolated and introspective path, I believe that creating the nation's first Buddhist high school is a monumental step in the right direction to reshape misconceptions and contribute to others in an ecumenical spirit that fosters peace, hope and tolerance. Also, opening the school to anyone, regardless of religion, is a wonderful idea.

Sandy Kahealani
Satori Dharma Home School

Isle residents must be wary of high-fat foods

I have a comment regarding the May 18 article "Less cheese the better, study says." Less cheese? It is not enough.

Since I came to Hawaii from Japan, I have been afraid to eat too much of the fat contained in foods because I see obese children every day. I am not saying I have a perfect, slender body, and I do not mean to criticize overweight people. Obviously, however, people here should be seriously concerned about fat because of its effect on their health.

I have a friend who cannot get health insurance because the insurance company says he is too fat. Obesity is certainly one cause of illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease. I also heard some doctors are unwilling to do surgeries on obese people because getting a scalpel into their bodies is more difficult and takes more time.

I'd like to eat whatever I want; however, I also want to be healthy and not an unwelcome patient for a doctor or an unwelcome customer for the insurance company.

Mothers, do not spoil yourself by letting your kids eat pizza or high-cholesterol foods so you can see their happy faces. Instead, be responsible for their health.

Mitsuru Kodaka
Student, Trans Pacific Hawaii College

Cops could get more out of strip-club raids

Regarding Rob Perez' May 19 "Raising Cane" column: The Honolulu Police Department can reach its goal of 6,000 tickets quicker if officers give those lap dancers tickets for not using seat belts!

Rick Scudder

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